Working with Interpreters and Translators - BID Process Notes

Briefing, Interaction, and Debriefing (BID) Process

Chapter Goals

• Review BID Process: Understanding the collaborative role of the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and audiologist in conjunction with interpreters/translators (I/Ts) during essential engagements such as interviews, conferences, and assessments. Focus on how these professionals work together to ensure clarity and accuracy in communication for diverse speakers, particularly in bilingual or multicultural contexts.

• Role of I/Ts: Thoroughly describe the multifaceted roles of I/Ts within the framework of speech-language pathology and audiology. Discuss their critical involvement in bridging communication gaps, and elaborate on the unique skills they bring to the process, including language proficiency and cultural competency. Emphasize similarities such as their commitment to facilitating effective communication and differences like professional training and focus areas.

• Best Practices: Define a comprehensive set of best practices that support effective collaboration between SLPs, audiologists, and I/Ts, including considerations for cultural sensitivities, ethical guidelines, and practical strategies to enhance the interpreting experience for families.

• Future Certification: Engage in a forward-thinking discussion on potential certification paths for I/Ts working with SLPs and audiologists, highlighting the importance of formal recognition of skills and competencies that enhance service delivery.

Overview of the BID Process

• The BID process is comprised of three pivotal steps: Briefing, Interaction, and Debriefing. Each step plays a critical role in the overall effectiveness of the interpreted interaction, ensuring that all participants are well-prepared and that outcomes are monitored.

• Emphasize the significance of a structured plan designed to support children and their families through the interpreting process, aiming for successful outcomes, reduced miscommunication, and enhanced satisfaction for all involved parties.

Briefing Step

• Purpose: Establish the overarching objectives of the meeting, which can include gathering pertinent information, planning evaluations, reporting findings, and addressing specific concerns related to the child. This step is vital to ensure clarity in purpose for all parties involved.

• Key Decisions: - Identify clear goals for meetings, whether they pertain to interviews, assessments, or outcomes reporting as tailored to specific contexts.

  • Select relevant questions to guide discussions; reference Table 5-1 for interview guidance to ensure comprehensive coverage of needed information.

• Strategies for Success: - Tailor approaches to align with family cultural values and beliefs, recognizing that each family may have unique perspectives on communication and education.

  • Promote a culture of clear and respectful communication between SLPs/audiologists and I/Ts to foster collaboration and trust.

  • Utilize simple and straightforward language, steering clear of idiomatic expressions and jargon, ensuring that specialized terms related to the child's needs are clearly defined to facilitate understanding.

Interview Preparation

• Sample Questions to Cover in Interviews: - Background information on the child’s developmental history, health status, educational experiences, and any previous interventions.

  • Preferences regarding language use during communication and education, noting how these preferences might change based on context.

  • Specific concerns expressed by family members regarding the child's social, academic, and behavioral performance in home and school environments, with a focus on not only challenges but also strengths and successes.

Interaction Step

• Purpose of the Assessment: Focus the discussion on relevant background information, the child’s strengths, and specific challenges encountered, ensuring all aspects of the child’s communication and functioning are examined.

• Procedure: - Carefully review assessment materials, methodologies, and tools to establish a shared understanding among SLPs, audiologists, and I/Ts.

  • Anticipate potential challenges that may arise during the assessment and strategize effective solutions in advance to minimize disruption and ensure a seamless assessment experience.

• Building Rapport: If possible, arrange for the I/T to meet the child prior to the assessment to build a rapport and ease any anxiety that the child may have.

• Presence of SLP/Audiologist: It is essential for the SLP or audiologist to maintain presence during assessments to help facilitate communication, provide clarifications, and assist in accurately interpreting responses and interactions as necessary.

Debriefing Step

• Following the interaction, it is vital for both the SLP/audiologist and I/T to thoroughly review the session's outcomes: - Evaluate the accuracy of interpretations and identify potential areas of misunderstanding that may have occurred during the interaction.

  • Discuss feedback with family members in an open forum regarding insights gathered from the meeting and outline next steps clearly to create a roadmap for progress.

• Documentation: Ensure that all recommendations and outcomes from the interaction are formally documented in the child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), important for maintaining transparency, accountability, and continuity of care.

Best Practices

• Consistency in Protocol: Develop and implement consistent interpreting strategies while clarifying that all information discussed must be conveyed transparently, regardless of its nature (positive or negative).

• Clear Communication: - Encourage SLPs/audiologists to direct their comments and communications towards parents or clients rather than the interpreter to foster direct connection and understanding.

  • Propose seating arrangements that facilitate visibility and communication among all participants during meetings and discussions.

• Respect Cultural Nuances: Be acutely aware of and sensitive to varying cultural interpretations of communication norms, such as the appropriate use of eye contact, personal space, and modes of interaction that may differ across cultures, ensuring respectful and effective communication.