TerpTopics: TIPS FOR INTERPRETERS: Introduction to ASL and the world and work of sign language interpreting.

What?	Do?	Why?	When?	Where?	Who?	How?	What Else?
backdrop (portable)	bring it	in case you can't avoid backlight or distracting background	every assignment	in the car	you	buy it	glare impedes communication and causes mild to intense discomfort
candy or mints or nuts	bring them	a little energy boost	every assignment	carry in your terp bag, then position within quick & easy reach.	you	buy them	avoid candy with loud wrappers; park a mint between your cheek and teeth (don't chomp or crunch); no gum chewing
cell phone	bring it	emergency contact	every assignment	in your pocket or clip to belt (where you can feel it or unobtrusively check it)	you	buy it	no sound (vibrate only); however sometimes vibrate disturbs so use best judgment
chair (portable)	bring it	in case you need it	every assignment	leave in your car until you need it	you	buy it	you will not believe how many times you will be glad to have it
credentials	bring them	as proof of your skill, knowledge, ability, commitment, profession- alism	everyday	in your wallet and/or portfolio	you	earn it	state/local credentials; NAD-RID; EIPA; CEUs; higher education
fan (personal size; battery operated)	put fresh batteries in it and bring it	terping is physical work so some of us need a little fan	every assignment	carry in your terp bag	you	buy it	table-top models are recommended; sadly, clip-on models serve only when there's something on which to clip them
flashlight	bring one	the lights might go out	every assignment	carry in your terp bag	you	buy it	penlights: easy to tote larger: better light source
license (if applicable)	bring it	identifies you as a licensed practitioner	everyday	in your wallet	you	satisfy licensing qualifi- cations in your state	not all U.S. states or political subdivisions require licensing so check locally
medication	bring it	in case you need it	every assignment	in your terp bag	you	buy it	headaches happen, so do back, carpal, even tooth aches; don't go begging for aspirin (too tacky)
pager (cell phones often double as pagers)	bring it	emergency contact	every assignment	in your pocket or clip to belt	you	buy it	no sound (vibrate only); however sometimes vibrate disturbs so use best judgment
pencil & paper	bring them	notes to self; notes to team terp; notes to other	every assignment	carry in your terp bag, then position within quick & easy reach.	you	buy them	little pencil that does not make clicking noise; tiny pad of paper that does not make clip or snap noise.
protein bars	bring it	unexpected meal time delays (happens all the time)	every assignment	in your terp bag	you	buy them	consume discreetly, during a break in the action
RID Code of Professional Conduct	know it; support it; use it	you respect consumers, your profession, your colleagues, and yourself.	everyday	in your head, heart, ears, hands, and mouth	you	learn them; internalize them	the CPC will guide you and save you and your consumers; you can count on that
RID member lapel pin	wear it with pride	demonstrate professional commitment to CPC and pride	every assignment	on your collar or shoulder area	you	buy several at RID.org	small and low-key (non-distracting)
smock	bring it	in case you're called upon without notice	everyday	in the car	you	buy it	keep a light- weight terp smock in the car for unplanned jobs
stool (portable)	bring it	in case you need it	every assignment	leave in your car until you need it	you	buy it	you will not believe how many times you will be glad to have it
sweater	bring it	in case you need it	every assignment	in your terp bag or just have in the car	you	buy it	make it appropriate; no stripes or glaring colors
text messaging device (cell phones often provide messaging)	bring it	essential information	every assignment	in your pocket or clip to belt	you	buy it	no sound (vibrate only); however sometimes vibrate disturbs so use best judgment
water	bring bottle or thermos, but limit your intake (you know why)	you will need it (trust us)	every assignment	carry in your terp bag, then position within quick & easy reach.	you	buy it	pre-open the container to avoid crackles or pops during assignment.

This page was edited: 09/07/2009
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