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Educational Interpreting
Code of Ethics
Amy Frasu, MA, CI, CT
There is a common misconception that due to a Deaf student's young age and
impressionability, educational
interpreters should become mentors for Deaf students.
However, the age of the consumer does not merit an interpreter the obligation to interfere. Students need
and deserve guidance from a variety of peers, teachers, and counselors.
The appropriate role of the interpreter is to interpret effectively, not
to act as a moral compass. Although the current
RID-NAD Code of
Professional Conduct may seem limiting, these limitations are necessary to guide
interpreters and consumers to make better ethical decisions about the
interpreter's role. The Code of Professional Conduct (2005) applies to all
interpreters at all times, regardless of the consumers' ages.
It will negatively impact the Deaf student's educational experience if an interpreter
is expected to perform duties unrelated to interpreting, such as:
 | tutoring (at any time and under any circumstances) |
 | reporting to staff members about the Deaf student's academic and/or social progress
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 | supervising students (lunch duty, bus duty) |
 | disciplining or counseling students |
 | clerical work, errands, and copying |
As a member of the educational team, it is essential that the interpreter follow the
RID-NAD Code of
Professional Conduct as a common sense guide. Staff and students will reap long-term benefits from an
interpreter's professionalism and commitment to the Code of Professional
Conduct.
For more information about this topic, please read the following resources:
Citation of this Document: |
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Frasu, Amy. "Educational Interpreting Code of Ethics
Statement." Deaf Linx.
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Please
This article was written by
Amy Frasu. It is intended to be an informational guide. Please request
permission to copy or distribute this information. Direct quotes may be used if proper citation is given.
Amy Frasu (CI,CT) earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in
Deaf Education and Elementary Education from Flagler College in St. Augustine,
Florida and graduated with honors from Gallaudet University with her Master of
Arts degree in Interpretation. Amy has worked as a community interpreter in
Texas, Washington DC, Florida, and California. She is currently the VI-P
Mentorship Coordinator at the San Antonio Sorenson VRS Center.
As an ASL-English interpreter since 1994, Amy has worked in a variety of
settings, including medical appointments, business meetings, conferences, video
relay service, theater, k-12 schools, undergraduate courses, and graduate
courses. She also mentors interpreters, provides diagnostic assessments, and is
an active adjunct instructor at San Antonio College in the Department of
American Sign Language and Interpreter Training.
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