Saturday September 6th, 2008

Community Services for the Deaf

Your source for information about deaf people and interpreters for the deaf.

Community Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing is a private nonprofit program of Greenleaf Family Center. Our goal is to provide services and education in the community to enhance the quality of life for individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. The Mission of Greenleaf Family Center is to strengthen families in our community through counseling, education and support.

CSDHH provides community presentations on
the following:

• Accessibility Consultation

• Sign Language Class

• Hearing Loss

• Deaf Awareness

• Amplified and other specialized equipment

Communication Technology Instructions

OACCD IM Relay.pdf
OACCD for AIM.pdf
Add OACCD to your speed Dial.TV.pdf
OACCD for DLINKs.pdf

For more information about CSD Services, please e-mail Joanna Paxos - Director, Community Services for & of the Deaf

How Do I Get An Interpreter?

To schedule an interpreter
Interpreting services can be arranged by calling
(330) 376-9494 ext. 248.

When scheduling an interpreter, you will be asked to give the following information:

• Date and time of appointment

• Estimate a length of appointment

• Specific location information

• Pertinent information about the situation which will assist the interpreter in preparing for the appointment

• Billing address and phone information

• Contact person

• Case Number

Where might I need an interpreter?
CSD Interpreters are available to support deaf or hard of hearing people communicate in any number of situations:

• Employment – Interviews, training courses, meetings

• Medical – Doctors, opticians, dental and hospital appointments

• Legal – Courts, lawyers, police

• Religious – Weddings, funerals

• Meetings – Public meetings, disability forums, committees

How much advance notice do I need to request an interpreter?
As soon as you become aware of the need for an Interpreter, please contact us. If you wait until the last minute, it may be more difficult to coordinate interpreting services. As well, requests made at the last minute may be charged an additional fee.

Why do some assignments require a team of interpreters?
In team interpreting, interpreters rotate at regular intervals, usually 20 to 30 minutes, while providing continuity in the message transmission. Rotation greatly reduces mental and physical fatigue by allowing a shift of tasks. Continuity is assured as all team members remain present and actively involved, thereby maintaining awareness of the content and context of the information being transmitted.

What if the deaf or hard of hearing person tells me he/she has a preference of one or more interpreters?
Please ask the deaf or hard of hearing person for the name of the interpreter(s). If at all possible, we will provide that interpreter. If it is not possible, we will contact you and if necessary (and feasible), the deaf or hard of hearing individual to determine whether other available interpreters are acceptable.

What is the role of the interpreter?
A sign language interpreter acts as an intermediary in a communication-related situation so that the participants, both deaf and hearing, can understand each other.

Guidelines when using an Interpreter
If you are meeting a deaf person with an interpreter;

Do:

• Look at the deaf person and speak directly to them at an even pace

• Ask the deaf person and the interpreter about their communication needs, for example seating and lighting.

• Place the interpreter next to the hearing speaker

• Ensure there is adequate lighting

• Minimize background noise and visual distractions

Don’t:

• Allow more than one person to speak at a time

• Expect an interpreter to work for more than 30 minutes without a break

• Feel uncomfortable that the deaf person’s eye contact will be with the interpreter and not you

• Ask the interpreter’s advice or opinion on any matter. They are a neutral party, NOT an advocate.

Wooster Address:
146 E. Liberty
Suite 80
Wooster, OH 44691
(330) 262-4235 ext. 248

"Strengthening families in our community through counseling, education and support since 1912"