Term
| Tenet #1 - Confidentiality |
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Definition
| Interpreters adhere to standards of confidential communication. |
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Term
Tenet #1 - Confidentiality
Guiding Principle |
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Definition
Interpreters hold a position of trust in their role as linguistic and cultural facilitators of communication. Confidentiality is highly valued by consumers and is essential to protecting all involved.
Each interpreting situation (e.g., elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education, legal, medical, mental health) has a standard of confidentiality. Under the reasonable interpreter standard, professional interpreters are expected to know the general requirements and applicability of various levels of confidentiality. Exceptions to confidentiality include, for example, federal and state laws requiring mandatory reporting of abuse or threats of suicide, or responding to subpoenas. |
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Term
Tenet #1 - Confidentiality
Illustrative Behavior
1.1 |
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Definition
| Share assignment-related information only on a confidential and “as-needed” basis (e.g., supervisors, interpreter team members, members of the educational team, hiring entities). |
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Term
Tenet #1 - Confidentiality
Illustrative Behavior
1.2 |
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Definition
| Manage data, invoices, records, or other situational or consumer-specific information in a manner consistent with maintaining consumer confidentiality (e.g., shredding, locked files). |
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Term
Tenet #1 - Confidentiality
Illustrative Behavior
1.3 |
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Definition
| Inform consumers when federal or state mandates require disclosure of confidential information. |
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Term
| Tenet #2 - Professionalism |
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Definition
| Interpreters possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific interpreting situation. |
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Term
Tenet #2 - Professionalism
Guiding Principle |
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Definition
Interpreters are expected to stay abreast of evolving language use and trends in the profession of interpreting as well as in the American Deaf community.
Interpreters accept assignments using discretion with regard to skill, communication mode, setting, and consumer needs. Interpreters possess knowledge of American Deaf culture and deafness-related resources. |
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Term
Tenet #2 - Professionalism
Illustrative Behavior
2.1 |
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Definition
| Provide service delivery regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other factor. |
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Term
Tenet #2 - Professionalism
Illustrative Behavior
2.2 |
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Definition
Assess consumer needs and the interpreting situation before and during the assignment and
make adjustments as needed. |
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Term
Tenet #2 - Professionalism
Illustrative Behavior
2.3 |
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Definition
| Render the message faithfully by conveying the content and spirit of what is being communicated, using language most readily understood by consumers, and correcting errors discreetly and expeditiously. |
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Term
Tenet #2 - Professionalism
Illustrative Behavior
2.4 |
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Definition
Request support (e.g., certified deaf interpreters, team members, language facilitators) when
needed to fully convey the message or to address exceptional communication challenges (e.g.
cognitive disabilities, foreign sign language, emerging language ability, or lack of formal
instruction or language). |
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Term
Tenet #2 - Professionalism
Illustrative Behavior
2.5 |
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Definition
| Refrain from providing counsel, advice, or personal opinions. |
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Term
Tenet #2 - Professionalism
Illustrative Behavior
2.6 |
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Definition
Judiciously provide information or referral regarding available interpreting or community
resources without infringing upon consumers' rights. |
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Term
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Definition
| Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting situation. |
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Term
Tenet #3 - Conduct
Guiding Principle |
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Definition
| Interpreters are expected to present themselves appropriately in demeanor and appearance. They avoid situations that result in conflicting roles or perceived or actual conflicts of interest. |
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Term
Tenet #3 - Conduct
Illustrative Behavior
3.1 |
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Definition
| Consult with appropriate persons regarding the interpreting situation to determine issues such as placement and adaptations necessary to interpret effectively. |
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Term
Tenet #3 - Conduct
Illustrative Behavior
3.2 |
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Definition
| Decline assignments or withdraw from the interpreting profession when not competent due to physical, mental, or emotional factors. |
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Term
Tenet #3 - Conduct
Illustrative Behavior
3.3 |
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Definition
| Avoid performing dual or conflicting roles in interdisciplinary (e.g. educational or mental health teams) or other settings. |
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Term
Tenet #3 - Conduct
Illustrative Behavior
3.4 |
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Definition
| Comply with established workplace codes of conduct, notify appropriate personnel if there is a conflict with this Code of Professional Conduct, and actively seek resolution where warranted. |
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Term
Tenet #3 - Conduct
Illustrative Behavior
3.5 |
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Definition
| Conduct and present themselves in an unobtrusive manner and exercise care in choice of attire. |
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Term
Tenet #3 - Conduct
Illustrative Behavior
3.6 |
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Definition
| Refrain from the use of mind-altering substances before or during the performance of duties. |
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Term
Tenet #3 - Conduct
Illustrative Behavior
3.7 |
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Definition
| Disclose to parties involved any actual or perceived conflicts of interest. |
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Term
Tenet #3 - Conduct
Illustrative Behavior
3.8 |
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Definition
| Avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest that might cause harm or interfere with the effectiveness of interpreting services. |
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Term
Tenet #3 - Conduct
Illustrative Behavior
3.9 |
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Definition
| Refrain from using confidential interpreted information for personal, monetary, or professional gain. |
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Term
Tenet #3 - Conduct
Illustrative Behavior
3.10 |
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Definition
| Refrain from using confidential interpreted information for the benefit of personal or professional affiliations or entities. |
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Term
| Tenet #4 - Respect for Consumers |
