About the Blog

E is for ethics

Decisions we make as interpreters impact peoples’ lives.  Sometimes we make good decisions; sometimes adequate decisions.  Hopefully we don’t make poor ones.  We may see an ethical dilemma heading our way, reach into our tool box, and impeccably handle the situation.  Other times, because our decisions are made quickly and instinctively, we don’t realize we’ve muddled our way through a conflict until we look back on our day to figure out why we have a pit in the bottom of our stomach.    Either way, our decision impacted lives positively or negatively, appropriately or inappropriately.

For this reason, I’ve created a space where we can bring situations we have personally experienced and request other interpreters’ perspectives. We can discuss with our peers ways a situation might be resolved/diffused/handled.  Talking through our experiences and possible solutions will help hone our decision making skills.

You may be a member of this blog if:

·         You are an ASL interpreter
·         You are an ASL interpreting student

 All posts are real-life situations.  If you have a situation you would like posted and discussed confidentially, then:

·         This must be an experience you actually had, not a hypothetical one, not a friend’s.
·         Type up your situation keeping all identifying factors confidential.
·         Check, again, for confidentiality.
·         Email your situation to ethicalterp @ gmail.com.  I will post all situations as a buffer to protect the innocent.
·         I may tweak your situation for clarification and confidentiality, including changing pronouns, should I feel it’s necessary.

If you would like to become a member, email ethicalterp @ gmail.com with proof of your interpreting status (your RID membership number would be a good one) and explain why you want to be a member.

Be respectful and mind the Code of Professional Conduct, even on this blog.  Your membership in this blog will be discontinued if:

·         You decide you want out.
·         You knowingly divulge confidential and/or identifying information.
·         You bash your peers.

As you discuss situations with our peers, use the CPC as well as your own moral and ethical compass as a guide.

Thanks, and happy interpreting.