You are an ITP student attending a tryout for a show with your Deaf friend. A producer offers a large fee to interpret for your friend. What is the appropriate response?

• A. Accept the money and interpret for your friend
• B. Explain you are not the right person but still support as a friend
• C. Thank them but say they should hire a more qualified interpreter for the assignment
• D. Refuse to participate altogether

Answer: (C)

Upholding professional standards in interpretation means recognizing when you’re not yet qualified to handle a paid assignment, especially when accurate access for a Deaf person is on the line. As an ITP student, you’re still developing the skills and judgment needed to interpret reliably in real time. The best response is to thank the producer for the offer but say you’re not the right person for a paid assignment at this stage, and that they should hire a more qualified interpreter who can ensure accurate communication. You can still support your friend as a friend—offer moral support and help with other aspects—without taking on the interpreting role. Accepting money to interpret would risk miscommunication and professional or ethical issues, while refusing to participate altogether misses the chance to steer the situation toward appropriate professional support.