PIE à la mode
Spring, 2003
Volume 5, Issue 1

PIE's Finest News Source

Ingredients

A Spring Thing...

My Internship Experience at PIE

Professional Development Resources

Palm Orientation

Me and My Shadow

Q & A

ADA Corner

Your Training and Development: Another Resource

Safety First

Deadline for next Newsletter

Flavor of the…

 

A Spring Thing...
by Stephanie Kerkvliet

Spring is upon us. We've made it through another winter. This time of year always holds a special fascination for me personally. The promise of so much that is fresh, new, improved and full of hope. Seeing the very first robin, buds on the trees, grass growing greener and best of all, rising temperatures! These are a few of my favorite spring things. Here at PIE we are seeing some spring-like changes as well.

On February 20th PIE held the first meeting of the newly re-created Deaf Advisory Board. Enthusiastic participation by members who attended resulted in the creation of a schedule of meetings (four per year) each with a particular focus. The next meeting will be in May and the focus will be on attracting and "maintaining quality interpreters" and also "diversity". Meetings are open to any Deaf person who is a consumer of PIE interpreting services. If you would like more information about the Deaf Advisory Board please contact PIE's office assistant, Elizabeth Burgert.

In the Training & Development area, PIE Employees were recently (on 3/1) treated to a workshop on Deaf and Hearing interpreters working as teams. This workshop was a great success. Participation was fantastic with lots of great discussion and interaction. PIE will definitely offer a part two to this workshop sometime in the future!

As hospitals move closer to the April 14 th deadline of compliance with privacy rules under the governments, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), PIE is receiving numerous HIPAA agreement contracts. These contracts are meant to protect personal health information that might be given to PIE by health care facilities attempting to schedule interpreters for patients. These agreements will not require interpreters to do much more than revisit their own commitment to the RID code of ethics.

For interpreters, HIPAA is a good reminder not to loose sight of the importance of keeping information strictly confidential. Some health care facilities are requesting that "agents" of PIE (meaning interpreters) sign written agreements obligating them to comply with the terms of the HIPAA agreement. PIE may soon be asking interpreters to supply a written statement that they will, indeed, agree to follow the RID code of ethics in keeping all information confidential.

PIE coordinators continue to do a fantastic job despite having to deal with uncooperative computers. We are working toward making positive changes in this area too. Technology is an ever changing part of business. Our goal is to improve this area so that the scheduling process is as excellent as the services we schedule!

This is a BIG interpreter convention year. Several PIE interpreters will be attending the "Iron Sharpens Iron" Seminar in Atlanta, Georgia April 3-5. The flyer describes this training as a, "high caliber seminar promoting excellence in legal interpreting". PIE interpreters also look forward to the RID conference being held close to home this year in Chicago. Wisconsin's own WAD and WisRID conferences too will likely be on many PIE interpreters' calendars. Plenty of opportunity to grow, develop and continue to set our professional goals higher and higher.

By the time you read this no doubt even more changes will have taken place here at PIE. I hope the spring of 2003 greets you with excitement about working with PIE and renewed commitment to excellence. I welcome you to share your ideas, concerns and thoughts at any time. Spring is change. Change is good. Keep looking up!

 

MY INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE AT PIE
by Nicole Stelzner

Wow, where do I begin? My name is Nicole Stelzner. I am a student at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. In May I hope to graduate from the Interpreter Training Program. Recently, I have been interning with PIE. I chose them for many reasons. I had already interned in an educational setting and I wanted to see the differences in working for an agency as opposed to a classroom. I also am interning with PIE to work on my skills. I have many goals that I want to accomplish and the only way for me to accomplish these goals is to roll up my sleeves and jump right in. Of course, my hands on experience comes with excellent supervision. I get to work with a brilliant staff who allow me to be involved in the team work process.

Interning with PIE has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. PIE has given me the opportunity to work with a huge spectrum of fantastic interpreters who have shown me a great deal of support. I cannot say this enough. As a student, that is so important because I really need a hand to reach down the "ladder" and help me up. I am so impressed with the dedication that PIE has, not only in doing their job, but their dedication to helping others achieve their goals. I not only got to develop my skills, but I grew spiritually as an individual from this experience. I have been able to see many theories and principles in practice at PIE and how they are always being enhanced.

Not only have I been able to work with the wonderful staff at PIE, but I have also been blessed to work with the different consumers. The consumers really understand that the only way to become a successful interpreter is to have on the job training. The consumers have been more than gracious in allowing me to train with a professional team member in settings appropriate to my skill level.

I want you to know that I have been welcomed and supported greatly since I have been here and I know that it will continue. I know that sometimes anything can be a hassle, but not once has PIE made me feel as if I was a burden. They have embraced me with open arms, and I know someday when I become a mentor I will do the same. My progress could not be where it is today without them. I am very lucky to be interning with PIE and, PIE, for that I thank you!

