Comments on: Am I Asking For Too Much? http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/ Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:04:58 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: Erin http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81707 Erin Tue, 27 Mar 2007 17:18:07 +0000 http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81707 I went to 1 show at verizon center. I can't complain about the seats. i had good accessibility to the stage & the interpreters. I definitely appreciate them. However, when i go to a concert, i prefer more word for word, not asl. but that's just me. I went to 1 show at verizon center. I can’t complain about the seats. i had good accessibility to the stage & the interpreters.

I definitely appreciate them.

However, when i go to a concert, i prefer more word for word, not asl. but that’s just me.

]]> By: Rob Rice http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81680 Rob Rice Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:48:59 +0000 http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81680 The Verizon Center does a good job, in my opinion. They consult with the performing band beforehand to determine stage set-up and from there, they decide where accessible seating should be. Interpreters are then positioned so that they're within the line of sight to the stage. The National Theatre's approach could be improved. Accessible seating is in the mezzanine (middle section fo the theater). Interpreters are placed in Box B to the right and above the accessible seating. Can we say whiplash? I'm also always appreciative of the interpreters who work extra hard to ensure they put on a good show alongside the performers. It takes a LOT of effort to be able to memorize lyrics and figure out what they actually mean! The Verizon Center does a good job, in my opinion.

They consult with the performing band beforehand to determine stage set-up and from there, they decide where accessible seating should be. Interpreters are then positioned so that they’re within the line of sight to the stage.

The National Theatre’s approach could be improved. Accessible seating is in the mezzanine (middle section fo the theater). Interpreters are placed in Box B to the right and above the accessible seating. Can we say whiplash?

I’m also always appreciative of the interpreters who work extra hard to ensure they put on a good show alongside the performers. It takes a LOT of effort to be able to memorize lyrics and figure out what they actually mean!

]]> By: andreashettle http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81673 andreashettle Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:03:56 +0000 http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81673 As a hearing person, though, you already have full access to the auditory component of the play. That's half the entertainment right there. So if your visual access is imperfect, you aren't missing quite as much. But for a deaf person, if our visual access is imperfect we're losing a great deal more because we're already automatically missing the auditory component. An interpreter of course helps, but is still imperfect: first, even the best interpreters can't interpret every word exactly so there's always going to be some content or nuance lost; second, a deaf person has to constantly choose between watching the interpreter and understanding the dialogue OR watching the stage action but missing the dialogue -- given where they tend to place interpreters, it's impossible to watch both. And even if they did have interpreters in the perfect place, which would be basically next to whichever actor was speaking at that time! And therefore quite distracting to everyone else!, well, that would make information prioritization *easier* but it still wouldn't be quite 100% of what hearing people are getting. And because the theaters do have to compromise on where they put the interpreter (never directly on the stage itself), we're already losing a lot of access right there. So I think it's reasonable for a deaf person to want an unobstructed view -- because that helps make up for PART of what we're automatically losing for other reasons. Think of it this way. If you go into the theater and find that you get imperfect seats that only give you a half view of the stage, then you're getting 75% of the total content (all the auditory content PLUS half the visual content). But a deaf person looking back and forth between the stage and the interpreter will get AT MOST 75% of the content -- ONLY assuming that he/she can get a full view of the stage for when she/he does choose to look in that direction. If we're dealing with an interpreter (and all the inherent imperfections that implies) AND ALSO a less than ideal view of the stage, then we may be getting 50 or 30% of the total visual/auditory content. We're never going to get 100%. So why shouldn't we get preferred seating, as well as interpreters, so we can at least count on getting the full 75% that IS possible? As a hearing person, though, you already have full access to the auditory component of the play. That’s half the entertainment right there. So if your visual access is imperfect, you aren’t missing quite as much. But for a deaf person, if our visual access is imperfect we’re losing a great deal more because we’re already automatically missing the auditory component. An interpreter of course helps, but is still imperfect: first, even the best interpreters can’t interpret every word exactly so there’s always going to be some content or nuance lost; second, a deaf person has to constantly choose between watching the interpreter and understanding the dialogue OR watching the stage action but missing the dialogue — given where they tend to place interpreters, it’s impossible to watch both. And even if they did have interpreters in the perfect place, which would be basically next to whichever actor was speaking at that time! And therefore quite distracting to everyone else!, well, that would make information prioritization *easier* but it still wouldn’t be quite 100% of what hearing people are getting. And because the theaters do have to compromise on where they put the interpreter (never directly on the stage itself), we’re already losing a lot of access right there. So I think it’s reasonable for a deaf person to want an unobstructed view — because that helps make up for PART of what we’re automatically losing for other reasons.

Think of it this way. If you go into the theater and find that you get imperfect seats that only give you a half view of the stage, then you’re getting 75% of the total content (all the auditory content PLUS half the visual content). But a deaf person looking back and forth between the stage and the interpreter will get AT MOST 75% of the content — ONLY assuming that he/she can get a full view of the stage for when she/he does choose to look in that direction. If we’re dealing with an interpreter (and all the inherent imperfections that implies) AND ALSO a less than ideal view of the stage, then we may be getting 50 or 30% of the total visual/auditory content.

