The use of American Sign Language interpreters in therapeutic contexts can be a challenging issue for service providers, interpreters and the clients who use them. Produced in 1998 by the Well-Being Program in Vancouver, B.C., TEAMWORK is a training video which explores the role of the interpreter in therapy and the relationship between the client, therapist and interpreter.
The video attempts to address and clarify some of the complex dynamics created when a Deaf individual must rely on the services of a sign language interpreter in order to receive counselling or therapy.
The narrators focus attention on the topics to be addressed in each section. A single question written in large text appears on-screen and role-play scenarios are used to illustrate the various segments. Each segment addresses the question by providing commentary from clients who have experienced therapy with an interpreter present, from mental health practitioners and from interpreters.
The style and information in the video present realistic perspectives. Issues such as obtaining support, the code of ethics that interpreters must adhere to as well as interpreter self-care are highlighted. The video mentions the need for interpreter and therapist to meet to discuss communication issues. However, the Deaf consumer should be involved in the establishment of communication practices to be used in a session. This could be achieved by an interpreter meeting with the Deaf consumer both before and after each therapy session.
Overall, TEAMWORK is of good, professional quality. The camera angle is clear; the actors and hosts in the video use American Sign Language. Also, you have the choice of "open" or "closed" captions. The video is available FREE for Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Deaf-Blind individuals and $15.00 for hearing individuals and organizations.
TEAMWORK is a great resource for practitioners, interpreters and counselling and interpreter students; I enjoyed it
TEAMWORK is available from Well-Being Program (WPB) at toll-free 1-800-949-1155 TTY; 604-732-7656 Voice.
Resource details:
Author: Ayoka Junaid has been a sign language interpreter since 1988. She has worked in a variety of settings including counselling and issues of violence.
Type/Format of Resource: Article
Category/Topic of interest: Deaf and Disability
Population Group: Friends & Family; Victims / Survivors; Health Care Service Providers; Social Service Providers; Women with Disabilities/Deaf Women
Language of Resource: English
Year of Publication: 1995-1999