Using an AAC Interpreter: A Guide for Service Providers

Introduction

The Role of an AAC Interpreter

When to Use an AAC Interpreter

How to Use an AAC Interpreter

Introduction

The importance of conveying messages and understanding each other crosses the spectrum of social, health and justice services. A breakdown in communication between an AAC user and a service provider, where information is conveyed inadequately or misunderstood, can lead to misdiagnosis, treatment/intervention errors, miscarriages of justice, lack of follow through on recommendations, and so on.

Using the services of an AAC interpreter may enhance communication between the AAC user and service provider and thus facilitate access to services. An AAC interpreter may be someone with whom the AAC user is familiar – a family member, guardian, friend, attendant, etc. – or a consultant who has worked extensively with people who use AAC systems.

Note that not all AAC users will require or want to use an AAC interpreter; the AAC user’s permission must be given before seeking the services of an interpreter.

Note also that an AAC interpreter does not refer to a sign-language interpreter. There is currently no standardized AAC interpreting service in Ontario.

The Role of an AAC Interpreter   [Top]

The Roles of an AAC interpreter is:

• to assist with communication between an AAC user and another person (service provider, etc.).


• to "interpret" what the AAC user is communicating – not to speak for the AAC user.


• primarily to support the AAC user in conveying messages to the service provider.


• in some cases, to support the AAC user in understanding or clarifying what the service provider is saying.

When to Use an AAC Interpreter   [Top]

• The AAC user may request the services of an AAC interpreter if the AAC user feels that you may not be able to communicate with him.


• You may request an AAC interpreter yourself if you are inexperienced in communicating with an AAC user, or if you feel that the process of supporting her communication detracts from your ability to focus on providing your services.


• Remember that if you (rather than the AAC user) are the one requesting an interpreter, the AAC user must give her consent and, in most cases, will decide who the interpreter will be.

How to Use an AAC Interpreter   [Top]

To date, there are no AAC interpreter services, standards of practice or code of ethics. The following are suggestions to assist you in using an AAC interpreter in your work with AAC users.

• Inform the AAC user that you need the services of an AAC interpreter, or ask the AAC user if she wants someone to support her in communicating with you.


• Ask the AAC user if she knows someone who can assist with communication. This can be a family member, guardian, attendant, speech language pathologist, AAC consultant or other service provider. Make sure that the AAC user is comfortable with and trusts that person.


• Ask the AAC user if he can bring that person to the next appointment. (See Guidelines for AAC Interpreters.) Have the interpreter sign a confidentiality form and the AAC user sign a Consent to Use an Interpreter form. Your agency may need to develop these forms and procedures.


• If the interpreter is being asked to support the AAC user in understanding what you are saying, you may want to review some of the questions that you will be discussing during the session. Such a review will give the interpreter time to consider ways of framing the questions and of supporting the AAC user to provide answers to the questions.


• Never discuss the AAC user’s issues with the interpreter without the presence and permission of the AAC user.


• During the session, always talk to the AAC user, not to the interpreter.


• If you want to make sure you understand a message from the AAC user, obtain her permission to ask the interpreter to elaborate – e.g. “Is it okay if I ask [name] to help us with this question so that I can clearly understand what you are communicating?”


• In cases where the AAC user knows the interpreter, interpreter behaviour such as attempting to exert control over the interview or intimidating or talking for the AAC user could indicate a relationship of power and control over the AAC user. In such cases, speak privately with the AAC user about finding another interpreter. Avoid confronting the interpreter directly, since doing so may increase the AAC user’s vulnerability to abuse.

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