Module 1 CPC 6.7, Part II

CPC 6.7

The value remains. If deaf people see you are willing, they see you are willing to be invested in them. In the next module, we will further explore the value of community engagement.

Now that we have discussed the value of giving back to the community by offering pro bono interpreting services. There are some guidelines to consider. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (Sec. 12182. Prohibition of discrimination by public accommodations), no individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation (USDOJ, n.d.).

A failure to take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated, or otherwise treated differently than other individuals because of the absence of auxiliary aids and services unless the entity can demonstrate that taking such steps would fundamentally alter the nature of the good, service, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation being offered or would result in an undue burden.

Some examples of situations where pro bono services would be rendered outside of the requirements of the ADA (1990) may include private weddings, family reunions, parties, play-dates, and holiday gatherings.

Should this be Pro Bono?

If you know that a potential entity is identified as an organization with a legal obligation to provide and pay for interpreting services as highlighted in the ADA (1990), do not accept the work as pro bono. The following resource offers guidelines to consider when determining whether to identify a potential assignment as a pro bono service:

Guidelines to help interpreters when doing pro bono work

We recommend the following additional considerations:

What are the potential impacts of accepting pro bono work on the profession and the deaf community?
Consider your own skill level before accepting this pro bono work. Even if it’s voluntary, the quality of interpretation should still be at the same level as how you would perform for paid work, Keep in mind that this is deaf people’s access.
Would accepting this pro bono work support an ongoing relationship with the hiring entity that could come up with funding for interpreting services in the future?