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USE OF A CERTIFIED DEAF INTERPRETER
About the CDI

A Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) is an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing and has been
certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf as an interpreter.
Specialized training and/or experience

In addition to excellent general communication skills and general interpreter training, the CDI
may also have specialized training and/or experience in use of gesture, mime, props, drawings
and other tools to enhance communication.The CDI has an extensive knowledge and under-
standing of deafness, the deaf community, and/or Deaf culture which combined with excellent
STANDARD communication skills, can bring added expertise into both routine and uniquely difficult inter-
preting situations.
PRACTICE
Meeting special communication challenges
PAPER A Certified Deaf Interpreter may be needed when the communication mode of a deaf consumer
is so unique that it cannot be adequately accessed by interpreters who are hearing. Some such
situations may involve individuals who:
USE OF A CERTIFIED
DEAF INTERPRETER use idiosyncratic non-standard signs or gestures such as those commonly referred to as
home signs which are unique to a family
use a foreign sign language
have minimal or limited communication skills
are deaf-blind or deaf with limited vision

RID encourages use of
these papers for public use signs particular to a given region, ethnic or age group
distribution and advo-
have characteristics reflective of Deaf Culture not familiar to hearing interpreters.
cacy.
The CDI at Work

As a team member
Often a Certified Deaf Interpreter works as a team member with a certified interpreter who is
hearing. In some situations, a CDI/hearing interpreter team can communicate more effectively
than a hearing interpreter alone or a team of two hearing interpreters or a CDI alone. In the
CDI/hearing interpreter team situation, the CDI transmits message content between a deaf con-
sumer and a hearing interpreter; the hearing interpreter transmits message content between the
CDI 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 it
linguistically and culturally, then passes it on in the appropriate communication mode. In even
more challenging situations, the CDI and hearing interpreter may work together to understand a
deaf individual's message, confer with each other to arrive at their best interpretation, then con-
vey that interpretation to the hearing party.
For Deaf-Blind individuals

When a consumer who is deaf-blind is involved, the CDI may receive a speakers message visual-
ly, 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 per-
son who is deaf-blind. The CDI processes the message, then transmits it in the mode most easily
understood by the individual who is deaf-blind.
Solo
The CDI sometimes works as the sole interpreter in a situation. In these instances, the CDI may
Registry of Interpreters
use sign language or other communication modes that are effective with a particular deaf indi-
for the Deaf
vidual; and may use, with the hearing consumer, a combination of speech, speech reading, resid-
333 Commerce Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
ual hearing, and written communication.
703/838-0030 (V)
703/838-0459 (TTY) On the platform
703/838-0454 (Fax) The CDI sometimes functions as interpreter before an audience. This may involve the CDI watch-
www.rid.org ing a hearing interpreter and restating the message to the audience in a different sign mode. At
USE OF A CERTIFIED DEAF INTERPRETER, PAGE 2
other times, the CDI may be in front of the audience to mirror comments or questions from a signing member of the audi-
ence so that the rest of the audience can see them.
Benefits of using a Certified Deaf Interpreter are:
optimal understanding by all parties
efficient use of time and resources
clarification of linguistic and/or cultural confusion and misunderstanding(s)
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 inter-
preter who is hearing can function as a highly effective team to provide quality communication access for everyone
involved.
Copyright 1997 the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Written by the Professional Standards Committee, 1995-1997. REV8/97

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USE OF A CERTIFIED DEAF INTERPRETER

About the CDI

Specialized training and/or experience

use a foreign sign language

have minimal or limited communication skills

are deaf-blind or deaf with limited vision

The CDI at Work

For Deaf-Blind individuals

Benefits of using a Certified Deaf Interpreter are:

optimal understanding by all parties

efficient use of time and resources

clarification of linguistic and/or cultural confusion and misunderstanding(s)

arrival at a clear conclusion in the interpreting situation.

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