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RID Position Papers
Additional Resources
Deaf Mental Health Resources

​In the winter of 2022, the list serve of the National Deaf Center shared resources for Deaf mental health. This list is compiled from that email chain:

Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some jobs require two interpreters?

Interpreting between two languages and cultures is a highly demanding cognitive task. Two interpreters may be required to provide effective services based a number of assignment characteristics, including the number of participants involved, interactive dynamics, density and complexity of content, and length of the assignment. Discussing with interpreters and consumers the details and needs of the setting is the best way to ensure that all participants will have access to engaging in the event.

What is a CDI and why might my event need one?

A CDI is a Certified Deaf Interpreter.

 

Interpreters who are themselves Deaf are linguistic and cultural specialists who can enhance many interpreting situations. The unique experiences and training that CDIs bring to an interpreting team help ensure that communication is clear and accurate for everyone involved.

 

For more information about CDIs, please visit the National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers website: 
http://www.interpretereducation.org/specialization/deaf-interpreter/
Or see this video:

https://www.facebook.com/DACInterpreting/videos/1563494030616649/

What does CI/CT mean?

As the interpreting profession has developed over the last several decades, the process of national certification has evolved. The current national certification is called the NIC (National Interpreter Certification).  

 

Previous certifications were titled CI/CT (Certificate of Interpreting/Transliteration) and CSC (Consecutive Skills Certificate). The certification body, RID-NAD also offers a number of certificates and permits for specializations in interpreting. 

 

Certification recognizes an interpreter as minimally qualified to work.

While certification indicates entry-level skills, it is the responsibility of interpreters, consumers, and hiring entities to consider the specific needs and aligning skills of interpreters for each individual assignment.
(If you are unsure about the suitability of an interpreter for a specific setting, please check with the interpreter and consumers to discuss how likely it is that (s)he will be a good fit.) 

What does QMHI mean?

QMHI is the specialty certificate "Qualified Mental Health Interpreter." Certified interpreters can earn this specialization with forty hours of specialty training, a forty-hour practicum, and upon passing the QMHI exam. For more information on the history, training, and qualifications related to the QMHI (often called, "The Q"), please see the Mental Health Interpreter Training program's website: http://mhit.org/about.html.

Some of my favorite papers, 
articles, & presentations:
(For interpreters) - What is the difference between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism?

I just recently was introduced to the concept of "adaptive perfectionism" in contrast to maladaptive perfectionism. Understanding the difference may be invaluable for interpreters' (and other practice professions) professional development and protection against burnout. Check out the first few pages of Dr. Schwenke's dissertation:

 

"The Relationships between Perfectionism, Stress, Coping Resources, and Burnout among Sign Language Interpreters."

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