Hello everyone! I would like to present one suggestion for interpreters to consider when working with deaf clients: Usually when an interpreter is off-duty and interacting with the deaf community, sometimes they don’t realize that when a hearing person come along and they ask the interpreter questions about the deaf people, they would take over and answer questions directly. Certainly, their intentions are noble- they want to explain and educate others about the deaf people, their language, and so forth. Consider the alternative; encourage the hearing person to directly ask their questions to the deaf person(s) instead of the interpreter. If the deaf person happens to be knowledgeable or an expert in the deaf culture/language, introduce the hearing person to that deaf person. It may be awkward at first for the hearing person, but just step back and let it happen naturally, with the interpreter acting as an interpreter for the two. Let the hearing person ask the questions and let the deaf person provide the answers. Such a situation is benefiting, because it enables the interpreter to empower the deaf person while also providing support in that capability, yet also allowing the hearing person to learn how to interact with the deaf in general. Normally, a hearing person tend to look toward the interpreter (largely due to the power of sound) but if the interpreter were to stand behind the deaf person and let him/her take the stage, the focus of the hearing person would shift to the deaf person instead of the interpreter. Likewise, this situation would also push the deaf person to learn how to explain himself and his culture/language as well. Without the benefit of this situation, the hearing person wouldn’t learn how to overcome his/her fear of approaching the deaf person directly. It is a worthwhile experience for all involved. That is my tip for all the interpreters out there- don’t take over and let the deaf people explain themselves.