2BCDI

About the CDIA Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) is an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing and has beencertified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf as an interpreter.Specialized training and/or experienceIn addition to excellent general communication skills and general interpreter training, the CDImay also have specialized training and/or experience in use of gesture, mime, props, drawingsand other tools to enhance communication.The CDI has an extensive knowledge and understandingof deafness, the deaf community, and/or Deaf culture which combined with excellentcommunication skills, can bring added expertise into both routine and uniquely difficult interpretingsituations.Meeting special communication challengesA Certified Deaf Interpreter may be needed when the communication mode of a deaf consumeris so unique that it cannot be adequately accessed by interpreters who are hearing. Some suchsituations may involve individuals who:n use idiosyncratic non-standard signs or gestures such as those commonly referred to as“home signs” which are unique to a familyn use a foreign sign languagen have minimal or limited communication skillsn are deaf-blind or deaf with limited visionn use signs particular to a given region, ethnic or age groupn have characteristics reflective of Deaf Culture not familiar to hearing interpreters.The CDI at WorkAs a team memberOften a Certified Deaf Interpreter works as a team member with a certified interpreter who ishearing. In some situations, a CDI/hearing interpreter team can communicate more effectivelythan a hearing interpreter alone or a team of two hearing interpreters or a CDI alone. In theCDI/hearing interpreter team situation, the CDI transmits message content between a deaf consumerand a hearing interpreter; the hearing interpreter transmits message content between theCDI and a hearing consumer. While this process resembles a message relay, it is more than that.Each interpreter receives the message in one communication mode (or language), processes itlinguistically and culturally, then passes it on in the appropriate communication mode. In evenmore challenging situations, the CDI and hearing interpreter may work together to understand adeaf individual’s message, confer with each other to arrive at their best interpretation, then conveythat interpretation to the hearing party.For Deaf-Blind individualsWhen a consumer who is deaf-blind is involved, the CDI may receive a speaker’s message visually,then relay it to the deaf-blind individual through the sense of touch or at close visual range.This process is not a simple relay in which the CDI sees the signs and copies them for the personwho is deaf-blind. The CDI processes the message, then transmits it in the mode most easilyunderstood by the individual who is deaf-blind.SoloThe CDI sometimes works as the sole interpreter in a situation. In these instances, the CDI mayuse sign language or other communication modes that are effective with a particular deaf individual;and may use, with the hearing consumer, a combination of speech, speech reading, residualhearing, and written communication.On the platformThe CDI sometimes functions as interpreter before an audience. This may involve the CDI watchinga hearing interpreter and restating the message to the audience in a different sign mode. AtSTANDARDPRACTICEPAPERUSE OF A CERTIFIEDDEAF INTERPRETERRID encourages use ofthese papers for publicdistribution and advocacy.Registry of Interpretersfor the Deaf333 Commerce StreetAlexandria, VA 22314703/838-0030 (V)703/838-0459 (TTY)703/838-0454 (Fax)www.rid.orgother times, the CDI may be in front of the audience to “mirror” comments or questions from a signing member of the audienceso that the rest of the audience can see them.Benefits of using a Certified Deaf Interpreter are:n optimal understanding by all partiesn efficient use of time and resourcesn clarification of linguistic and/or cultural confusion and misunderstanding(s)n arrival at a clear conclusion in the interpreting situation.The Association believes that when use of a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) is appropriate, the CDI and a certified interpreterwho is hearing can function as a highly effective team to provide quality communication access for everyoneinvolved.USE OF A CERTIFIED DEAF INTERPRETER, PAGE 2