We, The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), recognize the unique skills and abilities necessary to effectively interpret press conferences and emergency notifications. Many Deaf community members rely on American Sign Language (ASL) interpretations to fully comprehend the broadcasted message being provided by the media in real time. When press conferences are being conducted due to national emergencies, the information being conveyed is even more consequential. Without access to press conferences, Deaf people are potentially not aware of new guidelines, rules, or ordinances being announced. This puts everyone at a disadvantage and potentially in danger.
Deaf interpreters, who are specialists by nature, play a vital role in conveying highly consequential information to large and diverse populations of Deaf people. Because qualified and Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDI) can meet the diverse needs linguistically of a broader array of the Deaf Community, it is crucial to consistently incorporate a Deaf interpreter when providing interpreting services for press conferences. The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf holds the position and fully endorses that Deaf interpreters are the best to provide this critical information to the masses.
We recognize some regions of the country have more Deaf interpreters than others and some states/areas may have no CDIs at all. At times, otherwise qualified ASL interpreters are faced with the conundrum of not having a qualified Deaf team, yet need to provide an essential service to the general public. RID encourages these interpreters to engage in a great deal of professional reflection to ensure that their skill and ability reflect adherence to Tenet 2.0 – Professionalism contained in the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct. Special attention must be given to sections 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4 prior to accepting a request. In these critical situations, otherwise qualified interpreters must seek guidance from accomplished colleagues and Deaf community members to determine who in the community would best serve as interpreters for this critical information.
RID understands that the process of interpretation is highly complex and that like in all professions, practitioners have a wide variety of skill and ability. The use of qualified Deaf interpreters for press conferences and emergency notifications is a standard RID will continue to promote. We stand in solidarity with every member of our diverse Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities, recognizing their federal and statutory rights to accessible communication and information is paramount. RID continues to provide guidance and support, to both the public and professionals, in determining best practices to support local, state, and federal mandates and laws.