INTERPRETERS - CODE OF ETHICS

The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) refers to interpreters/translators as individuals who may perform one or more of the following services:

Interpret

Spoken English to American Sign Language

American Sign Language to Spoken English Transliterate

Transliterate

Spoken English to Manually Coded English

Manually Coded English to Spoken English

Spoken English to Paraphrased Non-audible Spoken English Gesticulate/Mime, etc.

Gesticulate/Mime, etc.

Spoken English to Gesture, Mime, etc.

Gesture, Mime to Spoken English

The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. has set forth the following principles of ethical behavior to protect and guide interpreters and transliterators and hearing and deaf consumers. Underlying these principles is the desire to ensure for all the right to communicate.

1. Interpreters/transliterator shall keep all assignment-related information strictly confidential.

2. Interpreter/transliterator shall render the message faithfully, always conveying the content and spirit of the speaker, using language most readily understood by the person(s) whom they serve.

3. Interpreter/transliterator shall not counsel, advise, or interject personal opinions.

4. Interpreter/transliterator shall accept assignments using discretion with regard to skill, setting and the consumers involved.

5. Interpreter/transliterator shall request compensation for services in a professional and judicious manner.

6. Interpreter/transliterator shall function in a manner appropriate to the situation.

7. Interpreter/transliterator shall strive to further knowledge and skills through participation in workshops, professional meetings, interaction with professional colleagues, and reading of current literature in the field.

8. Interpreter/transliterator, by virtue of membership in or certification by the RID, shall strive to maintain high professional standards in compliance with the Code of Ethics.