Professional networking for sign language interpreters
Establishing an Organization for Terps
Hi! I'm from the Philippines. There are a handful of interpreters here in our country but we don't have any test or accreditation yet. Hence, unlike all of you who are members of this network, I and my colleagues don't have any license to back us up.
The Filipino Deaf and an organization led by the Philippine Federation of the Deaf are still working on a book on Filipino Sign Language. FSL as we call it used to be a lot similar to ASL before. It is currently evolving into a language more distinct and representative of the the Filipino identity.
To cut the story short, we are about to put up an organization for interpreters here in Manila. Positive Changes have been made with regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities, we wish to update and defend our kind as well. Inasmuch as we wish to render our service to the Deaf at all times, we also want to be seen as individuals not as tools to achieve an end. Any advice you wish to give as to how to put up an organization of interpreters would be received with much gratitude. Thanks!
The Filipino Deaf and an organization led by the Philippine Federation of the Deaf are still working on a book on Filipino Sign Language. FSL as we call it used to be a lot similar to ASL before. It is currently evolving into a language more distinct and representative of the the Filipino identity.
To cut the story short, we are about to put up an organization for interpreters here in Manila. Positive Changes have been made with regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities, we wish to update and defend our kind as well. Inasmuch as we wish to render our service to the Deaf at all times, we also want to be seen as individuals not as tools to achieve an end. Any advice you wish to give as to how to put up an organization of interpreters would be received with much gratitude. Thanks!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Joanie Murdoch on -
I think it is great that your and your colleagues are spearheading this type of organization! I want to encourage and assure you that if you continue pressing on, you will succeed in getting an organization that influences the Deaf and political organizations in the Philippines! My advice would be to "network, network, network" and keep good records, as that will allow you to be prepared for any open doors! Best wishes!
Joanie Murdoch
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Permalink Reply by Stefan on -
Educate, educate, educate!
With out that, ingnorace and oppression will be a continuing battle. Many problems stem from general lack of education or the ability of seeing outside ones own community and it's behaviors. Borrowing appropriate behaviors that 'mainstream' society will be more receptive to, there in allowing more tolerance and making for more allowances for adjustment might make the general populous more receptive.
It goes with out saying that 'militant' organizations get lots of attention and that could work to your advantage or an extreme disadvantage. There's a saying that may help you understand my point, 'you can attract more fly's with sugar than vinager'. Work with the Deaf Community, educate! There is nothing more powerful than an educated mind.
There are so many cultural issues that may pretain to your part of the world aswell. I can personally remember attending 'Deaf Way' the first year in Washington DC and there were several presenters from many coutries that demonstrated that point.
One presenter from India had suggested for the saftey of the general deaf population that they should wear hanging signs on their front and back sides for the whole public to see. In a society that has historicly been build on a cast system, I could understand where they were coming from. It was met with a great deal of opposition from many in the room. I was afraid they were going to brand them and escort them out of the country! The arguement was very heated, however, those with a more tolerant attitude and education began to educate. Eyes were opened.
Good luck!
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