Joe Toledo on the Role of Deaf Interpreters

In an insightful interview with Monique Clark, Chief Operating Officer at SignGlasses, Joe Toledo, a Deaf interpreter, shares his journey, the challenges within the interpreting profession, and the critical role of technology in advancing accessibility for the Deaf community. Joe's experiences offer a valuable perspective on the evolving role of Deaf interpreters and the importance of diversity, collaboration, and technological advancement in empowering communication.

Understanding the Role of Deaf Interpreters

Joe Toledo's journey as a Deaf interpreter began in 2014, and over the past decade, he has dedicated himself to bridging communication between Deaf individuals and the hearing world. Unlike hearing interpreters, Deaf interpreters bring a deeper understanding of the cultural and linguistic nuances that are often critical for effective communication. Joe explains the distinction between Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDI), who have passed national certification exams, and Deaf Interpreters (DI), who are certified at the state level. Both follow the same ethical guidelines, but CDIs have undergone a more rigorous national process. Deaf interpreters are invaluable for their cultural and linguistic expertise, especially when hearing interpreters may lack the specific ASL (American Sign Language) structures that make communication clearer and more accessible to Deaf clients. Their role is not to replace hearing interpreters but to enhance communication, particularly in complex or culturally sensitive situations.

Overcoming Challenges as a Deaf Interpreter

Throughout the interview, Joe reflects on the barriers Deaf interpreters face, including resistance from both the Deaf and hearing communities. In the early stages of the profession, Deaf clients were hesitant to work with Deaf interpreters, feeling that it reflected their own communication skills or educational background. Hearing interpreters, on the other hand, sometimes viewed Deaf interpreters as unnecessary, assuming that their role alone was sufficient. However, Joe emphasizes that Deaf interpreters bring a vital perspective, particularly when it comes to interpreting facial expressions, body language, and ASL structures, which can be overlooked by hearing interpreters. Joe recounts a particularly challenging live event where a hearing interpreter struggled with accents, making it difficult to relay the spoken content accurately. Despite the difficulties, Joe highlights the importance of teamwork and maintaining professionalism, even in the face of obstacles. Collaboration and mutual respect between Deaf and hearing interpreters are essential. Deaf interpreters play a critical role in ensuring that communication is culturally and linguistically accurate, especially in high-stakes situations where clarity is paramount.

Diversity and Representation in the Interpreting Profession

Joe advocates for greater diversity in the interpreting field, noting that while the Deaf community is diverse, the interpreting profession is still predominantly white. He stresses the importance of BIPOC representation in the field, explaining that interpreters who share cultural backgrounds with clients can better understand and convey nuances that might otherwise be missed. Joe also highlights the need for more mentorship opportunities to encourage individuals from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in interpreting. Takeaway: Diversity in the interpreting profession is crucial for creating a more inclusive and representative field. By supporting interpreters from diverse backgrounds, the profession can better serve the full spectrum of the Deaf community and improve the quality of interpretation.

Technology's Role in the Deaf Community

Joe also discusses the impact of technology on the Deaf community, highlighting advancements that have made communication more accessible. He recalls the introduction of the Sorenson video phone (VP-100) and how it revolutionized communication for the Deaf. Before Sorenson, the Deaf community had used tools like AOL Instant Messenger's (AIM) video chat, but Sorenson's technology offered a significant upgrade in terms of quality and accessibility. The Deaf community quickly adopted the video phone, and it became a staple for communication. Looking toward the future, Joe envisions a world where holographic communication could become a reality, providing an even more immersive and accessible communication experience. He also stresses the importance of including the Deaf perspective in the development of new technologies to ensure they truly meet the needs of the community. Technology has played a transformative role in improving communication for the Deaf community, but more progress is needed. By involving Deaf individuals in the design and development of new technologies, companies can create tools that are truly accessible and effective.

The Influence of the Deaf Community on Mainstream Technology

Joe and Monique discuss how technologies such as text messaging and FaceTime were originally developed with the Deaf community in mind. Text messaging, which was once expensive at $0.10 per text, was quickly adopted by the Deaf community for its ability to facilitate communication without the need for voice. Similarly, FaceTime offered an accessible way to communicate visually, which resonated strongly with the Deaf community. However, despite the Deaf community's role in pioneering the use of these technologies, Joe points out that the community has often been overlooked when it comes to recognition or appreciation for these contributions. Joe also mentions Gallaudet University's football helmet innovation, which uses a visual display to convey information to players on the field. This technology was developed and tested within the Deaf community, yet Joe notes that such innovations are often later adopted by the mainstream without acknowledging the Deaf community's contributions. The Deaf community has been instrumental in shaping mainstream technologies, but their contributions are often overlooked. Recognition and appreciation for the Deaf community's role in technological advancements are long overdue, and future innovations should involve the community from the start.

Collaboration and Leadership in the Interpreting Profession

Joe concludes with a message for the interpreting community, encouraging both hearing and Deaf interpreters to work together as a team. He stresses the importance of Deaf-led initiatives, urging hearing interpreters to support Deaf interpreters and allow them to take the lead when necessary. Joe believes that by fostering collaboration and mutual respect, both Deaf and hearing interpreters can create a more effective and inclusive communication experience. Collaboration is key to successful interpreting. Deaf interpreters bring a unique perspective that enhances the overall communication experience, and hearing interpreters must embrace the growing role of Deaf interpreters in the profession.

Closing

Joe Toledo's experiences as a Deaf interpreter illustrate the evolving role of Deaf interpreters in bridging communication gaps, not just linguistically but culturally as well. His reflections on the need for greater diversity, advancements in technology, and collaboration within the profession offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead. As the interpreting field continues to grow, the involvement of the Deaf community and the promotion of inclusive practices will be essential to ensuring that Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals have access to the communication tools and services they deserve.