Professional Development Resources
by Linda Lonning

Hello everyone! This edition of the à la mode brings you several resources to enhance your own professional development knowledge and collection of references. If you find the information useful, drop me a note at PIEIncTandD@hotmail.com .

What's up? First, T & D would like to welcome Amanda Mulligan-Rice who is assisting with T & D work. Amanda helped put together some of the T & D resources brought to you in this newsletter. I am very thankful to have her help as there is always more that can be done with the program.

As you should already know, PIE hosted a free workshop for its part- and full-time employees. We were glad to see many of you take advantage of this company benefit and time for us all to come together to learn as a real PIE TEAM.

We are looking ahead to host a few events during 2003. Right now, what we are considering is an event on religious interpreting in September, another event to honor our ITP graduates post-graduation time (like we did in 2002), and possibly a 1-2 part workshop on business/tax aspects of working as an independent consultant versus working part- or full-time with a company.

NEW PIE Employee Benefit Paid for by PIE

Do you have a PINRA that you need processed? What is a "PINRA," you say? PINRA stands for Participant Initiated Non-RID Activity. It means you probably can earn CEU's for that workshop or conference you want to go to but isn't offering RID CEU's to all participants. See the article "Steps to Complete a PINRA" that outlines how this works on PIE's website. Go to www.pieinc-wi.com , and click on the link to the PINRA article.   (While there, check out the chart information on ways you can earn RID CEU's and ACET   hours.) You must contact Linda Lonning or Elizabeth Burgert at least 14 days prior to the start of the event you want PINRA CEU's for.

Elizabeth:
PIEInc@execpc.com
In Subj. line type: PINRA

Linda:
PIEIncTandD@hotmail.com
In Subj. line type: PINRA

Signing off for now,                                                       

Linda Lonning, PIE Training & Development Program Coordinator
 

Palm Orientation (tips for non-palm users too)
by Tim Mumm

One of the most frustrating things for any interpreter, and for PIE, is when an interpreter misses an appointment or is late because it was not entered correctly in their Palm organizer (or any calendar). I've been there; it is not a happy experience. I've found it to be important to not only get the information into my Palm Pilot, but once the new week's information (or update) is there, to call the office and, with Palm in hand, go through my schedule with a coordinator, item by item, checking the date, time (including AM or PM), and all relevant information. The office staff has never complained, and we've caught errors more than once. Make it a routine to get your info into your calendar, and then call to confirm every item.

Then, every day after work, take time to check your schedule for the next day. It's common sense, but it's easy to overlook. Much better to say "Oh #@%!!!, I have a 5 AM appointment" at six in the evening than at six in the morning. Interpreters and office staff are both busy, but these are simple, valuable steps toward ensuring that we continue to provide consistent, quality service.

ME AND MY SHADOW
by Amy Free and Amanda H.

On Wednesday, February 5th, PIE welcomed Amanda H., age 13, and her mother, Rebecca, to spend an afternoon with us as part of the annual Groundhog Job Shadow Day. Amanda and her family have been learning Signed English, and Amanda had many questions about becoming an interpreter, working with Deaf children, and learning ASL. Staff person Amy Free and part-time Deaf interpreter and mentor Jen Grueneberg met with Amanda and Rebecca to provide some insight into the interpreting profession and the Deaf community. Read more about Amanda's experience in her own words below:

One day, my Mom told me we were going to get a chance to meet with sign language interpreters. So on February 5th, we went to PIE (Professional Interpreting Enterprise, Inc.), located in Greenfield, WI. When we got there we were introduced to Ms. Amy Free and Ms. Jen (Grueneberg). We then got a tour of PIE and met in the training room to find out more about ASL and interpreting. I took a list of questions and got them answered. One question was:

What are the Pros and Cons of being an interpreter?

PROS

CONS

My mom asked if working with a mentor would be a good thing for me to do now because I am only learning Signed English. Ms. Amy and Ms. Jen said it is very important and that it would be a good thing. I also asked about taking ASL classes when I am old enough. Ms. Jen said that there are levels of classes. They give you a test and put you in the level you should be in. Then after classes you have to be in interpreting classes too. We asked what types of jobs you can get as an interpreter. There are many! You can work with churches, schools, performing arts, doctors, lawyers, etc. Ms. Amy told my mom that interpreting is very rewarding. I really liked meeting Ms. Amy and Ms. Jen. I was nervous at first but they made me feel good. I liked signing to Ms. Jen. Ms. Amy and Ms. Jen were signing really fast but I was able to understand some of their signs. So, my goal now is to learn the rules of ASL. Maybe Ms. Jen can be my mentor. Someday, Lord willing, I will be a good interpreter like Ms. Amy and Ms. Jen. Thank you!

