Thank you. Yes, let’s knock off that and get back to the core purpose of edsalert which CK hit right on nose (pardon the pun).

eyes open & thumbs up…

eyes open & thumbs up…

The point is that, an ideal interpreter is to interpret, period. They are not there to befriend anyone else in particular. That is my perspective. For example, when I visited a doctor’s office, I expect the interpreter to interpret everything possible but when the doctor’s visit is concluded, the interpreter should simply vanish. Often, they would try to chat afterward and I’d decline ‘em and told them to depart. Sometimes interpreter would attempt to advise me of their thoughts or even attempt to hijack the conversation by jumping in to make “suggestions” — that is not their place as an interpreter. They, to me, are there to interpret and *shut up*.

You mentioned, “Would you like interpreter to tell you to shut up and pay attention?”

Actually, many interpreters do that. They often do that to children in mainstreaming programs. They often tell that to students in community colleges/universities — I know many interpreters would say, “Watch me or I won’t interpret!”

Maybe you never did but many interpreters do these things like that. Hence is why I made it clear that they re there to interpret, that’s all they do. C’est la vie!

On other hand, I find it despicable that you would generalize and bash Deaf people about your so-called comment regarding paying taxes and social security — these things that you have in your mind regarding Deaf people are getting old and it has *no* place in interpreting world, period. If you have these generalizations about Deaf people at large, then you should get out of this profession!

Mm, you wrote: “I think that my main concern is if you dont trust us or think that we are over paid then why in gods name do you use us.”

The answer is simple — you WERE hired to be an interpreter — we are obligated to use you to interpret even though you’re being overpaid — trust or not — it is a matter within Deaf individuals which will take some *time* to rebuild the trust. I had a conversation with several Deaf people via VP today about how they felt regarding the VIs ratting out to FCC/FBI about the problems with VRS (but not the conversations itself) … they expressed that they cannot help but wonder if the VIs are capable of using OUR conversations against us sometimes in the future — all I’m saying is that they (and I) cannot help this if we feel like that, okay?

However, i would like to thank Gg and exVI for their comments. I learned something new today.

Keep rollin’!

R-

You image, Ridor can dare to say even to Deafies, too. They feel hurt or angry at him. People can watch him all the time for his behavior/his statement.

VRS is a gift to all of us from the Government (We, The People). Basically, we are stealing from our own pockets.

Labour (that’s how it is properly spelled!) and tax laws vary. Up here in Canada I doubt very much that any of the VI interpreters would get away with claiming to be independent contractors. Regardless of what the VRS company or the VI claims the tax people would say they are employees and would have to be treated as such. But with 50 states plus down there it is bound to vary quite a bit! VRS companies pay what they have to to keep interpreters working for them – the less they pay the more they profit. Like other businesses some of them probably emphasis the long run more and want to keep good connections with their employees and customers while others just want the bucks. Nothing new there! VIs can choose who to work for. Deafies can choose which VRS provider to use. Choose wisely and stop whining!

Henry

I don’t know who hurt you or made you into the person you are, but I know you do not speak for the Deaf Community. The deaf community I know embraces those of us who worked hard to provide a better place for all us. Those of us whom have advocated for our clients above and beyond. Those of us who offered to work pro bono, those of us who went to our local dr’s offices and offered a discounted rates to make sure our deaf community was provided with service.

I to am a CODA, my dad died this year and he would be pained to see the comments you have made. I do pay my own taxes insurance etc. I do not get vacation pay or sick time. I spent money to go to interpreter training school even though I already knew how to sign. I wanted to make sure I provided the best I could to the community. I refused to work for agencies which over charged the consumers, by charging double and triple services. So exactly what are you angry at us for … doing our job…. I don’t know what your talking about stealing your information… according to you we are so rich and fat why would we need to do that. …when all is said and done, I can’t even collect unemployment so tell me again how I have leeched off the system