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Definition
| Interpreters demonstrate respect for consumers. |
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Term
Tenet #4 - Respect for Consumers
Guiding Principle |
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Definition
| Interpreters are expected to honor consumer preferences in selection of interpreters and interpreting dynamics, while recognizing the realities of qualifications, availability, and situation. |
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Term
Tenet #4 - Respect for Consumers
Illustrative Behavior
4.1 |
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Definition
| Consider consumer requests or needs regarding language preferences, and render the message accordingly (interpreted or transliterated). |
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Term
Tenet #4 - Respect for Consumers
Illustrative Behavior
4.2 |
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Definition
| Approach consumers with a professional demeanor at all times. |
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Term
Tenet #4 - Respect for Consumers
Illustrative Behavior
4.3 |
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Definition
| Obtain the consent of consumers before bringing an intern to an assignment. |
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Term
Tenet #4 - Respect for Consumers
Illustrative Behavior
4.4 |
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Definition
| Facilitate communication access and equality, and support the full interaction and independence of consumers. |
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Term
| Tenet #5 - Respect for Colleagues |
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Definition
| Interpreters demonstrate respect for colleagues, interns, and students of the profession. |
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Term
Tenet #5 - Respect for Colleagues
Guiding Principle |
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Definition
| Interpreters are expected to collaborate with colleagues to foster the delivery of effective interpreting services. They also understand that the manner in which they relate to colleagues reflects upon the profession in general. |
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Term
Tenet #5 - Respect for Colleagues
Illustrative Behavior
5.1 |
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Definition
| Maintain civility toward colleagues, interns, and students. |
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Term
Tenet #5 - Respect for Colleagues
Illustrative Behavior
5.2 |
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Definition
| Work cooperatively with team members through consultation before assignments regarding logistics, providing professional and courteous assistance when asked and monitoring the accuracy of the message while functioning in the role of the support interpreter. |
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Term
Tenet #5 - Respect for Colleagues
Illustrative Behavior
5.3 |
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Definition
| Approach colleagues privately to discuss and resolve breaches of ethical or professional conduct through standard conflict resolution methods; file a formal grievance only after such attempts have been unsuccessful or the breaches are harmful or habitual. |
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Term
Tenet #5 - Respect for Colleagues
Illustrative Behavior
5.4 |
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Definition
| Assist and encourage colleagues by sharing information and serving as mentors when appropriate. |
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Term
Tenet #5 - Respect for Colleagues
Illustrative Behavior
5.5 |
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Definition
| Obtain the consent of colleagues before bringing an intern to an assignment. |
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Term
| Tenet #6 - Business Practices |
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Definition
| Interpreters maintain ethical business practices. |
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Term
Tenet #6 - Business Practices
Guiding Principle |
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Definition
Interpreters are expected to conduct their business in a professional manner whether in private practice or in the employ of an agency or other entity. Professional interpreters are
entitled to a living wage based on their qualifications and expertise. Interpreters are also entitled to working conditions conducive to effective service delivery. |
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Term
Tenet #6 - Business Practices
Illustrative Behavior
6.1 |
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Definition
| Accurately represent qualifications, such as certification, educational background, and experience, and provide documentation when requested. |
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Term
Tenet #6 - Business Practices
Illustrative Behavior
6.2 |
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Definition
| Honor professional commitments and terminate assignments only when fair and justifiable grounds exist. |
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Term
Tenet #6 - Business Practices
Illustrative Behavior
6.3 |
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Definition
| Promote conditions that are conducive to effective communication, inform the parties involved if such conditions do not exist, and seek appropriate remedies. |
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Term
Tenet #6 - Business Practices
Illustrative Behavior
6.4 |
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Definition
| Inform appropriate parties in a timely manner when delayed or unable to fulfill assignments. |
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Term
Tenet #6 - Business Practices
Illustrative Behavior
6.5 |
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Definition
| Reserve the option to decline or discontinue assignments if working conditions are not safe, healthy, or conducive to interpreting. |
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Term
Tenet #6 - Business Practices
Illustrative Behavior
6.6 |
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Definition
| Refrain from harassment or coercion before, during, or after the provision of interpreting services. |
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Term
Tenet #6 - Business Practices
Illustrative Behavior
6.7 |
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Definition
| Render pro bono services in a fair and reasonable manner. |
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Term
Tenet #6 - Business Practices
Illustrative Behavior
6.8 |
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Definition
| Charge fair and reasonable fees for the performance of interpreting services and arrange for payment in a professional and judicious manner. |
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Term
| Tenet #7 - Professional Development |
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Definition
| Interpreters engage in professional development. |
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Term
Tenet #7 - Professional Development
Guiding Principle |
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Definition
| Interpreters are expected to foster and maintain interpreting competence and the stature of the profession through ongoing development of knowledge and skills. |
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Term
Tenet #7 - Professional Development
Illustrative Behavior
7.1 |
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Definition
Increase knowledge and strengthen skills through activities such as:
●pursuing higher education;
●attending workshops and conferences;
●seeking mentoring and supervision opportunities;
●participating in community events; and
●engaging in independent studies. |
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Term
Tenet #7 - Professional Development
Illustrative Behavior
7.2 |
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Definition
| Keep abreast of laws, policies, rules, and regulations that affect the profession. |
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