Using Zoom for American Sign Language (ASL) Assignments in Court-Best Practices for Providing Sign Language Interpretation on Zoom

Best Practices for Providing Sign Language Interpretation on Zoom

Pdf Summary

This document outlines best practices for court interpreters providing sign language interpretation during Zoom-based remote court events. It highlights several essential strategies to enhance accessibility and communication for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and other sign language users.

<strong>Co-hosting and Accessibility:</strong> Interpreters are advised to request co-host status to manage screens effectively and maintain a visual connection with Deaf court users and the interpreting team. Co-hosting allows interpreters to use features like multi-pin for optimal screen organization. Technical difficulties with Zoom may necessitate rescheduling or in-person interpretation if communication cannot be established.

<strong>Identifying Roles:</strong> Upon joining a Zoom session, interpreters should enter their role and name in the display name (e.g., "ASL Interpreter – Jane Doe"). This can be updated through the "Rename" feature. Clearly labeled participant roles help court users identify attendees easily.

<strong>Handling Documents:</strong> Interpreters should pause interpretation during document presentations to allow court users time to read. The interpreter may provide a sight translation or the document can be read aloud at an attorney's discretion.

<strong>Speaker Indication:</strong> Instead of using referential indexing, interpreters should use names and neutral physical descriptions (e.g., clothing color) to identify speakers, as screen layouts may differ for each user.

<strong>Reporting Challenges:</strong> It’s crucial that interpreters and court users can see each other at all times; any loss in visual contact should be reported immediately to the court. The "Raise Hand" feature can be used to alert the court to issues.

<strong>Role Changes:</strong> In proceedings, interpreters may need to switch roles, such as between table interpreter and proceedings interpreter. Permission from the judge is required to change roles during a session, and new arrangements should be made if an interpreter must fill a different position. 

These best practices aim to ensure effective and seamless communication in remote legal proceedings.

Keywords

court interpreters

sign language

Zoom

remote court

accessibility

Deaf users

co-hosting

role identification

document handling

speaker indication