The first Groundhog Job Shadow Day occurred in Boston in 1996. By 1998, the concept had spread throughout the United States. Over four million young people have been mentored through Job Shadow Day since its inception. Their participation has enabled them to learn about and explore various careers and industries. In addition to experiencing our first Job Shadow Day, PIE will also be presenting at some area elementary schools this spring. At the invitation of the schools, Lisa Perry Burckhardt will be teaching basic ASL and Deaf Culture at a "High Interest Day", and will discuss the career option of sign language interpreting at another school's Career/Health Fair.

Q&A

The Q&A feature of the à la mode is an opportunity for interpreters, Deaf people, and hearing people to discuss issues that we face on a regular basis. Please look to the end of this article for a new question, and feel free to submit your response for publication, OR submit a question for a future issue. Answers and new questions may be sent to the à la mode editor, Tim Mumm, at timmumm@idcnet.com, (piealamode@tds.net) with "Q&A" in the subject line. And now, our question from last time:

Question

I was recently working in a medical situation and had to wait for about thirty minutes while the Deaf patient underwent an MRI. The technician in the room asked me what the Deaf patient's symptoms were. The Deaf person was not available because the scan was going on, but the info the technician was asking for could have helped the technician do a better job. This info had already been shared with the doctor and nurse, so it was available to the team. As a member of the team, should I go ahead and share that info, or not?

Answer

My first response was NO, but I stopped and thought it over, especially with the society we are living now with people rushing in and out.

In my personal experience, doctor's offices are the worst. I am getting more of an impression that I have a dollar sign on my body instead of me, Cathy the person, when I enter the doctor's office.

Anyway, if the information has already been shared with the doctor and nurse(s), the interpreter could notify the technician to review the paperwork. Dilemma: Technician could rush to do the tests not wanting to waste time reviewing the paperwork, the outcome could be insufficient test results and could lead the Deaf patient suffering more and/or returning the doctor's office for more tests.

Of course that paperwork is not always available for the Technician to review and he or she may want to procede with the test before another appointment arrives. Dilemma: If the interpreter shares the information, the Deaf patient could be offended or relieved.

It depends on the Deaf individual whether he/she wants the interpreter as part of the team or not. The only way to find out whether the Deaf patient does not mind having the interpreter as part of the team is for the interpreter to ask him/her before going into separate rooms. Just simply ask Deaf patient, "Suppose doctor, nurse or technician ask me a question about how you are feeling, can I repeat some of what you said earlier?"

Ensure the Deaf person that the interpreter will inform him or her about the questions that were asked and by whom, AND whether the questions were answered or not. I know it is not the interpreter's responsible to be functioning as a "secretary." With this information shared with the Deaf patient, the interpreter may "break the ice" and help him/her to have a better understanding of the interpreter's role. In the future, the same or different interpreter could have a better experience as a team with this Deaf patient.

Example: If the Deaf patient replied no, the interpreter tells him/her what happened out in the hallway. The Deaf patient may realize what and how time and trouble could be saved if the interpreter replied to those questions. If the deaf patient replied yes, the interpreter still tells what happened in the hallway. Then it's the deaf patient's responsible to follow the Q&A with the doctor and/or nurse.

Cathy R. Edler
Deaf Advisory Board Member

AND FOR NEXT TIME:

Rather than focus on a new question, I'd like to continue the discussion on this question. We've had a response from a Deaf consumer. Terps, now it's your turn. We'd be glad to hear from more Deaf people too!

In continuing this topic, let me up the ante by adding this: While listening to public radio, I heard a man who had studied accuracy of interpreting (probably the same person whose information appeared in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal ) talk about cases where errors had occurred. (Thankfully, his study showed that errors occurred at a high rate among untrained interpreters such as family members and hospital staff, but not nearly so often among professional interpreters.) He found that in one case a rectal examination was done twice because the interpreter did not inform the doctor doing the second procedure that someone else had already done it. He believed that the interpreter had a responsibility to tell the doctor what had been done, and that the interpreter failed because he or she tell the doctor about the previous procedure. What about it?

Please send your answers or original question for publication to timmumm@idcnet.com, (piealamode@tds.net) with "Q&A" in the subject line.

 

ADA CORNER
by Amy Free

This edition, ADA stands for Applauding Deaf Artists. At the recent "What's New in American Poetry" symposium at UW in Madison, hearing Professor Michael Davidson of the University of California-San Diego explored Deaf poetry, including the works of Peter Cook, Clayton Valli, Aaron Williamson, and Joseph Grigely. Grigely's work "White Noise" is an artful collection of scrap papers, napkins, and notes that represent his written communications with hearing people.

Deaf artists working in the film industry were showcased during the Deaf Film Festival at UW-Milwaukee on Sunday, April 6. The films spanned a variety of topics and issues including oppression of deaf people and sign language, domestic violence, Gally history, and AIDS.

