UCIS Service Provider Handbook
Please use this handbook as a resource, whether you are exploring opportunities at UCIS or are already working with us. This handbook is designed for direct service providers, including sign language interpreters and speech-to-text providers (like CART). It will outline expectations and provide important information about working at UConn.
For more information about working with UCIS, please contact Audrey Silva, Director.
Table of Contents
The Teamed Approach
UCIS embraces a collaborative approach to communication access and interpreting work that involves equal and active contributions from all members of the team. In order to facilitate this, time is built into each assignment (usually both before and after) to allow interpreters and other service providers the time to plan/debrief.
Some examples of interpreting paradigms used at UConn are described below. Interpreting is a dynamic task, and each assignment is unique. We trust your experience and professionalism in navigating teamed assignments. Communication is imperative, and we are happy to collaborate with you in strategizing best approaches. UCIS often staffs special events with more than 3 interpreters. In these cases, all interpreters are vital to the work product and roles/responsibilities should be decided upon using the prep time allotted.
THE DYAD MODEL
When a team of two interpreters are assigned, they will work between producing and supportive roles. Depending upon the setting, two interpreters might work continuously in tandem for the duration of an assignment, flowing between these two roles. UCIS encourages professionals to adapt to the needs of the assignment.
Producing Role
- Work directed to consumers
- Interpreting into English or ASL
- Utilize support interpreter as needed to ensure message equivalence
Support Role
- Monitors overall setting
- Monitors interpreted message for equivalence
- Monitors and offers support to primary interpreter with prompts/cues
- Supports primary interpreter as needed by providing prompts/cues when necessary
THE TRIAD MODEL
When a team of three interpreters is assigned, they will navigate between roles. One frequently used triad model is outlined below. As always, UCIS encourages service providers to use their professional discretion in adapting to the needs of each assignment.
English-to-ASL Role:
- Work directed to consumer
- Interpreter works solely into ASL. Any information (direct/ambient) that is processed in an auditory manner will be interpreted into ASL
- Utilize support interpreter as needed to ensure message equivalence
ASL-to-English Role:
- Work directed to consumer
- Interpreter works solely into English. Any information (direct/ambient) that is processed visually will be interpreted into English
- Utilize support interpreter as needed to ensure message equivalence
Support Role:
- Monitors overall setting
- Monitors interpreted message equivalence
- Supports either interpreter as needed to ensure message equivalence