EIPA Written Test and Knowledge Standards

Technology

Regardless of whether a person is deaf or hard of hearing or a person can hear normally, each of us relies on technology to get through the day. There are, however, special technological devices that are particular to the deaf community. It is important that the educational interpreter have a working knowledge of each of these devices.

Core Standards

The EIPA Written Test evaluates the interpreter’s knowledge about the technological devices used in the deaf community. An experienced interpreter should know what each device is, what it is used for, how to use it and how it may affect the performance of the deaf or hard of hearing student.

• Cochlear implants are medical devices that are intended to improve a student’s hearing. Interpreting for a student with a cochlear implant may mean that the student is receiving some of the teacher’s spoken message as well as the interpreted message.
• The federal government requires states to provide a relay system in which hearing and deaf people can telephone each other, using a third person (a relay operator).
• A TTY is a device that can be used to communicate with deaf and hard of hearing people using a regular telephone.
• Flashing fire alarm systems warn deaf and hard of hearing students if there is an emergency. Schools must have these systems so that deaf and hard of hearing students are not dependent on others for this information.
• Video Relay Service (VRS) uses the Internet to convey real-time interpreting services, where the interpreter is at a remote site and deaf people can communicate in sign language via a web camera.
• Voice Carryover Service (VCO) allows an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing to speak for himself over the telephone, but still receive a text version of what the other person says.
• Text pagers are a common means for deaf or hard of hearing individuals to communicate with each other, similar to cell phones for hearing people.
• Homes of deaf and hard of hearing people are typically equipped with a variety of technology that facilitates access to TV programming, the telephone, safety alarms, baby cries, etc.
• Captioned videotapes for educational purposes are available from several national resources.