Ethical Scenario Analysis
About
CODAs (Child of a Deaf Adult) Interpreting for Deaf Parents
Identify Problems in the situation.
1. Information should remain confidential. (1.1 Share assignment- related information only on a confidential and "as-needed basis.)
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2. Conflict of interest (3.8 Avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest that might cause harm or interfere with the effectiveness of interpreting services.)
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3. Provide professional services and maintain client needs. (6.1 Accurately represent qualification, such as certification, educational background, and experience and provide documentation when requested.) (2.2 Assess consumer needs and the interpreting situation before and during the assignment and make adjustments as needed.)
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Possible Solutions
1. The interpreter could inform the individual that information should remain confidential as much as possible and only share on an "as needed basis."
2. The interpreter could inform them that he/she is a certified professional and would be able to meet the client's needs.
3. The interpreter could also inform them that it is required by law to provide professional interpreters for Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients.
4. The interpreter could also let them know that there is potential conflict of interest if CODAS are interpreting for their family members.
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Decision Evaluation
Short term benefits:
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Deaf client will have someone to interpret their message in the moment.
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Hearing/ non-signer individual will not have to find or make appointment with a certified interpreter professional.
Long term benefits
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Education and credentials of the interpreter will uphold and will have their place for providing services where needed.
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Deaf community will know that they matter, and that the hearing community will seek to find individuals to provide professional services to meet their needs.
Closing Statement:
I would explain to the individual wanting to use CODAs for their Deaf clients that certified interpreters should be used. This would ensure that the Deaf client gets the professional they need to interpret for them. They will in turn get trust from the Deaf community and the interpreter will be hired to use their professional skills and education. They will not break the law that requires them to hire a professional for their Deaf client and will have other members from the Deaf community look for their services as long as they keep their trust.
