Steve has been offered a part time job at our local Deseret Industries, which he accepted. Today is his first day.
Don’t show up, late, incompetent, too distracted, bring their (friends, lovers, relatives)….these are all descriptions of Steve’s experiences with interpreters in Utah. Right now he is in a meeting with a couple of other employees and the interpreter did not show up. He is lost and doesn’t know what the employer is saying. He said, “In New Jersey, the only excuse for an interpreter not showing up is DEATH.”
He tells me (through his Sidekick) “It’s not a big deal.” But I know it is a big deal. I just don’t know what to do about it.
Update: There is a lady who works at the D.I. who knows how to sign. I do not know how much Sign Language she knows, but apparently it is enough so Steve does not feel lost. Why they did not use her in the first place, I do not know. It’s nice that he has at least one person he can communicate with. You see, God watches out for us even after we complain.
As a side note, Deseret Industries sounds like an interesting place to work. He said that four people were fired for stealing. People have to be in desperate to steal from a thrift store, I think.
They have him sorting clothes that people drop off. He’s found everything from bags of dirty underwear (it’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it) to brand new clothes. He even found a tooth with a silver filling. Who knows what else he will find. I think he’s feeling a little humiliated at doing this work and said that anyone who laughs at him will get shot. I am reminded of my sweet brother who worked as a computer programmer for 40 years, and then after losing his last job was unable to find another computer job. He now works in a warehouse. He and my husband are doing work that is honorable and I admire them both for being humble (not humiliated).
Filed under: Communication Issues, Job Hunting and Working, Signer vs. Interpreter
Your husband should definitely let his company know that they need to find another interpreter provider, and fast. I’m shocked by the description you gave of what some of them are like – I would never do something like that. He should also consider contacting UTRID to mention the problems he’s been having, as they will be able to provide good advice.
You are doing something about it just by coming here and talking about it on your blog.
It is very educational. I have never given any thought to how important an interpreter is. I have also always taken for granted that hearing family members can do all the interpreting. There is so much that those of us who have our hearing, sight and etc. take for granted in day to day life and we sometimes need someone like you to kick us in the butt and bring it to our attention.
Tell Steve to kick butt with this job…There is nothing wrong with it, it is a job of service unto the Lord as he tells us to take care of the poor anyway we can.