An interpreter is a trained professional who serves as the communication link between hearing- impaired persons and those with whom they have contact. Several things to remember when communicating with an interpreter are:

• Interpreters view all information from an interpreting situation as confidential.
• Interpreters maintain an impartial attitude while interpreting.
• Interpreters are not allowed to provide tutoring assistance to the student.
• Interpreters may not counsel the student or instructor.
• Interpreters neither add to nor delete from any interaction that takes place. Everything that is said will be interpreted into sign and everything signed by the hearing-impaired or deaf person will be voiced.
• The interpreter is present to facilitate communication and to serve all parties involved. Therefore, if you do not understand the hearing-impaired person’s voice or signs, you may ask the interpreter to repeat what has been said.
• Speak directly to the hearing-impaired person, not to the interpreter. The interpreter is not part of the conversation, and is not permitted to voice personal opinions, or enter into the conversation.
• Speak clearly and in a normal tone. Do not rush your speech. The interpreter or the hearing-impaired person may ask you to slow down or repeat a word or sentence for clarification.
• Remember that the interpreter is a few words behind the speaker. Give the interpreter time to finish so that the hearing-impaired person can respond or ask questions.
• Replace terms such as "here" and "there" with more specific terms such as "on the second line" and "in the right hand corner."
• In a conference room or class environment, the deaf student and interpreter will work out seating arrangements, with the interpreter usually located near the speaker.
• Inform the interpreter in advance if there is an audiovisual element in a presentation so arrangements can be made for lighting and positioning.
• Be sensitive to sessions that extend longer than one hour. The interpreter may require a short break to maintain proficiency in interpreting.