Oh Wow. She eats Sandwiches

RantWoman actually quite likes the following article which came via one of her favorite blind interpreter e-mail lists. RantWoman especially likes that this interpreter is more open about cultural differences regarding disabilities than some other interpreters. However, since RantWoman is an equal opportunity grouch, she also wishes, below the article, to offer a few small quibbles with what Ms. Parker says:

----To: 'A list for blind and low vision translators and interpreters and their interested professors' theroundtable@screenreview.org>

FW: Meet an Interpreter
Meet an Interpreter: Edith Parker Blindness does not impair a person's ability to interpret. Edith Parker warmly greeted me when i met her at a local cafe and bakery for our interview. Because Edith is blind, I offered her my arm to guide her towards the line of people waiting to order. She used her cane to detect a nearby chair and we began eating sandwiches. I must admit, I was uncertain about how much assistance she wanted / needed. This matter became one of the main topics and discussion. She knows that others may not know how to interact with the blind. Often times, this happens in order to avoid making the blind person uncomfortable. Edith informs the Latino and American community about the kinds of assistance the blind need. Edith was born in El Salvador and shared some cultural differences between American and Latino cultures. She explained the Latino culture is less accepting of people with special needs than Americans. Culturally, in general, people think that blind persons are either incredibly remarkable or incapable of taking care of themselves. Both communities must understand that Edith’s blindness does not impair her ability to interpret. Although rare, there have been instances when a patient or provider refused interpretation services after learning Edith is blind. It is important that patients understand that Edith has the experience and training necessary to be a good interpreter. She has over 10yrs experience as a Spanish interpreter—8yrs have been with NV AHEC. Edith’s goal is educate the American and Latino community about the abilities of blind people. She talked about what kind of assistance the blind need. When meeting a blind person, it is important to walk near them and introduce yourself, guide them with your arm and indicate where chairs are located. When Edith has an assignment, we call the provider to make sure they know how to assist her. Edith checks her email to obtain assignment information with a screen reader called “JAWS.” The message is then read aloud by an automated voice. For those needing to purchase screen reading software, Edith believes JAWS is an excellent choice.Edith shared some very personal experiences. At the age of two, Edith had the Measles,followed by the Chicken Pox. Because of limited health care resources in El Salvador, (due to a civil war), she did not receive the medical care she needed and became blind. It was not until the age of 7 that Edith understood the concept of light: “I didn’t even know what light was like. I could see it but I didn’t know it.” On Christmas Day, late at night, on the way home from church, Edith suddenly “saw a huge light in the sky—for the first time.” She told her mom thatshe saw a huge, plate-shaped light and asked her mom what this was. Edith’s mom answered, “That’s the moon.” Today, Edith enjoys fireworks and lightning storms.Edith has traveled to France, Brazil, Mexico, Morocco, Guatemala, Portugal, Spain and Rome.She loved going to the beaches in Mexico and Spain. Edith remembered traveling to the South of France with 5 of her friends. They had rented a car during a trip but still needed to find a hotel for the night. Edith’s friends believed that a reservation would not be necessary—that they would easily find a hotel. When inquiring about room availability, Edith’s friends insisted that they would be the ones to make the hotel arrangements—that Edith wait in the car. As the day passed on, none of them were successful. With resolve to secure a room, Edith said, “this timeI’m going whether you like it or not.” At 9pm, Edith made arrangements for her and friends to stay at the hotel. Even though Edith is just as capable of booking a room as her friends, her friends questioned her abilities. As Edith puts her sandwich in her bag, she jokingly compares interpreters to gypsies because interpreters often carry a lot with them when their out for the day on assignments. They lug around notebooks, books to read while waiting for assignments, and sometimes food. In the streets of D.C. Edith notices interpreters using bags on rollers. Edith keeps her interpreting skills sharp by listening to programs in Spanish and English. She says, “believe it or not…things[Spanish] have changed, so I try to keep up with Language.”I am grateful that Edith shared such personal experiences. Edith described the world in a way I would have never imagined. This openness makes it easier for others to relate. In turn, people will be more receptive to learning about blindness. Edith also expressed great appreciation to AHEC for giving her the opportunity to work as an interpreter.-- Interviewed by Julia Wills _______________________________________________Theroundtable mailing listTheroundtable@lists.screenreview.orghttp://lists.screenreview.org/listinfo.cgi/theroundtable-screenreview.org

RantWoman's two big quibbles:

Speaking on behalf of ALL blind people is a fool's errand. RanntWoman agrees that introducing oneself and saying one's name is a great help. Speaking only for herself, RantWoman also greatly appreciates help about menus and information about what choices may be available. RantWoman is all for workplace diversity but she has a little too much experience with retail employees whose ability to understand English in the domain of their jobs greatly exceeds their ability to provide answers in English.

Ms. Parker speaks about what help works for her. RantWoman routinely says Thank You to many forms of assistance even when she does not need them; she ALWAYS wants to be asked before any specific help is provided. This includes assistance crossing the street, directions around a room, and numerous other "help" RantWoman may be offered in any given day. RantWoman is generally capable of speaking up about many issues and if RantWoman declines the assistance you have offered, please do not feel obliged to repeat the offer two or three times. This only causes RantWoman to doubt your command of English, and basic courtesy not to mention your respect for RantWoman as a competent, capable autonomous human being.

Okay, okay, RantWoman is starting to foam at the mouth and urges her readers to resume reflection on Ms. Parker's accomplishments!