Dealing with Concerns

Step One

ASLIA strongly encourages any consumer and/or colleague who has ethical concerns about an

ASLIA member to try to address that concern directly with the interpreter. Interpreters should

endeavour to hold a conversation about the perceived issue in an attempt to reach a resolution. If

that does not resolve the issue, a complaint may be filed with the ASLIA Professional Conduct

Review Coordinator. ASLIA recommends that concerns be dealt with directly, ideally, within 60

days of the perceived breach of ethics.

However, we recognize that there are multiple reasons why it may be very difficult to address

concerns directly with an interpreter based on power imbalances, histories of oppression, past

negative experiences with interpreters, etc. In this way, we encourage the parties to consider

having a support person present during the conversation.

Crucial to this step is the willingness of all parties to communicate and listen from a place of

inquiry. They should consider what the concern is, how the different parties perceive the

concern, and, most importantly, how the concern can be resolved. Many perceived ethical issues

are sometimes simply misunderstandings or cultural missteps that can be resolved through

thoughtful dialogue, apologies and relationship repair.

If the consumer and/or interpreter colleague does not wish to meet with the interpreter, either

alone or with a support person, and they believe there has been a breach of the CASLI Code of

Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct, they can lodge a formal complaint with ASLIA.

The person with the complaint may at any time bring the concern to CASLI or the interpreter

member’s employers (e.g., agency, school board, Translation Bureau).

Step Two

Process for Submitting a Complaint

A grievance can be submitted in English or ASL by sending a message or video to:

PCRP@aslia.ca, including the following information:

1) Your name (Complainant).

2) Name of the ASLIA member interpreter.

3) A description of how the interpreter’s conduct (what the interpreter did or did not do)

negatively affected you, others involved, or the situation itself.

4) A reference to which tenet of the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct {link} you believe the interpreter violated,

5) Date, time, place, and details of the incident of concern (if it took place more than twelve months ago, ASLIA cannot proceed with the review process).

6) An explanation of any efforts made to reach a solution with the interpreter before filing this complaint OR if you have chosen not to meet with the interpreter, briefly describe why not.

7) What result do you believe would be appropriate to resolve the perceived ethical violation?