LC Interpreting Services is now SignNexus!
SignNexus sets the standard for excellence and efficiency when accommodating the diverse communication and cultural needs of individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing.
SignNexus is a distinguished interpreting agency that specializes in American Sign Language, International Sign, and other sign language modalities. On-site and Remote Sign Language Interpreting Services are available to help organizations fulfill their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
SignNexus offers Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services, also known as Realtime Captioning, for live events. Remote Captioning Services are also available to facilitate ADA compliant accessibility for virtual events on any platform.
SignNexus Interpreters and Captioners have extensive experience in a variety of specialized settings.
Last weekend, singer/songwriter Sia was accompanied by a noteworthy performer as she sang her hit “Chandelier” on Saturday Night Live. With his face painted white like a mime, the visual performer used a mix of expressive American Sign Language and interpretive gestures to bring Sia’s words to life. On one hand, it is refreshing to see musical interpreting on a show that has such a wide audience. But on the other hand, perhaps there are more inclusionary and culturally competent ways to incorporate elements of Deaf culture into pop music.
There is a fine line between showcasing the beauty of ASL, and utilizing sign language as a gimmick. Hearing artists often toe this line without even considering the opportunities that exist for better collaboration. To give an example, there was a bit of controversy surrounding the use of ASL in Paul McCartney’s “My Valentine” video. The simplistic black and white video features Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman, neither of whom are native ASL users, each facing the camera and signing lyrics. Deaf individuals were quick to notice a number of errors in the actors’ signing– including both Portman and Depp appearing to interpret “tampon” instead of “appear.” (Whoops!)
How did the music video for a world renowned artist, starring famous actors, get released with these fairly simple mistakes? In the end, accuracy took a back seat to aesthetics because McCartney’s video was not really intended to provide deaf people with access to his music. The use of ASL was merely an “artistic” choice; it was used to entertain hearing audiences.
If musicians want to truly connect with the Deaf community, there are plenty of ways to incorporate in Deaf voices into their work. Instead of hiring actors who are not fluent in the language to do ASL interpretation, creative directors could seek out some of the many talented deaf performers who are working hard to make a name for themselves.
First off, there are some truly incredible Deaf music artists out there. If a hearing performer wants to challenge themselves to be more inclusive, working with a deaf musician could be an enlightening experience. SignMark is a deaf Finnish rapper who signs his lyrics and tours with a vocal interpreter. In 2009, he became the first deaf person to sign a recording contract with an international record company. Sean Forbes is a deaf hip hop artist from Detroit, and the co-founder of the Deaf Professional Artists Network (D-PAN) which was created to “make 
music more accessible to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.” D-PAN produces ASL music videos for popular songs, and works to connect deaf artists from all walks of life. Hearing musicians could learn a thing or two from people like percussionist Evelyn Glennie, That Deaf DJ Robbie Wilde, and deaf Jazz singer Mandy Harvey– people who never let deafness hold them back from pursuing their passions.
Music artists can work with deaf dancers, as Jamie xx did for his music video “Sleep Sound”. This approach underscores the fact that music can be unifying, yet everyone enjoys it their own unique way. British singer Ed Sheeran asked CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) actor Matthew Morgan to sign the lyrics for his music video “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You” in British Sign Language. For lyrical artists, making your music videos or live performances deaf friendly is a great way to expand your audience.
Sign language is a cornerstone of Deaf culture, and deaf individuals are very proud of their silent communication. It’s likely Sia was well-intentioned when she had her interpreter dress as a mime, but any message of deaf empowerment becomes a bit muddied when presented with this deaf/mute stereotype. Her performance on SNL was not the first time Sia incorporated sign language into her music. In 2008, her video for “Soon We’ll Be Found” featured Sia, as well as a group of performers, using ASL, shadow puppets, and interpretive dance. According to the artist, “I’ve always been obsessed with the beauty of sign language… The real beauty is the communication hidden within these perfect shapes.”
ASL is visually captivating, so it’s no wonder hearing artists are fascinated by this deeply expressive language. It is important, however, for these performers to remember that ASL is a legitimate language, complete with a distinct vocabulary and set of grammar rules. American Sign Language is not arbitrary hand waving– each gesture, facial expression, and classifier impacts the overall meaning. The best way to ensure a performance is culturally competent, respectful, and tactful is to consult with deaf parties directly about their language and expectations.
Musical interpreting is a nuanced process that requires an intimate knowledge of the language. Deaf people who use ASL rely on a full interpretation; this means if you are truly creating for deaf audiences, ASL is not optional based on the whim of the artistic director, and it can’t be “close enough.” Consulting deaf people on set, behind the scenes, and throughout the creative process helps amplify deaf voices in mainstream media. Collaborating with deaf performers and artists opens the door for education and cultural understanding.