 

YOUR TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT: ANOTHER RESOURCE

An invitation
John Hill, johnhill@myfastmail.com , has invited you to join the Great Lakes CDI's Smart Group.


ATTN: Deaf Professionals, CDIs, Interpreters and other interested individuals:
An e-group has been established at SmartGroups.com to form a network of Certified Deaf Interpreters and other individuals interested in becoming CDIs. Upcoming regional workshops, certification and other information/discussion pertaining to the role of CDI can be exchanged in this e-group. This e-group is for the Region 3 area which includes:

Please feel free to pass this on to anyone that you feel would benefit from it.

Joining: To join the Group, go to this web location: http://www.smartgroups.com/joingroup , and in the search box type in Great Lakes CDI.
The following terms and conditions apply: http://www.smartgroups.com/text/en/legal.cfm .

What is SmartGroups? SmartGroups is an effective tool for Group communication. Each Group has its own email address allowing members to post and receive messages from the Group, as well as photo albums, a calendar, an area for storing Group files and links, a voting facility and even its own database area. Managers of SmartGroups can customise the Group's home page, and turn functionality on or off to suit their requirements. If you'd like to learn more about SmartGroups generally, you can take the tour at www.smartgroups.com/tour .


To Unsubscribe use either from the Group's homepage or send an email to greatlakescdi-unsubscribe@smartgroups.com .

Yours sincerely

The SmartGroups Team

SAFETY FIRST
by Tim Mumm

For every interpreter and every person, safety should be a top priority. Let's pull together, and come up with some really good ideas for terps to think about, and PUT INTO PRACTICE! Please send interpreter specific safety tips (or any safety tips) to the à la mode editor at timmumm@idcnet.com . (piealamode@tds.net)

And now, a topic near and dear to my heart: SLEEP! Sleep is a natural part of the rhythm of life, and is as important to staying healthy and safe as eating properly, drinking water and exercising are. Having a good night's rest means that you have gone into deep sleep, the part of your cycle when your body is best at producing Human Growth Hormone (HGH), which is essential to healing, energy, and even losing weight. Yes, if you're doing all the right things and still having trouble losing weight, try committing to consistently getting enough sleep!

If you don't get enough sleep, what can be the result? Low energy, an increase in accidents including in the home, automobile, and on the job, reduced ability to concentrate (of course, interpreters and office workers never have to concentrate) and failing health.

If you're doing everything you can to get enough sleep, and you still find yourself consistently lethargic, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder. If you have a human bed partner, ask if they notice any problems with your sleep. Whether you have a partner or sleep alone, talk to your doctor about the possibility of a sleep disorder. Your doctor can recommend a sleep study to diagnose possible disorders. For more information, go to the American Acadamy of Sleep Medicine website at www.aasmnet.org , and click on Patient Resources . Other resources include www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9703/17/nfm/sleep.deprivation , www.nhlbisupport.com/sleep_scripts/tfSleepQuiz.pl . and for information about sleep deprivation and driving, www.voidd.com , and www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/sleep : Choose Awake at the Wheel , but look at the other links too.

A good night's sleep every night is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. You'll experience greater energy, focus, calmness, decreased accidents, and quite possibly, an improved sex life. Sleep: It's a no brainer!

 

DEADLINE FOR THE SUMMER 2003 A LA MODE

Articles, responses to the Q&A, letters to the editor, etc., are due to Tim, timmumm@idcnet.com , (piealamode@tds.net) by June 20 th , the last day of Spring. Earlier is always welcome! The summer issue will go to the printer by June 30, 2003, and be mailed out by the first week of July.

DIVERSITY: WHERE ARE THE RESOURCES?
by Amanda Mulligan Rice

DIVERSITY: We talk about it, others talk about it, but do we really know what it means to us as people and professionals who work with people who come from a wealth of different backgrounds? Do we educate ourselves about who's among us and some about their culture, values, norms, struggles, dreams? We found a few websites that you might want to explore if you haven't visited them before. We hope you find them useful in furthering your knowledge and raising your awareness!

Websites of interest:

But Wait! More Good Stuff!
And if these are not enough resources, check this out:

Minnesota Region lll with funding from the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning has produced five new CD's geared towards Educational Terps, but the CD's have many other applications as well! Titles include:

  1. JUST BETWEEN US
  2. HERE'S YOUR CUE: TEXTS IN CUED LANGUAGE FOR RECEPTIVE PRACTICE
  3. NAVIGATING DISCOURSE GENRES
  4. INTERACTIVE POTPOURRI
  5. IN TRANSITION

I know you're all ecstatic about the offering of these CD's, but wait until you see the price: $10.00!!! INCLUDING shipping and handling!! (a no brainer, right?!)

If would like more information about where you can purchase these tools, go to: www.stkate.edu/project

Hope this helps. Keep growing!