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Sqwiggy
VIP April 2016

Working with a Sign Language interpreter

Sqwiggy, on January 24, 2016 at 12:50 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 11

Two of our guest are deaf and use ASL. We are hiring an interpreter (she was my ASL teacher at the community college). Do the officiant and interpreter need to meet before hand? Does she need a script? What about the DJ/MC should they coordinate? The guest are part of the wedding should I book the interpreter for the rehearsal?

11 Comments

Latest activity by NowASeptMrs, on January 24, 2016 at 3:57 PM
  • Celia Milton
    Celia Milton ·
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    I love it! I started taking ASL last year because I want to be able to at least sign my couples' vows to each other.

    I don't think they necessarily need to meet, but sending her a script beforehand would be key.

    And yes, they should coordinate with the MC too, but they can probably do that on the day.

    I love this!

    Just curious, why did you take ASL?

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  • Ostrichka
    VIP February 2016
    Ostrichka ·
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    I would just ask your guests whether they think the interpreter needs to coordinate with your other vendors in advance, and whether you should book one for the rehearsal too. Perhaps they have a family member they could bring along just for the rehearsal dinner who could sign for them?

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  • Sqwiggy
    VIP April 2016
    Sqwiggy ·
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    FH's two daughters are deaf so I took an intro class. My teacher is nervous because she's never done a wedding but I feel very comfortable with her.

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  • Celia Milton
    Celia Milton ·
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    Then definitely get her a script.

    Keep in mind that she wouldn't necessarily have to sign every single word; when I have interpreters in other languages, they often just do key parts of the ceremony.

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  • Sqwiggy
    VIP April 2016
    Sqwiggy ·
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    @minne I guess I should've been clearer. The guest are his teenage daughters. I don't want to ask anyone in the family because I don't want them "working". It is very important that they are included in every aspect and not left out. I might even have the interpreter in the room while we get dressed.

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  • Old married lady
    Master September 2016
    Old married lady ·
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    I think it's awesome you are doing this! Especially give that it's her first wedding I would at least get her a script so she can be prepared

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  • Sqwiggy
    VIP April 2016
    Sqwiggy ·
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    @ashley We didn't even talk about this last night. Not enough time.

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  • sandpiper
    Super March 2016
    sandpiper ·
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    Awesome! I don't know a lot about ASL specifically, but generally for people who are doing simultaneous interpreting, it's really helpful to have a script or at least a list of key vocabulary beforehand so they can prepare.

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  • MsM
    Devoted October 2017
    MsM ·
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    I think that's awesome! A script is a must, especially if she's nervous. If she lives close to the officiant that might be helpful, but if it doesn't work out you'll be okay without them meeting

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  • Ostrichka
    VIP February 2016
    Ostrichka ·
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    Ah! I assumed they were adult guests.

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  • NowASeptMrs
    Master September 2015
    NowASeptMrs ·
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    This is awesome! My mom isn't deaf but is hard of hearing. Ours was loud enough for her to hear but obviously not the case in your situation. I would think since it's her first wedding it might be nice to have them meet even just a half hour over coffee and share. A script. She won't sign word for word but she'll have an idea of the flow of the ceremony and key Words to listen for to know you're moving onto the next part.

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