Code of Ethics

The interpreter's code of ethics and guidelines for professional conduct is taken from the Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters (WAVLI). The full statement can be found in their Directory and on their website.

Professional Accountability: Interpreters accept responsibility for all professional decisions made and actions taken.

Confidentiality: Members will respect the privacy of consumers and hold in confidence all information obtained in the course of professional service.

Professional Conduct: Members will hold the needs of consumers primary when making professional decisions.

Scope of Practice: Members will refrain from using their professional role to counsel, advise, or interject personal opinions. Members will limit their expertise to interpretation.

Faithfulness of Interpretation: Every interpretation shall be faithful to and render exactly the message of the source text. A faithful interpretation should not be confused with a literal interpretation. The fidelity of an interpretation includes an adaptation to make the form, the tone, and the deeper meaning of the source text felt in the target language and culture.

Ongoing Professional Development: Members will incorporate current theoretical and applied knowledge, enhance that knowledge through continuing education.

Non-discrimination: Members will respect the individuality, the right to self-determination, and the autonomy of the people with whom they work. Interpreters approach professional services with respect and cultural sensitivity towards all participants.

Communication Preferences: Members will respect and use the form of communication preferred by those deaf and hard of hearing consumers for whom they provide service.

Deaf Interpreters: The services of a Deaf interpreter may be required when working with individuals who use regional sign dialects, non-standard signs, foreign sign languages, and those with emerging language use. They may also be used with individuals who have disabling conditions that impact on communication. Members will recognize the need for a Deaf interpreter and will ensure their inclusion as a part of the professional interpreting team.

Professional Relationships: Members will establish and maintain appropriate boundaries between themselves and consumers.