Hey, Trix! What do you think about what happened with the unqualified and fraudulent interpreter at the Mandela memorial service?

A lot of fans have asked about this, and shared their opinions about the fraudulent interpreter at Mandela’s memorial service. At first glance, when I saw that they had included an interpreter, I was grateful for what I thought seemed like appropriate Deaf community accessibility. However, then, all around the world, the Deaf were shocked when they were unable to understand that interpreter at all because he was "faking" sign language and just moving his hands randomly.

The world is full of situations like this, in which accessibility is not provided, whether due to an unqualified interpreter or some other situation with inadequate communication. Trust me. I've been there!  I've tried so many times to educate people to provide for Deaf people's right to clear communication in public situations. This is not a first, but its significance is that now the whole world has seen the shocking situation in which a man without qualifications in interpreting, and with a long record of instability and even violence, was placed near the President of the United States and other world leaders. Maybe this was some kind of karma, a terribly unsafe and inappropriate situation caused by lack of concern for qualified interpreting accessibility. This situation has impacted the whole world!  There are so many questions for the governments, security staff, committees, attorneys, and Deaf people – why was an unqualified interpreter there? 

Once I performed my show in an auditorium full of elementary school children, and I noticed they weren't laughing at the funny parts. I knew it must be because of the inadequacies of the voice interpreter, so I asked the staff there to use a back-up interpreter (as usually there are two interpreters working as a team) and I performed the bit again. The kids got the point and laughed and laughed.  I decided to stick with the 2^nd interpreter for the rest of the performance. Later on, I talked with the 1^st voice interpreter, and she admitted that it was her first time voicing for a live performance.  I learned something from this experience, and afterwards, I made sure that a fully certified & experienced voice interpreter was selected for this position.

Most staff in charge of hotels, airlines, restaurants, and other such venues are not familiar with Deaf customers.  When I request a simple tactile alarm clock at a hotel, most people have no clue what it is.  Airline staff sometimes panic when they learn that I am a Deaf passenger. They keep asking me if I can lip-read. This gets to be an annoying question!  Restaurant staff give me funny looks when I simply ask for pen and paper to give my order. Is it so difficult to understand that I'd like to write my order? Do they think I am going to secretly rob them?

I always enjoy sharing my stories with various communities, such as the Disability, Diversity, Multicultural, Deaf, Hearing and Interpreter communities. In one of the shows I do, I love to make people laugh as I explain what I've been through while traveling over the last 15 years. 

Presentation:

Adventuring in American Sign Language: Trix ’s Travels

(excellent for all audiences, Deaf-Culture Educational)

 

Trix's newest show, Adventuring in ASL: Trix’s Travels, features hilarious true tales. As a Deaf person traveling among hearing people, Trix has experienced incredible ups and downs, adventures, snags, crazy-making moments, and eventual happy landings. Trix draws you in as she encounters misunderstandings, missed flights, embarrassing times, exciting challenges, and a growing sense of travel-savvy. Take a ride with Trix, and see for yourself! (YouTube Video Preview: Trix’s Travels)

Now, due to the event with the fraudulent interpreter, the world has finally been hit hard as it realizes what happens when communication issues are not carefully considered. Deaf communities have spoken out. This has INSPIRED me, and I say, "Good for them!" I support the complaints and look to join the worldwide Deaf community to seek improved service quality. The more people who recognize that Deaf people have rights and Deaf people can speak out, the better. Deaf people "Can do!"

Thank you all for thinking of me and allowing me to share my thoughts with you all.