Can I use a family member or friend who knows some sign language to interpret?
A. The ADA strongly discourages the use of family members or friends. Family members often do not possess sufficient sign language skills to effectively interpret. Even if they are skilled enough in sign language to communicate with the deaf person, family members and friends are very often too emotionally or personally involved to interpret “effectively, accurately, and impartially”. Finally, using family members and friends as interpreters can cause problems with maintaining confidentiality.
The ADA strongly discourages the use of family members or friends. Family members often do not possess sufficient sign language skills to effectively interpret. Even if they are skilled enough in sign language to communicate with the deaf person, family members and friends are very often too emotionally or personally involved to interpret “effectively, accurately, and impartially”. Finally, using family members and friends as interpreters can cause problems with maintaining confidentiality.
