Folks:

I've written before about my positive experience with the Cincinnati Children's Hospital before, and I just had another visit up there with my son yesterday. Once again, the hospital and NKSD interpreters teamed up to make what is usually a stressful experience for any parent a pleasurable experience instead.

The interpreter (Kristen) was professional, courteous, and early for the appointment, and the staff in the neurology department was more than accommodating, as they always are. I can't speak enough good things, but like I've said before, the number of negative experiences with interpreters and the medical profession always seem to outnumber the positive ones, so when I (or anyone else, for that matter) has a positive experience, it needs to be shouted from the mountain-tops.

The deaf and hard of hearing community and the medical community in general are making slow and gradual (but mostly positive) progression towards understanding each other's needs and concerns in regards to communication access. I won't attempt to paint a rosy picture and say "All is well", there are still doctors, clinics, and hospitals out there who simply fail to understand the need for the good, effective communication that providing interpreters ensures. Additionally, there are interpreters who fail to understand that their job is to facilitate communication, not interject their opinions, gossip, and so on. Luckily, that has not been the case in my experience with NKSD and Cincinnati Children's hospital, so a big "THANK YOU" from me and my family to these two wonderful places. I hope more and more hospitals, doctors, and interpreters read about collaborative success stories such as this, and strive to meet the high standards they've set.

2010 looks to be off to a good start!

Eddie