When a Deaf client asks for advice during a medical or legal discussion, what is the proper response?

When a Deaf client asks for advice during a medical or legal discussion, what is the proper response?

• A. Provide direct advice
• B. Provide general information
• C. Let them know you cannot give advice
• D. Refuse to interpret

Answer: (C)

In medical or legal discussions, interpreters must stay neutral and not offer professional advice. When a Deaf client asks for guidance, the appropriate response is to let them know you cannot give advice. This keeps the interpreter’s role focused on accurate communication and avoids shaping the client's decision. You can instead help by summarizing the information provided by the professionals, outlining the options discussed, and encouraging the client to seek advice from the appropriate professional. You may describe what the options involve in general terms as explained during the discussion, but you should not give personal recommendations.

In medical or legal discussions, interpreters must stay neutral and not offer professional advice. When a Deaf client asks for guidance, the appropriate response is to let them know you cannot give advice. This keeps the interpreter’s role focused on accurate communication and avoids shaping the client's decision. You can instead help by summarizing the information provided by the professionals, outlining the options discussed, and encouraging the client to seek advice from the appropriate professional. You may describe what the options involve in general terms as explained during the discussion, but you should not give personal recommendations.