I want to share my recent experience getting an endoscopy — and why having an in-person ASL interpreter made all the difference.
Fortunately, I don’t go to doctors often, usually just for annual checkups. I typically communicate in writing, and most doctors are patient with that. But when it comes to certain medical procedures, having an ASL interpreter is essential for me.
My experience with interpreter access
When I scheduled a consultation, I requested an in-person interpreter. I could have managed with writing, but I wanted to make sure they’d honor my request for the next appointment — the endoscopy, which was more important. At first, they offered a tablet for VRI (video remote interpreting). I said no — I needed an in-person interpreter. Thankfully, they honored my request.
But when I arrived, the front desk told me they’d be using a tablet. I showed them the email confirming an in-person interpreter, so they made some calls and eventually told me that the interpreter would meet me in the waiting room.
The interpreter showed up and stayed with me during the consultation. When a nurse scheduled my endoscopy, I asked again about interpreting services. She said they’d provide a tablet. The interpreter and I looked at each other knowingly. I said no and explained why it’s not efficient for endoscopy and why in-person interpreting was important. Upon my cue, the interpreter explained to the nurse how to contact the agency.
Later, I received email confirmation that the same interpreter would return for the procedure. I don’t have a strong preference for which interpreter is assigned, but I do want to know ahead of time — mainly because there are some interpreters who have not demonstrated professionalism or ethics in the past, and I want to avoid being assigned to someone I’ve had a negative experience with.
However, when I showed up for the endoscopy, the originally assigned interpreter wasn’t there. The nurse asked me to start filling out paperwork. I asked her to communicate in writing, and thankfully she did. I also asked about the status of the interpreter, since they were supposed to arrive 15 minutes early — but still, no interpreter had shown up.
The importance of in-person interpreting
The nurse communicated with me in writing, and I responded the same way — occasionally using my voice, which she understood — but it was still stressful. I started thinking about Plan B and wondering if the interpreter would show up at all.
To make things worse, I was already nervous about the procedure itself. It involved sedation, and the last time I had anesthesia was 27 years ago for my cochlear implant surgery — and that experience was rough. Between the sedation and the interpreter no-show, my heart rate went up. The nurse noticed and kindly helped me calm down.
Eventually, an interpreter did arrive — but not the one originally scheduled. No one explained what happened. But once the interpreter was there, things finally went smoothly. She was empathetic and worked with the medical team to help me feel at ease. I really appreciated the entire team — the anesthesiologist, nurses, and doctor — for taking time to explain the process, ask me questions, and show empathy. They even cracked a few jokes, which helped lighten the mood. It reminded me of my cochlear implant surgery, when I also had an ASL interpreter and a medical team that went the extra mile to make me feel safe and comfortable.
Why VRI is not enough for me
You might think it’s standard for medical professionals to treat patients with respect. But I know many deaf people who’ve been dismissed by providers — even with an interpreter present. I’ve personally been dismissed by some doctors in the past during my appointments with them.
The sedation wasn’t bad — it just felt like drifting into sleep and waking up from a dream I don’t remember. I said, “That’s it?” and the team smiled and said yes, it was over. Then the doctor explained the results after I was dressed and ready to leave.
For simple checkups or consultations, I usually rely on writing/typing — it’s my preferred communication mode. But for something like an endoscopy? I can’t imagine relying on VRI or written notes during a medical procedure.
Procedures are stressful enough for anyone. For deaf patients like me, communication barriers add another layer of anxiety. That’s why access to an in-person interpreter isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Yes, some providers try to cut corners by offering VRI on a tablet — or worse, by providing no access at all, not even in writing. But let’s be clear: VRI is not a substitute for in-person interpreting in situations like this. Tablets can freeze, get knocked over, or lose connection. You might not be able to see the interpreter clearly — especially when you’re lying down or groggy from sedation. And right before (or after) a procedure? That’s not the time to be struggling with tech or reading typed responses.
Some people assume written notes are ‘good enough.’ Written notes are even more cumbersome than VRI during procedures, when clear, immediate communication is critical.
Let’s not forget: sign language is a visual and spatial language. It’s completely different from spoken languages. Hearing people often use voice interpreters over the phone when speaking another language — that works because spoken languages share the same auditory channel. But sign language requires the eyes and space. You can’t “listen” through a tablet the way someone listens through a phone.
Tailoring communication access for each deaf patient
Lastly, I want to emphasize that what works for me may not work for another deaf person. Even my own communication needs vary depending on the medical setting. There were times when an office forced me to use VRI on a tablet, even after I had specifically requested to communicate with the doctor in writing or by typing — and I had to explain my communication preferences all over again.
Not all deaf people know sign language. In fact, many don’t. They may prefer written communication, speech, captioning, or other methods. That’s why it’s critical to ask each deaf or hard of hearing patient how they prefer to communicate — and to HONOR their request.
A call for medical providers
To all medical providers and administrators reading this:
- Prioritize communication access for your deaf patients.
- Ask deaf patients what communication method they prefer (not all use ASL).
- Make in-person interpreters part of your standard care for deaf patients who request them.
Our health depends on it.
Not many deaf people know how to advocate for themselves, and those who do often give up after being denied communication access. Even being a seasoned consultant, I get frustrated — and I shouldn’t have to advocate for myself every time I visit a medical office.
Again, this is my personal experience. Please don’t assume it applies to all deaf patients. But I’ve noticed many medical offices and professionals lack deafness awareness.
So if you’re a medical professional or office administrator and want to improve communication access for your deaf and hard of hearing patients — and better understand their diverse communication needs and preferences — I offer a 2.5-hour consulting and training session to support your team.
My consulting is more than sharing a few tips here and there — it’s important for your medical facility to get a thorough deafness awareness and customized accessibility solutions to improve your healthcare system.
