Deaf Education Teachers - Help ensure that the interpreter is using a language level that is appropriate for the child’s level and the classroom material

All professionals adapt their speech, language, and vocabulary to accommodate their students. For many of us, these changes are natural and we didn’t need extra instruction. But the classroom interpreter may have different beliefs about how much she needs to accommodate the deaf / hh student. It is possible to accommodate too much – making the language and the content too simple – or to not accommodate enough – not changing the language enough for a child who does not have age-appropriate language skills. The deaf educator can help the educational interpreter adjust her interpreting to match the needs and skills of the student. A deaf adult who is fluent may also be able to help interpreters adapt their signing style for younger learners. Teachers and parents speak different to young children and we should expect similar changes in signing styles.