Think back to a time when you were in school– was there a certain class you struggled with? Now try to imagine how challenging that class would be if it was taught in a foreign language. For deaf students in mainstream education settings, this situation might describe a typical day at school. To help deaf students receive the educational opportunities they deserve, schools can enlist the services of specially trained Educational Interpreters.
At least 83% of deaf/ hard of hearing children in the United States are enrolled in public schools, according to a 1999 US Department of Education report. To help deaf students adapt to mainstream classrooms, some accommodations must be made. Accommodations for deaf students depend on the needs of each individual. Typical accommodations include: closed captioning class materials, offering alternative testing environments, providing a note taker, and supplying an interpreter. As the number of deaf students in mainstream schools has increased, it is more important than ever that educators, parents, and administrators understand the value of these services.
Hiring qualified Educational Interpreters is one necessary step to providing communication access for students who use American Sign Language (ASL). Interpreters might be used for lessons, lectures, assemblies, field trips, daily socializing, meetings, tutoring sessions, after school events, and more. Sign language interpreting is a very diverse field, and not all interpreters are created equal . Since Educational Interpreters assume a number of roles in the classroom, the quality of the interpreters’ work is sure to impact deaf students. Hiring an inexperienced or inadequate interpreter puts deaf student’s education in jeopardy. A high quality educational interpreter possesses a unique skill set.
First and foremost, it is a sign language interpreter’s job to facilitate access to spoken information and conversations. Educational interpreters must have a particularly high level of fluency in both English and ASL. Because each deaf student has different needs, interpreters should be carefully matched with clients by skill and experience. If an interpreter does not have impeccable language skills, they will not be able to provide the quality of service that deaf students are entitled to.
Interpreting in a second grade classroom is quite different from interpreting a graduate-level chemistry course! A good interpreter will read the materials, know any special vocabulary terms, and come prepared for every lesson. Communication between the instructor and the interpreter helps to keep things running smoothly. Understanding the content is critical, but understanding the students is equally important. Young children don’t speak, act, or learn the same way adults do. Interpreters must be prepared to work with their consumer– whether it’s a mischievous middle schooler, or a frustrated adult taking his first math class in 20 years.
Beyond navigating the nuanced social structure of the classroom, educational interpreters should also be familiar with the workplace culture that exists within schools. They collaborate with educators and staff to foster a positive educational and social experience for deaf students. A qualified interpreter will have a basic understanding of how educational institutions function, and the roles of various school administrators. This allows the interpreter to work most efficiently within the existing framework and provide consumers with a seamless experience.
Like teachers, ASL interpreters become influential to their students. The ability to connect with people and empathize helps educational interpreters to succeed. These interpreters should exhibit patience, strong multi-tasking skills, and a willingness to explain new, potentially complex topics. Interpreters who work with young students should be prepared to act as a role model, both socially and in terms of language skills. For example, a deaf child (like any other child) is unlikely to know specific science terminologies before they are taught them in class. Qualified educational interpreters must know how to accurately translate the lesson while providing a sense of context and understanding.
While an interpreter is one excellent accommodation for students who use ASL, it is not the only accommodation these students require. Adding multimedia to lectures and classwork has been shown to significantly increase deaf students’ comprehension. Since deaf people are visual learners, including pictures and videos along with written materials really makes a difference. As new technologies emerge, there are an increasing number of ways to supplement classroom learning. Qualified Educational Interpreters recognize the needs of their consumers and assist educators to identify additional resources to help these students excel.
Sometimes, Educational Interpreters struggle with the feeling that their services are not “good enough” in a social sense, wishing that they could provide students with a truly equal experience. In schools, particularly K-12, there are a lot of social dynamics at play. Because interpreters are adults, kids might get nervous and behave differently around them. If students are using an interpreter to interact, they might not feel comfortable speaking their mind about certain topics, or saying things they might normally say, such as swear words. Qualified Educational Interpreters engage in continuous professional development and seek ethical solutions to these types of problems.
In our hearing world, deaf children are more limited by other people’s perceptions than by their actual deafness. From the time they are diagnosed with hearing loss, these kids and their parents are confronted with all the things they “can’t” do. Educational Interpreters must reinforce a “Yes I Can” attitude by empowering both deaf students and hearing parties to focus on the capabilities of deaf individuals. By working together, parents, teachers, and interpreters can identify the strengths of deaf students, emphasize successes, and present deaf role models. Interpreters can help deaf students and their families connect with the larger Deaf community, this can open the door for children to make deaf friends and gain self-confidence. They can also direct school personnel toward the resources they need to better serve deaf students.
