Sarah Thompson

August 25, 2015

Practicum II

Vocational Setting- staff meeting about job training

Place: The event will take place at the adult training center cafeteria. The room is quite large
with many tables set up in rows throughout the room. There may be multiple poster boards set up
around the room showcasing different job training opportunities. Distractions may be a
possibility because of the amount of people that will be involved. Because of the nature of the
event, specific jargon will be used, pertaining to job training and skills required for certain
employment positions. The training will be all day, on Tuesday.
Participants: I am unsure how many participants will be involved at this event. My guess will be
at least 30 or more individuals. Participants include the Executive Director of the training centerHe is a Deaf male in his early to mid-40s; the director of Deaf Services- a Deaf male in his late50s or early-60s, Deaf faculty and staff both male and female varying in age. There will be an
interpreting student intern who is in her mid-20s, as well as a certified interpreter who is in her
late 50s or early 60s. The individuals representing different companies, may possibly be both
male and female varying in ages.
Perspectives: The Executive director is completely aware of Deaf culture, and has possibly
attended this type of event before. He may possibly be overwhelmed and have other thoughts
besides this training. The Director of Deaf services is also Deaf. The other Deaf and Hard of
hearing staff members are aware of Deaf and hearing culture, therefore they share commonality.
The interpreting intern has been involved in the Deaf community for many years, is familiar with
Deaf culture. The interpreter, has Deaf parents, and has been interpreting for many years, and she
is involved in the Deaf community. Therefore, she has quite experience of Deaf and hearing
culture. The other participants from the different companies, may or may not have interacted
much with the Deaf and hard of hearing communities. Therefore, may not be familiar with Deaf
cultural norms and perspective.
Point-The point for the participants will be diverse. However, the common goal of why they are
at the training will be the same. They are at the event to learn about training opportunities that
this corporate group in Alabama can offer.
Purpose: The purpose of this event is that different companies showcase job opportunities if the
adult training center will train the adults specific skills. This event is sponsored by a large group
of companies that have joined together to help train people with disabilities and other individuals
in general, skills needed to be ready to work.

Personal: I was given the bare minimum of what to expect at this event. I have done basic
research about the company, and what it entails. I somewhat understand why this event is taking
place, however, at the same time, I feel like this is more complex than it seems. I have never
experienced this particular type of event, so I am quite nervous. I hope once I see individuals and
get a better understanding of what is going on, I will be less anxious.

PRE-ASSIGNMENT DC-S
ENVIRONMENTAL

Demand: The room is too crowded making it hard for the interpreters to decide where to
stand.
Control: Ask the Deaf participants where he or she wants you to stand.
Consequence: puts the power back to the Deaf participants.

Demand: There is terminology that the interpreters are unfamiliar with.

Control: Ask the presenter if there is an agenda with information.
Consequence: The presenter may think the interpreter is nosey.

Demand: The meeting coordinator wants to use the polycom to connect with others.
Control: Stand back and interpret if necessary.
Consequence: Technology is not my responsibility and the deaf participant can direct
where necessary.

Demand: Due to all of the people, the room temperature gets hot.
Control: Roll up sleeves, and think cool thoughts.
Consequence: Stay cooler by rolling up sleeves.

INTERPERSONAL
Demand: Several of the participants have never worked with an interpreter before.
Control: Explain role or allow the Deaf participants to explain role.
Consequence: The interpreter could disempower the Deaf participant or the hearing
participant could get offended.
Demand: A lot of people start talking at the same time
Control: stop the entire overlap and ask for one person at a time
Consequence: This messes up the flow of communication completely.
Demand: Turn taking speeds up and it is hard to keep up with who is talking.
Control: Follow the message and reference where appropriate, also rely on the team for
support.
Consequence: The team can help if youre not following who is talking. Also, you may
miss some important information due to trying to focus only on the message
Demand: The hearing person doesnt allow for the Deaf participant to speak.
Control: Speak up for the Deaf participant/
Consequence: Interrupts the flow of turn-taking.

PARLINGUISTIC
Demand: There is a lot of turn taking, which makes it hard to keep up with all of the
speakers.
Control: Ask for people to take turns, and identify oneself for the interpreter and the Deaf
participants.
Consequence: The vibe in the room changes and people ignore the interpreter.
Demand: One of the speakers talks really fast and does not make sense.
Control: Pause the speaker and ask for clarification.
Consequence: The speaker repeats what he or she said and it helps the interpreter convey
the message accurately.
Demand: Someones cell phone keeps going off during the assignment, therefore causing
a distraction.
Control: Ask team to find out where the sound is coming from.
Consequence: The team finds out, and informs you; and you ignore the phone.
Demand: One of the Deaf participants talks loud while signing, making it difficult for
you to focus on the signs.
Control: Ask for clarification if there is a point where you dont understand, and rely on
team for support.
Consequence: The team helps by feeding you the correct signs, and communication flows
seamlessly.
INTRAPERSONAL
Demand: I know that there will most likely be a lot of executives here, so the atmosphere
may have a lot of tension.
Control: Take a deep breath and remind yourself of why you are here- To provide
communication access.
Consequence: You do your job and ensure that communication is accessed.
Demand: I am worried that the hearing people wont know what to do with an interpreter
in the room.
Control: I meet with the Deaf participants beforehand, and allow them to set up the
dynamics of the room, including introducing the interpreter.
Consequence: The hearing person still disregards the interpreter and the other deaf
participants.

 Demand: I have never been to one of these types of meetings, so I dont know what to
expect.
Control: Ask the other interpreters their experience in meetings like this, and I formulate
my own prediction of what will happen.
Consequence: The meeting goes similarly to what the other interpreters had said it would
be like, and people are nice and reasonable to all participants.
Demand: I dont know what to do if someone is rude to one of the deaf participants.
Control: Know that it is out of my control of what the other participants say. The deaf
participants involved can advocate for themselves.
Consequence: The Deaf participants advocate for themselves, and I become the ally.