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TRANSCRIPT
CONFLICTS BETWEEN
INTERPRETERS AND CONSUMERS:
WHEN YOU’VE TRIED EVERYTHING
52nd NAD National Conference July 2, 2014
David Thacker Bowell, Deaf Consumer of Interpreting Services, RID Supporting Member
Matthew O’Hara, CI and CT, NAD IV, CAE
Pamela Whitney, CI and CT, SC:L
Presenters
Agenda
Introductions
Code of Professional Conduct
Conflict
Mediation Program
Adjudication Process
Q&A
ETHICAL PRACTICES SYSTEM (EPS)
The goal of the
EPS is to uphold
the integrity of
ethical standards
among interpreters.
NAD-RID CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT (CPC)
1. Confidentiality
2. Professionalism
3. Conduct
4. Respect for Consumers
5. Respect for Colleagues
6. Ethical Business Practices
7. Professional Development
www.rid.org/ethics/code/
DO NO HARM
Ethical Intelligence
1. Do No Harm
2. Make Things Better
3. Respect Others
4. Be Fair
5. Be Loving
Responding with EI
1. Stop. Don’t react right away.
2. Breathe deeply. Cool down.
3. Look at the matter from another point
of view.
4. Ask, “what response is likely to be
effective?”
5. Get help if need be.
Conflict styles
• Different styles w/different occasions
• Is the problem important? • Is the relationship important? • Is the time and place right? • Is the issue negotiable? • Do I trust the other person? • Resources available?
Care enough to be BRAVE
Having hard conversations:
• Right time • Cooled off • Distance from the conflict • Private vs. Public
• Right place • Neutral • Uninterrupted • Distraction-free
Care enough to be BRAVE
• Right mindset • Calm • Open • Agree on issue to resolve • Want to resolve and improve relationship • Future-focused
• Right information • Your truth • Other’s truth
Road Blocks to Resolutions
• Power imbalance
• Strong emotions
• Fear first, then anger or frustration
• Interruptions
• Assumptions
• Distractions
• Tone, facial expression, body language
Finding Resolution
• Recreate a new way • Brainstorm ideas
• Creative x 2 • Unlimited
• Test: What would happen if we….? Is it possible? • Be specific, clear and balanced
• Resolve and Review • Working for both? • Changes needed? • Keep communication open
Finding Resolution
• Questions to understand other’s view
• Why is that important to you? • Can you say more about that? • Can you give me an example? • What do you suggest?
• Separate a want from a need
• Turn taking
• Pausing, taking a break
Assumptions
versus
Questions
Impact
versus
Intent
GROUP ACTIVITY
One Deaf consumer and one hearing interpreter:
Shared problem: Deaf consumer is attending a
political rally where a candidate for office is a featured
speaker. The interpreter is situated on stage right and
the podium is center stage. The Deaf person wants
the interpreter next to the speaker. Security prohibits
the interpreter from moving away from the assigned
location. While interpreting the Deaf consumer waves
for the interpreter to move.
SCENARIO #1
Two interpreter colleagues:
Shared problem: Both interpreters worked together
on an assignment and are also Facebook “friends.”
Following the assignment, one interpreter posted: “I
hope someone gets an “A” on the test because I had
no idea what I was signing – Physics isn’t my thing.”
SCENARIO #2
One CDI and one hearing interpreter:
Shared problem: Both are working together in a
lawyer's office with a Deaf client preparing for a
case. The lawyer keeps speaking directly to the
hearing interpreter, asking inappropriate questions.
The CDI can’t get a word/sign in edgewise and is
dismissed by the lawyer. The CDI becomes upset.
SCENARIO #3
PRIOR to Submitting A Complaint
• Try approaching the interpreter and sharing your
concerns.
• The interpreter may have no idea that he/she has
been offensive and, given the opportunity, might
welcome the chance to make things right.
• Be clear that the problem is about a possible ethical
violation.
• If the problem is a matter of personality or personal
likes and dislikes, share your preferences directly and
respectfully
PRIOR to Submitting A Complaint
• Talk with his or her supervisor or the person responsible
for contracting or arranging the interpreter to express
your concerns.
• Talk with the agency who sent the interpreter to express
concerns that relate whether the interpreter is a good
match for you.
• If these don’t work to address the conflict, check the EPS
Policy Manual to see if RID has the authority to review
and process the complaint.
RID EPS’s Jurisdiction
Based on possible violation(s) of the
CPC
Related to interpreting services
Filed by a person with direct
knowledge
Filed against a member of RID
Filed within 90 days of the incident
Filing a Complaint
1) EPS Complaint Form
2) Detailed Narrative
• English
• ASL Video
STATISTICS of the EPS
A Closer Look (2006 – 2013)
Complaints Received 200
Cases Accepted 87
Mediation Sessions 51
Adjudications 19
Appeals 4
A Closer Look (2006 – 2013)
Agency Related 9%
Beyond 90 Days 13%
Nonmember 12%
Not Interpreting Related 14%
Incomplete information 35%
Multiple Reasons 10%
Complaint Withdrawn 7%
Total 113
Summary
Complainants 80% Deaf
Cases Accepted 65% mediated
Mediation Sessions 80% agreements
Mediation
What Is Mediation?
Who are the mediators?
The mediators are
members of RID and/or
NAD. They are interpreters
and Deaf individuals who
have completed
professional mediation
training through RID. They
are knowledgeable in ASL,
Deaf culture and the
interpreting process.
• Collaborative problem-solving process
• Discuss a shared conflict and
create agree upon a resolution • Neutral mediator facilitates and
guides discussion
• Goals: to restore relationships and trust
Meet a Mediator
“I personally believe in the system. Each “griever” should be given the opportunity to resolve the conflict.
I love the wonderful feelings everyone experiences when the conflicts are resolved [during mediation].
Within conflicts, oppression of the consumer appears to be a common theme, be it intentionally or not.”
Judith Gilliam,
RSC, CDI
Region II
Comments from Consumers
“The process was difficult for all
involved, but I think (it was) very fair.
I left satisfied that my issue had been
heard and the resolution reached
was one that the other person and I
both agreed upon. I felt it was a good
process and I would encourage
anyone who has an issue to try it.
Mediation works!”
- Deaf Complainant
MEDIATION STATISTICS
Agreement 39
Non-Agreement 6
No Show, Cancel or
Withdrew 9
Adjudication
What Is Adjudication?
Who are the adjudicators?
RID has appointed a group
of adjudicators to serve as
case reviewers. The
adjudicators are all members
of RID and/or NAD, are
certified interpreters (deaf
and hearing), are skilled in
ethical decision-making and
are knowledgeable in the
field of interpreting.
Adjudicators are given an
orientation to the RID
complaint structure and
undergo training in the case
review process.
• Peer review panel evaluates evidence of an alleged violation and determines whether a professional action was in violation of the CPC
• If it is determined that a there
is a violation, the panel determines what sanctions should be imposed.
ADJUDICATION STATISTICS
Violation 6
No Violation 12
Appeal Upheld 4
Q & A Time
Parting Thoughts