America: Every Individual Valued

I was told that I was scheduled to interpret for a psychological evaluation that was to take place at 2:00PM.  Because I speak Mandarin Chinese, I am called upon from time to time to provide interpretation (translation) when a psychological evaluation is being administered involving an English-speaking clinical psychologist and a Mandarin speaking subject. A psychologist conducts an extensive interview of the person, while I communicate to the person what the psychologist says and then convey the interviewee’s response to the psychologist.  These kinds of evaluations involve intelligence assessment as well as tests and questionnaires that assess cognitive functioning, awareness of current surroundings, etc. 

On this particular day, the assessment concerned a parent’s ability to care for a child. I was acquainted with the psychologist having worked with her previously.  However on this occasion the psychologist told me that a clinical psychology intern, a young Ph.D. student from a local university where the psychologist teaches, would actually do the evaluation. 

What made this particular evaluation memorable was that this young intern was deaf.  She was studying at Gallaudet University, which serves deaf students and is located in nearby Washington, DC.  The psychology student spoke to me very clearly stating that she could hear very little but that she could read lips to some degree.  She and her supervising psychologist conversed in a mixture of speaking and sign language.  I noticed that the intern had a small button-like device, no bigger than a dime attached behind one ear with a tiny wire disappearing under her collar.

I was then introduced to a sign language interpreter who would interpret what was said to the psychology intern.  We began the process.  Each exchange went as follows:  The intern would speak to the interviewee, I would interpret what she said into Mandarin, the interviewee would respond to me in Mandarin, and I would then translate the response into English. Then the sign-language interpreter would translate it for the benefit of the intern.  Review:  Intern, me, client, me, sign-language interpreter, intern.

Sometimes the subject didn’t understand the question.  In this case the subject would ask me for clarification in Mandarin, which I would translate into English, which the sign-language interpreter would translate for the intern.  The process proceeded accordingly. 

The evaluation stretched over several days and as I reflected on it, I marveled at the effort and expense that was put forth to provide this individual and her child with these needed services.  One might ask, “Was it really necessary to have a deaf psychologist which in turn necessitated a sign-language interpreter?”  To this I would respond, it would be a shame if this bright psychology intern were unable to gain the necessary experience to compete her training.  She will go on to provide invaluable treatment for individuals, both deaf and hearing.  She possesses unique abilities that will not be utilized without sign language, and in this case Mandarin interpretation.

From time to time, I have heard criticisms of laws and regulations that require that various accommodations and aids be provided for individuals with certain disabilities.  Usually the complaint is that such accommodations are expensive and serve only a few.   For my part I am extremely proud that in America we endeavor to do everything possible to insure that no individual is hindered due to disability from participation in events and experiences which would benefit and enrich.  In addition I am pleased that we as a society are not deprived of the unique contributions of such individuals who would have difficulty plying their craft were it not for the aid of certain accommodations.  For my part, it is well worth the cost.


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