Interpreter Question

[Swim4lyfe]

Is it possible to earn an Interpreter Strip for Braille?

[scoutaholic]

The interpreter strips are intended for those who have learned to speak, read, and write a foreign language. The requirements involve spoken conversation, translating from spoken word, writing, and translating from written word.

The one exception I know of to the above is for ASL. American Sign Language is technically not a foreign language. The words are all the same words as spoken English. ASL is a way to visually represent the words for those who cannot hear them when spoken. For ASL, the first 2 requirements are the only ones that make much sense. The requirement to write in the language includes a note that it should be skipped for ASL (because there is no way to write ASL). The 4th requirement would involve reading in English and signing the words.

I've never heard of making similar exceptions for Braille, but I don't see why you couldn't. It wouldn't make much sense to carry on a conversation in Braille, nor to 'translate' from speech. (Braille transcription of speech is normally done just like English transcription, with a tape recorder.) Really only the latter 2 requirements would make sense. You would need to be able to read and write in Braille.

I just checked the BSA Supply division website (www.scoutstuff.org), and can't find an interpretter strip for Braille there, but I don't think that means it is unavailable. They only list about 10 on their site, and I know of several others that are not listed. (Including the one pictured).

[riverwalk]

I think there are about 40 available so far. No reason there couldn't be more.

[joat]

The intent of the Interpreter program is to recognize those that can communicate with another person both verbally and in writing in a language foreign to the interpreter. The interpreter strip tells others that the wearer can communicate in the indicated language. One does not need to know Braille to communicate with a blind person, nor does a blind person need to know Braille to communicate with a sighted person.

[Swim4lyfe]

The intent of the Interpreter program is to recognize those that can communicate with another person both verbally and in writing in a language foreign to the interpreter. The interpreter strip tells others that the wearer can communicate in the indicated language. One does not need to know Braille to communicate with a blind person, nor does a blind person need to know Braille to communicate with a sighted person.

So you're saying blind people shouldn't learn how to read?

[cballman]

this line is about interpreter strips and how to earn them. this will not go any further about braille and sighted arguements. this is a issue that will not be brought up again in this forum. if it is I will lock this thread and the talk of suspending acounts will be discussed among the MODS. PERIOD>