We’re never going to get 100%. So why shouldn’t we get preferred seating, as well as interpreters, so we can at least count on getting the full 75% that IS possible?

]]> By: Paul http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81662 Paul Tue, 27 Mar 2007 13:53:57 +0000 http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81662 Equal access, yes, but as a hearing person, I don't automatically have access to unobstructed seats. I take what's given and/or available. Equal access, yes, but as a hearing person, I don’t automatically have access to unobstructed seats. I take what’s given and/or available.

]]> By: Erin Himmelmann http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81515 Erin Himmelmann Sun, 25 Mar 2007 16:30:27 +0000 http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81515 I agree with andrea and virginia. When I attend concerts in this area, i usually try to get 2 of my preferred choices of interpreters. In a way I can see that, oh they get to go to a show for free, but their backs are almost always to the stage, so they never get to see what's going on the stage. the 2 interpreters that usually interpret for me do enjoy themselves, but i Know they put the time & effort into making sure that they know the music & the lyrics, to ensure that I'm able to enjoy the show. I request them because they do their jobs & they truly do enjoy listening to the music I listen to. There's an advantage to doing this job, but to put in a week or 2 of practicing, listening to music and making sure they know what they're doing for one night only. It's almost as they should get paid more. It's hard work to interpret for a concert. I agree with andrea and virginia. When I attend concerts in this area, i usually try to get 2 of my preferred choices of interpreters.

In a way I can see that, oh they get to go to a show for free, but their backs are almost always to the stage, so they never get to see what’s going on the stage. the 2 interpreters that usually interpret for me do enjoy themselves, but i Know they put the time & effort into making sure that they know the music & the lyrics, to ensure that I’m able to enjoy the show. I request them because they do their jobs & they truly do enjoy listening to the music I listen to. There’s an advantage to doing this job, but to put in a week or 2 of practicing, listening to music and making sure they know what they’re doing for one night only. It’s almost as they should get paid more. It’s hard work to interpret for a concert.

]]> By: Virginia L. Beach http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81513 Virginia L. Beach Sun, 25 Mar 2007 14:14:25 +0000 http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81513 Sorry, Jessica...but I agree with Andrea on this one. Yes, it might "seem" as if the interpreter is enjoying herself and having a good time for free. But in reality, the interpreter isn't there for her own benefit...she's there for YOUR benefit, and to assure that you are understanding and thus enjoying the concert, tour or whatever for yourself. Having done some theatric interpreting myself and also worked with many individuals who do interpret for concerts, plays, etc. I can assure you that it is HARD work that takes many hours of preparation. A good interpreter doesn't just show up on the day of the concert and start signing - she has probably put in a lot of time listening to and memorizing the songs, translating the lyrics, trying to determine the best signs to use, etc. etc. What you see are the results of those many hours, and yes... the interpreter deserves to be paid for such. As for this helicopter tour, it is not your responsibility to hire and pay for the interpreter, so I don't understand why it would be a concern. The helicopter tour provides the interpreter, and of course they aren't going to make that person pay for the ride, because she becomes a contracted "staff person" for that period of time. She is there to do a job - just like the helicopter pilot is there to fly the helicopter, the interpreter is there to provide access for you and your friend. Why should she be expected to pay for doing her job? That wouldn't make much sense. Yes, sometimes interpreters might attend a concert or play for free as part of their preparation. But remember, they are doing this in order to get more information for their interpreter assignment, so they know what to expect on the job. This doesn't always happen - especially with concerts, since they tend to be a "one night only" performance. It happens more often with plays, because they are on-going. Also, some places might give the interpreter complimentary free tickets for their services - part of the payment agreement for providing interpreting services. I have a friend who interprets for a small local community theater that gives her four free tickets to every play as a "thank you" for her services, because she reduces her normal fee for them, as they can't afford the regular cost. I think this is fair. So, I'm sorry - but I think you need to reconsider the true role of the interpreter and their reason for being there...then perhaps your opinion and pet peeve will change. Sorry, Jessica…but I agree with Andrea on this one.

Yes, it might “seem” as if the interpreter is enjoying herself and having a good time for free. But in reality, the interpreter isn’t there for her own benefit…she’s there for YOUR benefit, and to assure that you are understanding and thus enjoying the concert, tour or whatever for yourself.

Having done some theatric interpreting myself and also worked with many individuals who do interpret for concerts, plays, etc. I can assure you that it is HARD work that takes many hours of preparation. A good interpreter doesn’t just show up on the day of the concert and start signing - she has probably put in a lot of time listening to and memorizing the songs, translating the lyrics, trying to determine the best signs to use, etc. etc. What you see are the results of those many hours, and yes… the interpreter deserves to be paid for such.

