Rose's suspicion and mistrust of Beth grew as Beth's inappropriate behaviour progressed. Fortunately, Rose's classmates showed great support for her since they were sympathetic to her situation. Beth became an unwanted intruder in the classroom and Rose's classmates would often "rescue" her from Beth's tirades. In spite of classmate support, Rose suffered from loss of self-esteem, difficulty concentrating and anxiety attacks when in contact with Beth. Rose, a dedicated and successful student, failed a test out of fear and anxiety by Beth's hostile presence.
Finally the day came when Pat returned and Beth left. Beth's effects on Rose dissipated under the care and respect of her former interpreter, Pat. Rose felt validated to learn that Beth's conduct was in direct violation of the AVLIC's "Code of Ethics." However, the most troubling aspect of Rose's relationship with Beth resulted in Beth damaging Rose's trust in interpreters and the damage done to her school work while under Beth's direction.
Rose's experience demonstrates what happens when a SL Interpreter, such as Beth, lacks respect for her client, Rose. On the one hand, the effects on Rose resulted in a long-term distrust and fear of having the same situation occurring again when meeting a new interpreter. On the other hand, Rose empowered herself by becoming informed of her right to immediately terminate such a SL Interpreter as Beth.
Client's Rights Regarding Interpreters
In terms of the relationship between client and SL Interpreters, Angela Stratiy (1995) contends that clients have rights regarding the hiring of a professional SL Interpreter:
1) We have a right to equal access of information.
2) We have a right to choose our interpreters.
3) We have a right to refuse to accept an unqualified or unskilled interpreter.
4) We have a right to tell an interpreter that we have difficult understanding or that we feel uncomfortable with her/him.
5) We have a right to tell an interpreter and/or his/her employer that further upgrading is necessary.
6) We have a right to believe that our opinions regarding an interpreter's ability are valuable. (Editorial Guest: Are You Satisfied With Interpreters? 3)
Stratiy's list of Deaf client rights and obligations reinforces the sentiment of another client interviewed, "Sherry": "Hiring a SL Interpreter is part of the larger ethics governing their relationships that are to serve the practical reasons for their service to Deaf clients." Sherry highlights the fact that Deaf clients should always use a professional who serves the needs of clients. "SL Interpreters are to be trained, impersonal and professional." Many clients desire SL Interpreters with many years of experience and who adhere to AVLIC's "Code of Ethics."
A professional ASL/English Interpreter, Martin Koob (1996) discusses in the article, "Looking to the Future: Becoming a Professional," three problems that plague some relationships between clients and their interpreters:
- If a person who is working as an interpreter is not qualified to do that work, there is nothing that can be done to prevent them from working as an interpreter.
- If a person who is working as an interpreter does not behave in an ethical manner, there is not really a way to censure them.
- If an interpreter breaks the law while carrying out her/his duties as an interpreter, there is no formal mechanism preventing her/him from continuing to work as an interpreter (14).
According to a Deaf client, "Elizabeth," it falls on the interpreter to not create a situation where potential conflicts could arise between clients and SL Interpreters. In order to deal with conflicts that do arise, Elizabeth believes it best to "deal with it pragmatically and swiftly." Clients and SL Interpreters have many ways to deal with all types of conflicts that emerge during the course of their time together.
For example, Manny, a Deaf client, speaks of her strategy in dealing with conflicts with her interpreter: "I wait until after a class, find a private place, such as in a corner of the hallway,
