Working with Sign Language Interpreters

Here are some guidelines........



Interpreters’ Professional Code of Ethics

A Sign Language Interpreter Will:

1) Maintain Confidentiality
2) Demonstrate Ethical Business practices
a. To be on time
b. To be dependable
c. To dress appropriately
d. To be discrete
e. To be honest
f. To be environmentally – friendly
g. To charge reasonable fees
h. To declare and avoid conflicts of interest

3) Convey the spirit and intent of the message
a. To meet the consumers linguistic needs

4) Maintain respect for the consumer
a. To maintain professional distance
b. To provide advocacy and information

5) Remain impartial
a. Do not give personal opinion during interpreting assignment

6) Continue Professional Development
7) Conform to the Code of Ethics

DRAFT #1
September 3, 2006
Sign Language Interpreting Workshop, Machakos

Press Release!

In compliance with the Persons with Disabilities ACT 2003 Kenyan Sign Language Interpreters Association (KSLIA) would like to enlighten the general public of it’s mandate and mission in provision of quality Interpretation services to the Deaf community in Kenya.

KSLIA was registered in 2000 under the Societies Act with the goal of providing quality interpretation services to the Deaf community in Kenya. KSLIA will strive to reach this goal by focusing on the following objectives:
1. KSLIA will maintain a registry of qualified and practicing interpreters in Kenya. KSLIA will continually maintain a high level of professionalism by enforcing the Interpreter code of ethics, continuing education and a license maintenance program for all its membership.
2. KSLIA in collaboration with like-minded stakeholders will establish a research, training, certification and regulatory process for accrediting interpreters in Kenya.
3. KSLIA will strive to form networks and forums for its members to exchange ideas, best practices and mentoring as part of its activities
4. KSLIA will develop information, education and communication materials on issues of Deafness, Sign language, Deaf Education, Deaf Culture and Heritage, establish resource centers for information sharing and dissemination.

Since its formation KSLIA in partnership with local and international organizations has facilitated the training and certification of 20 interpreters in Kenya. KSLIA has drafted and adopted a code of ethics, continues to update its registry of interpreters, organizing interpreter trainings and forging new alliances gearing to reach its goal.

Exciting times lay ahead and the work of KSLIA will now look at working towards the provision of quality interpretation services, providing equal access to information, education, communication and other essential social services to the Kenyan Deaf community.

Chairman, KSLIA.

Visit us at www.kslia.blogspot.com Email: kslia_chairman@yahoo.com

KSLIA providing quality professional interpretation service!!