As for this helicopter tour, it is not your responsibility to hire and pay for the interpreter, so I don’t understand why it would be a concern. The helicopter tour provides the interpreter, and of course they aren’t going to make that person pay for the ride, because she becomes a contracted “staff person” for that period of time. She is there to do a job - just like the helicopter pilot is there to fly the helicopter, the interpreter is there to provide access for you and your friend. Why should she be expected to pay for doing her job? That wouldn’t make much sense.

Yes, sometimes interpreters might attend a concert or play for free as part of their preparation. But remember, they are doing this in order to get more information for their interpreter assignment, so they know what to expect on the job. This doesn’t always happen - especially with concerts, since they tend to be a “one night only” performance. It happens more often with plays, because they are on-going.

Also, some places might give the interpreter complimentary free tickets for their services - part of the payment agreement for providing interpreting services. I have a friend who interprets for a small local community theater that gives her four free tickets to every play as a “thank you” for her services, because she reduces her normal fee for them, as they can’t afford the regular cost. I think this is fair.

So, I’m sorry - but I think you need to reconsider the true role of the interpreter and their reason for being there…then perhaps your opinion and pet peeve will change.

]]> By: andreashettle http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81501 andreashettle Sun, 25 Mar 2007 12:49:19 +0000 http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81501 Jessica, no, I don't agree at all. When interpreters interpret at a concert, play, etc., they are too busy WORKING to really enjoy themselves properly. In fact, it consumes so much mental concentration to listen to words in one language, translate them, and then transmit them into another language that very often interpreters have zero energy left over to even REMEMBER the material they interpreted afterwards, as little as an hour later. So, no, they are NOT getting "free entertainment" while they are interpreting. Instead, they are working very hard and usually getting little direct benefit themselves. This is a JOB for them--yes, it's a job that can have its rewards (meaning, they get to be in a role where they help facilitate communication, which is rewarding for anyone who understands just how important full and equal access to communication is), but it's still a mentally and physically challenging JOB. And like anyone at any JOB, they deserve to be paid for it. Jessica, no, I don’t agree at all. When interpreters interpret at a concert, play, etc., they are too busy WORKING to really enjoy themselves properly. In fact, it consumes so much mental concentration to listen to words in one language, translate them, and then transmit them into another language that very often interpreters have zero energy left over to even REMEMBER the material they interpreted afterwards, as little as an hour later. So, no, they are NOT getting “free entertainment” while they are interpreting. Instead, they are working very hard and usually getting little direct benefit themselves. This is a JOB for them–yes, it’s a job that can have its rewards (meaning, they get to be in a role where they help facilitate communication, which is rewarding for anyone who understands just how important full and equal access to communication is), but it’s still a mentally and physically challenging JOB. And like anyone at any JOB, they deserve to be paid for it.

]]> By: jessica http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81482 jessica Sat, 24 Mar 2007 19:04:55 +0000 http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81482 i think its great to go to concert- the visual is awesome for deaf people. however---- my peeve is--- interpreters are going to concerts for free and getting paid. i think its not fair. my friend wanted to get on helicopter tour above volcano. he need an interpreter.. but he refused to call for one. he doesnt want to pay 500 buck to get on helicopter while interpreters get on for free and getting paid! i agree with him.. if my friends can be an interpreter then she or he has to pay for it and come with us. dont you agree? j i think its great to go to concert- the visual is awesome for deaf people. however—- my peeve is— interpreters are going to concerts for free and getting paid. i think its not fair.
my friend wanted to get on helicopter tour above volcano. he need an interpreter.. but he refused to call for one. he doesnt want to pay 500 buck to get on helicopter while interpreters get on for free and getting paid!
i agree with him.. if my friends can be an interpreter then she or he has to pay for it and come with us.
dont you agree?

j

]]> By: Rachel http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81479 Rachel Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:15:19 +0000 http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81479 Been there and feel you (for being a natural show-goer due to my upraising in Vegas), and you aren't asking for too much-we have as much right as our hearing peers to have equal access to entertainment. Been there and feel you (for being a natural show-goer due to my upraising in Vegas), and you aren’t asking for too much-we have as much right as our hearing peers to have equal access to entertainment.

]]> By: Albert W http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81467 Albert W Sat, 24 Mar 2007 11:47:49 +0000 http://www.deafdc.com/blog/erin-himmelmann/2007-03-23/am-i-asking-for-too-much/#comment-81467 No, you are not asking too much. I have seen almost all the plays here in Twin Cities, Minnesota (not community theaters). I often feel that I am asking for too much. More than 75% I am the only deaf person there in the whole theater. Grr. There are many issues I have to share. I am glad to know that I am not the only one. No, you are not asking too much. I have seen almost all the plays here in Twin Cities, Minnesota (not community theaters). I often feel that I am asking for too much. More than 75% I am the only deaf person there in the whole theater. Grr. There are many issues I have to share. I am glad to know that I am not the only one.

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