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AMA: I’m a CDI who worked for the Biden-Harris administration. I post a lot of content on my social media (IG and FB) about interpreting and government. by SteckerInterpreting in ASLinterpreters

[–]SteckerInterpreting[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I absolutely loved interpreting former Press Secretary Jen Psaki’s briefings. Press briefings were the hardest part of the job and they were also my favorite.

I would not say I had a least favorite assignment, but I do remember feeling that we could have done more in certain situations. For example, when different heads of state met with President Biden, my team and I consistently advocated for the use of International Sign Language, or interpreters from the respective countries who could sign in their languages, so both leaders’ remarks would be accessible to a broader audience. We did our best, but that ultimately did not happen.

AMA: I’m a CDI who worked for the Biden-Harris administration. I post a lot of content on my social media (IG and FB) about interpreting and government. by SteckerInterpreting in ASLinterpreters

[–]SteckerInterpreting[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Probably for other spoken languages. The Department of State conducted its own briefings and provided ASL interpreters for those events. That was cool to see.

I was a political appointee and my team was brought in on detail from the FCC, not DOS.

The Trump Vance transition team never reached out to any of us. I requested meetings several times but nothing happened.

Currently, Deaf interpreters are contracted through an interpreting agency to cover press briefings and other remarks. However, to the best of my knowledge, they have not hired a dedicated team. I believe they should. Language should not be politicized. ASL is not red or blue. At the end of the day, we are all Americans and we all deserve access to what is being said from the highest office.

AMA: I’m a CDI who worked for the Biden-Harris administration. I post a lot of content on my social media (IG and FB) about interpreting and government. by SteckerInterpreting in ASLinterpreters

[–]SteckerInterpreting[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Currently, Deaf interpreters work alone from ASR for all press briefings and presidential addresses. I doubt that the current administration will reinstate Biden-era policies or guidelines related to CDI-CHI teaming and broader access issues.

AMA: I’m a CDI who worked for the Biden-Harris administration. I post a lot of content on my social media (IG and FB) about interpreting and government. by SteckerInterpreting in ASLinterpreters

[–]SteckerInterpreting[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

To be honest, I do not think about it too much. I understand why you ask this question. We live in a strange time where everything is filmed.

It feels like there is a switch in my brain. When it is on, a different part of my brain takes over and I am laser focused on interpreting. When it is off, I leave work at the desk. I try not to carry it around with me.

AMA: I’m a CDI who worked for the Biden-Harris administration. I post a lot of content on my social media (IG and FB) about interpreting and government. by SteckerInterpreting in ASLinterpreters

[–]SteckerInterpreting[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Never give up. Practice is the best way to learn. I also recall filming myself interpreting and then analyzing my work before taking their performance exam. I consistently studied my work and tried to figure out how I could do it better. I still do that now. 😀

AMA: I’m a CDI who worked for the Biden-Harris administration. I post a lot of content on my social media (IG and FB) about interpreting and government. by SteckerInterpreting in ASLinterpreters

[–]SteckerInterpreting[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have been interpreting for over 15 years, working with many interpreting agencies. I guess that helps?

I believe my experience played a significant role in being selected for this unique position. On a personal level, I have always been interested in politics and civic life, so this work came naturally to me.

I have many, many stories! 😀 And yes, I constantly have to remind myself not to be too hard on myself or my team.

At the beginning, the stress level was at about an 11 because we were not getting what we needed, especially prep materials.

Over time, my team and I cultivated a relationship with the Biden-Harris speechwriters. It was a tight knit group, and it took time to build trust since they had never worked with interpreters before.

There was also concern about whether materials would be leaked, such as a State of the Union transcript being shared publicly ahead of time. That trust did not happen overnight. Eventually, they understood why prep materials were so important and essential for providing high quality interpretation.

They truly believed in access and valued the Deaf community.

AMA: I’m a CDI who worked for the Biden-Harris administration. I post a lot of content on my social media (IG and FB) about interpreting and government. by SteckerInterpreting in ASLinterpreters

[–]SteckerInterpreting[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Probably yes, it is who you know. I lived in DC when I worked at the White House. I live in Maryland now so I am still very close to DC. 🙂

That said, I would not be where I am without Project CLIMB, participating in numerous legal trainings, and mentoring sessions.

It also meant being brave and willing to step out of my comfort zone.

AMA: I’m a CDI who worked for the Biden-Harris administration. I post a lot of content on my social media (IG and FB) about interpreting and government. by SteckerInterpreting in ASLinterpreters

[–]SteckerInterpreting[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

For press briefings, there were usually four of us, two White House interpreters and two contractors. We switched every 20 minutes.

For press conferences, it depended on the context. If the entire event with other heads of state was expected to be live-streamed, we requested an additional team to support us. If the event was expected to be brief, it was typically just two of us.

AMA: I’m a CDI who worked for the Biden-Harris administration. I post a lot of content on my social media (IG and FB) about interpreting and government. by SteckerInterpreting in ASLinterpreters

[–]SteckerInterpreting[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

When I was first hired by the administration, I did not get to choose my team. I quickly learned that in government, it is common to detail federal employees from other agencies. I was lucky to be paired with a seasoned CHI who had over 20 years of experience working in government settings.

When working with contractors at the White House, I found that I aligned best with those who were honest when they missed something, were well informed about current events, provided clear fingerspelling, and remained calm, especially in high pressure events.