Professional Challenges (Humphrey, pp. 131- 147)

1. Professional Challenges(Humphrey, pp. 131-147) Stephanie Weiss April 15, 2014 INT 492 Professor Annette Miner

2. Table of Contents Our Role Preparation Precautions Prior to the Assignment Worker’s Compensation Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Stress Suggested Remedies Sometimes, You May have to Just Say “NO” Personal Safety Precautions

3. OurRole • Follow CPC: • Protect the D/deaf community’s rights • Maintain integrity & neutrality of interpreters • Examples of NOT following role: • Performing duties, • Relay information, or • Invited or given permission to participate in situations • Review & Role play! • Keep a copy in hand! • Bottom Line: • “Don’t avoid stepping out of your role. You are a professional interpreter!” (p. 131) • “A neutral and ethical interpreter is one who tries to make a positive difference, knows his or her boundaries, and respects others” (p. 132)

4. Preparation • Environment • Variation includes poor lighting, inadequate climate control, glaring sunshine, smokers, hecklers, or worse. Bring jacket, sunglasses,etc. • No Negative Self Talk! • STRESS?! • Strive for Mastery, NOT Perfection! • Uncomfortable? • “Off Day” – Do-do? • Learn from mistakes, rest well, & drink water! • Take care of yourself – both physically and mentally • Bottom Line: • “Be gentle on yourself. Lighten up. Get over it. We are all human. Do the best you can. After all, that is all anyone can ask of you and all you can ask of and expect from yourself.” (p. 133)

5. Precautions Prior to the Assignment • Contact partner • Introduce yourself & seem motivated • Ask questions about assignment • Receive agenda? • Confirm address, date, and times you were given • Clarify any miscommunications or misunderstandings • Arrive early • Lighting, seating, preferences • No team? Do-do? • Contact the contact person • Explain options • Breaks, reschedule, replacement, double bill? • Bottom Line: • Make contact, communication, and clarify! • “Do not endanger yourself physically...Set up the best possible “win/win” situation.” (p.)

6. Worker’s Compensation • In the event you are hurt or injured while performing your job, there are several things you may want to consider doing: • Report injury/accident/event to your: • “contact person” and with the location’s administrator's office • state’s worker compensation entity and ask for their policies and procedures • Agency • get names and telephone numbers from any witnesses • get medical attention, treatment, and documentation • Legal advice? • health insurance provider • worker’s compensation insurance policy provider • Keep detailed records and notes • Bottom Line: • ALWAYS REMEMBER – SAFTEY FIRST!

7. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) • Also known as: • Repetitive Motion Disorder (RMD) and/or Cumulative Trauma Disorder(CTD) • Results from chronic overuse, repetitive movements and actions that pinch, compress, or irritate the median nerve • Narrowing of bones at the region of the wrist along with a buildup of tissue fluid • Feels like: • “pins & needles”, burning sensation, or total numbness • Suggestions: • Rest, physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments • Considerations: • Wrist brace, medication, steroid or cortisone injections, acupuncture, and surgery(last resort) • Soak hands in hot water every morning? • Bottom Line: • Take care of yourself. Know when to stop!

8. Stress • Interpreting CAN be stressful! • Examples before interpreting assignment starts: • Traffic, parking, finding correct location, building/room number • Other Examples: • Unfamiliar topic • Partner shows up late or not at all • Inappropriate requests? Pressure! • Room may be hot or cold! Allergic to cigarette smoke. • Having an “off” day? • Negative self talk? • Bottom Line: • Stress occurs to everyone at any time. • Make sure you can control your stress level!

9. Suggested Remedies • To avoid hassles related to any aspect of travel or location, here are 4 suggested things that should happen: • 1). Record specific address, cross streets, building number, room number, and parking information • Parking pass? Where park? Contact person. • 2). Night before assignment, map out route and record clearly. Consider alternate routes. • 3). Always leave early • Gas station, cant find room number, add additional time • 4). Carry enough cash with you to pay for parking, meal, and gas. Metro card. Check wallet. • Bottom Line: • Budget your time

10. Sometimes, You May Have to Just Say “NO” • Look at program and agenda. • Ask questions. Never assume anything. • Accept the fact that there will be times when you: • A). May not qualify to accept assignment • B). May be qualified but there is a conflict of interest or role conflict • Ethnicity, religion, values, sex, politics? • Bottom Line: • Personal “buttons” – be self-aware!

11. Personal Safety Precautions • Harassment involving: • Inappropriate comments made by hearing or deaf people during assignment (& on breaks) • Terps will interpret this! Demand them to stop! • Report to Human Resources/Equal Employment Opportunity Departments of the sponsoring event and hiring entity • Never have home address on business card or give out that information • Typical Safety Precautions: • Park well • Never walk to car alone • Keys ready • Be aware of surroundings • Look out for each other • Drive to police station if feel like someone is stalking you • Don’t interpret for harassing client in future • Do not stress self out or put self in uncomfortable situation • Bottom Line: • Use common sense. Remember, safety first!

12. Know Yourself, Know Your Limits, & Set Boundaries!