This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant
Have you ever lived through a disaster, natural or man-made? If not, have you ever had the experience of knowing your friends or family were living through one, and wondering if they were safe?
Think of two natural catastrophes from last year, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. Going back further, think of Hurricane Katrina, or of the national tragedy in New York that marks its 13th anniversary tomorrow. Think of that level of worry, uncertainty, panic, terror.
Now think about not being able to communicate all of those things to anybody. Of being unable to ask what was happening, or to understand anything being said to you. Are interpreters ever needed more urgently than in disaster zones?
We’ll keep it short this week, and leave you with links to some reading material we found interesting. The next time disaster strikes, near or far, take a moment to think about the people on the ground who are facilitating communication for the victims who need them. And if you have the means, consider donating to an organization like Translators Without Borders, or an organization for the deaf like this one. It’s no exaggeration to say it… interpreting saves lives!
An article from the International Association of Conference Interpreters, about interpreting in crisis zones…
A look at improving emergency procedures for the deaf in the event of a disaster…
And from the New Orleans Times-Picayune, a story about keeping deaf residents safe from deadly storms…
