EXERCISE 5g: The Deaf-focused arrangement

In this exercise, you will answer four questions about the Deaf-focused arrangement:

While the “working” interpreter takes the major responsibility for communicating the lecture, for example, the second interpreter focuses completely on the Deaf participant and provides support as needed/desired.  For example, when the professor refers to specific page or item in the book while lecturing (or a pastor referring to a specific verse in the bible, or a chairperson referring to a specific item on the handout), the second interpreter assumes the responsibility of locating the information on the document and pointing it out.  This is done to make it easier for the Deaf person to quickly read the information while at the same time maintain focus on the interpreter instead of trying to locate the printed information and missing the interpreted message in the process.  If there are two or more Deaf participants, the second interpreter is also available to clarify any confusion a Deaf person might have (e.g., not catching the fingerspelled word or not understanding a regional sign used by the interpreter), allowing the “working” interpreter to continue interpreting without any interruption.