4. Equitable Practice

Principle

Interpreters treat all participants fairly, objectively, and without bias.

Objective

To ensure that participants are supported according to their individual social, interpersonal and communicative needs, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion or creed, physical or mental health conditions, socioeconomic status, family status, language and communication needs, or any other aspect of identity.

Description

Equity differs from equality. Equality means treating everyone the same way. Equity, on the other hand, acknowledges the unique circumstances of each participant and customizes responses to meet those unique needs. Equity in healthcare affirms that everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to achieve their highest possible level of health in line with their specific circumstances and needs. Equitable practice requires interpreters to be aware of how their conscious and unconscious biases and attitudes can influence the assumptions they make about others and, consequently, how they treat them.

Standards of Practice

4.1 Pay attention to the communication and interpersonal needs of the participants, and adjust your interpreting strategies to support clear communication. 4.2 Share relevant information that may help participants address their needs and achieve their goals, if we know it and no one else is sharing it. 4.3 Respond to indications that the language of interpretation is not the patient’s preferred language. 4.4 Strive to become aware of our unconscious biases and countertransference and consciously work to keep personal beliefs, values and emotions from influencing our interpretations and behavior. 4.5 Disclose potential conflicts of interest to participants and withdraw, calling for another interpreter to take over. Follow organizational guidelines when withdrawing from assignments to ensure interpreter coverage is maintained.