The Best Way to Show Up: Interpreters Are More Than Their Voices and Hands

Self-advocacy is less of a choice but rather a strategic necessity for Deaf and hard of hearing professionals. When systems don’t account for you, advocating for yourself isn’t a preference - it’s a must.

As I discussed in last week’s blog post on self-advocacy, Deaf and hard of hearing professionals shouldn’t have to advocate alone. 

We deserve support systems built to champion accessibility and inclusion. Especially from the support team we work with daily - including interpreters and other accessibility champions holding the key to effective communication.

In corporate boardrooms, team meetings, networking events, and performance reviews, communication facilitators hold more power than you realize.

With regard to interpreters, true advocacy and allyship extends far beyond skill. It’s rooted in practicing cultural humility, strategic and systemic awareness, and the ability to navigate power and privilege.

Presence Isn’t Enough. Preparation Is The Key.

Most Deaf and hard of hearing individuals can spot the difference between a skilled interpreter and an unprepared one before an interaction even begins.

Interpreter readiness is apparent in: 

• Proactive Preparation: All fundamental details are sorted out in advance.
• Subject Matter Expertise: They can confidently discuss relevant terminology, concepts, or cultural nuances related to the assignment.
• Inquiring Mindset: They ask clarifying questions about difficult concepts, potential ambiguities, or sensitive topics.
• Technical Aptitude: They can navigate a wide range of environments, including virtual ones. For remote assignments, they are equipped with crisp working environments and backgrounds, as well as secure internet access. 
• Professional Demeanor: They exhibit punctuality, clear communication, and a calm, focused attitude.
• Appropriate Attire: They show up dressed appropriately (yes, I’ve had an interpreter show up wearing ripped jeans while I was in a suit).

There’s a world of difference between an interpreter who simply shows up and one who’s ready to support.

When the System Fails, Who Will Notice?

The interpreter is often the only other person in the room who fully understands what was said, what was meant, and what was lost in translation.

Exceptional interpreters can spot when access is breaking down, even when everything seems “fine” to the others in the room.

Members of my community deserve interpreters who can navigate moments like:

• A Deaf or hard of hearing professional correcting a misinterpretation mid-meeting, and navigating the risk of being labeled “difficult”
• A manager giving a Deaf or hard of hearing professional vague, coded feedback lacking clear guidance
• A Deaf or hard of hearing leader delivering critical input to a hearing subordinate A Deaf or hard of hearing professional interviewing for a leadership position in a highly-regulated environment  
• A Deaf or hard of hearing professional balancing casual, yet professional interaction at a networking event. 
• A hearing colleague using humor or sarcasm that relies heavily on vocal tone and facial expressions
• A Deaf or hard of hearing professional asking a pointed question and recieving a deliberatively evasive answer.

These barriers aren’t just language challenges. These are contextual, power-driven moments which require interpreters who can recognize when neutrality results in the lack of effective communication.

From Language Brokers to Equity Partners

When the stakes are high, the context is complex, and the Deaf professional in the room is already carrying the weight of being the only one like them at the table - highly-skilled interpreters are a strategic necessity.

Being a great interpreter isn’t about being invisible. It’s about being impactful in the right moments by delivering effective communication and removing systemic barriers to access.

I’ve lived through the awkward pauses, the misread tones, the moments when access failed me and members of my community - leaving us to pick up the pieces mid-conversation.

I’ve also worked with interpreters who transformed my accessibility experience, because they were thoughtful, informed, and present in every sense of the word.

Exceptional interpreters are more than a voice and hands. They are a trusted partner in breaking down systemic barriers and delivering equitable communication access for all.

The 2025 Interpreting for Deaf Professionals Summit 

The role of the interpreter is powerful. In high-stakes professional spaces where Deaf and hard of hearing individuals are navigating not just conversation but bias, culture, and power - the interpreter’s impact can be amplified exponentially.

That’s why we’re hosting the second annual Interpreting for Deaf Professionals Summit this September.

This Deaf-led summit is designed by Deaf experts for interpreters who want to deepen their skillset, expand their contextual awareness, and better support access for Deaf and hard of hearing professionals and their colleagues.

If you're not an interpreter but work closely with one, please invite them to join us.

The systems we’re working to change demand more than presence - they require preparation, partnership, and purpose. Join us to learn how you can play your part.