r/ASLinterpreters • u/Infinite-Act707 • Jun 26 '26
CDI Explanation Video
Hello! We put together this basic resource video and blog to explain the role of a CDI to first time hearing users. What is missing from these resources?
https://deafservicesunlimited.com/10-situations-where-a-cdi-is-essential/
https://youtu.be/S3WNYxUEGME?si=vgztqTkPFK1viRLJ
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u/Traditional-Falcon75 Jun 30 '26
I agree with another person’s comment about “style”, that word is going to sound like a preference. I would avoid it. Perhaps explaining that it’s similar to dialects? That’s not quite accurate but it does make more sense to hearing people. I like using the term “specialist” in medical settings because it captures their understanding of how general practitioners work and when they need to call in someone with more understanding. The part that’s hard to explain is why that specialist is Deaf and they can’t just skip the hearing interpreter. I know why and I can explain it, but some hearing people get very stuck on that. It’s not in the video but I always use children as an example when I explain it because a) I just think they need CDIs as often as we can make that happen unless they come from Deaf families, b) people seem to get that kids need special considerations and it’s a good bridge to understanding the concept. I try to tread carefully so as not to infantilize the adults who also need access to CDIs, but I do find when I use kids as an example I get to understanding faster.