Special Education: Deaf​/Hard of Hearing; D​/HH Educational Interpreter

Special

Education:

Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HH) Educational Interpreter

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) Department of South Bend Community School Corporation serves students with diverse language, communication, and access needs across public and non-public school settings.

The Educational Interpreter is a specialized, student-centered role responsible for providing equitable access to instruction, communication, and school-related activities. This is accomplished by conveying spoken and signed language in a manner aligned with the student's communication mode, language level, and developmental needs.

The interpreter works across a variety of academic and non-academic environments and collaborates with multiple staff members throughout the school day. Responsibilities are guided by the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), best practices, and direction from the Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (TODHH) and Case Conference Committee.

• Provide accurate, complete, and developmentally appropriate interpretation of instructional content and environmental communication
• Convey the full intent, tone, and content of messages while maintaining objectivity
• Facilitate communication between the student, staff, and peers while preserving message integrity
• Ensure access across all settings, including classroom instruction, discussions, and incidental communication

• Adjust interpretation to match the student's instructional vocabulary and language exposure
• Utilize scaffolding and clarification techniques to support comprehension while maintaining accuracy
• Prepare for instruction by reviewing materials, vocabulary, and concepts in advance
• Support both receptive and expressive language development

• Promote independence, self-advocacy, and appropriate use of interpreting services
• Support peer interaction and social participation
• Gradually fade intervention and support as appropriate to encourage autonomy
• Maintain professional and personal boundaries while supporting social and cultural development

• Collaborate with TODHH, general education teachers, and related service providers
• Participate in IEP meetings, staffings, and team communication
• Document and communicate student access, present levels, and needs
• Assist in planning, goal setting, and implementation of supports

IIC
- Indiana Interpreter Certificate

EIPA
- Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment