Sign language interpreters part of DeWine coronavirus team
It’s been more CLEVELAND— than nine months since the first coronavirus cases were reported in Ohio. And although orders, mandates and best practices continue to change, one thing has stayed constant: Gov. Mike DeWine’s news conferences andthe teamof sign language interpreters who share the screen.
Marla Berkowitz, Lena Smith and Christy Horne work together to bring the critical information shared during the news conferences to the deaf and hard of hearing audience using American Sign Language (ASL).
The trio has more than 45 years of experience combined and each brings a unique perspective to the role and path to the career.
Smith had the desire to learn more about ASL and the deaf and hard of hearing community, so she joined the interpreting programat Columbus State Community College.
“While in the program, I fell in love with the community and the language further,” said Smith in an email interview with cleveland.com. “Working as an interpreter is a way to give back to the community for all of the many gifts they have given me.”
Berkowitz calls her path to the career serendipity. When she attended a deaf school in New York, she was frequently explaining and interpreting concepts to her classmates and now she serves as Ohio’s only certified deaf interpreter.
All three interpreters work
together when you see Berkowitz signing on camera duringthenews conferences. Horne works as a hearing interpreter, signing Berkowitz the news. Smith provides additional information using a white board.
Berkowitzhopes therewill be more certified deaf interpreters in the state. “I’ve been ‘lonely’ too long,” she said. “I’d love to have peers to discuss my professional work in Ohio.”
Though many may think sign language interpreters simply sign out the English words being spoken, ASL is its own language with its own grammar rules. It’s expressed through hand and body movements and facial expressions and is the primary language of many Americanswho are deaf and hard of hearing, according to the National Association of the Deaf.
“(Facial expressions) create meaning to the words signed. It is equivalent to
your intonations,” Berkowitz said.
The teamuses ASL during the coronavirus news conferences each week. With thousands of people tuning into each one, the role has brought Berkowitz, Horne and Smith a newfound notoriety.
Three Facebook fan pages have been created in Berkowitz’s honor and all three womenhave received letters of support.
“One ofmy favorites was a coloring page I received from Ms. Jacoby Arnold. I love all the colors she used,” Smith said of the 6-year-old Brecksville girlwhose video of her signing alongwith the news conferencewent viral in April.
Berkowitz gets recognized when she’sout grocery shopping, but noted it’s difficult for her to understand people with their masks on. Recently, a fan sent her pajamas to show appreciation for her work.
“We have received many emails, text messages and the like, expressing gratitude during the last nine months,” Horne said. “They are rays of sunshine in a sometimes-bleak year.”
Working atDeWine’snews conferences has been a positive experience for Berkowitz, Horne and Smith beyond the smiles the fan appreciation brings.
“The experience remains challenging, rewarding and a necessity tostay safe, healthy and sane,” Berkowitz said.
Smith’ s birthday fell on day DeWine held a news conference. He remembered and wished her a happy birthday, a moment she says she will be forever grateful for. “It has truly beenmy honor to serve the state of Ohio and interpret for the governor and lieutenant governor. Throughout this entire experience, my family at O OD( Opportunities for Ohio ans with Disabilities ), Director Miller, and the governor have been so kind and supportive,” said Smith.
On days when DeWine’s briefings take place, the trio keeps up with the news and does research to try to predictwhat will be discussed. Sometimes they’re given information before the news conference begins to help prepare.
“The governor’s teamhas been incredible. They try to assist as much as they can,” said Smith. “We are all a team.”
But at its core, the passion for the career comes down tocommunication and helping others.
For Horne, it’s also all about communication.