I’m a cycling enthusiast and my favorite is the velodrome, an event in which races are held on a steeply banked oval track. It’s all about speed and is incredibly intense. Adrenaline rush!

For several years, between 2004-2008, I organized and promoted races at a well-known velodrome that featured Olympians and other world class cyclists. Because there was always so much communication going on down on the track, I paid my interpreter’s costs out of my own pocket.

About a year ago, I was asked to serve on the board of directors of the NorCal Velodrome Association, which absolutely thrilled me. I met with the board to discuss how I would contribute and how we could work together. I asked if they could cover the cost of my interpreter at meetings. Their regretful response was this: “We don’t have any money”.

Needless to say, I decided not to serve on the board — paying for interpreters with my own money so I could host electrifying races featuring elite cyclists was worth it for me but so I could sit in board meetings? Uh-uh, different matter.

Rather than talk about how the board couldn’t pay for an interpreter, I’d like to talk about whether I should have paid for interpreters out of my own pocket when I was promoting races.

My answer was and still is… YES! I knew the experience would give me huge professional growth I couldn’t get any other way, and that I would develop invaluable skills. I felt I would be paying a greater price if I passed up on these opportunities.

I viewed spending on interpreters as a personal and professional investment. I told myself paying for an interpreter was no different from buying a laptop or a pager so I could be a more effective networker.

What about you? When you’re meeting with hearing relatives for, do you consider an interpreter worth the expense? What if you run your own business and meet with a client that can provide interpreters — wouldn’t you rather to bring your own? What if you want to run for elected office?

However, interpreters are expensive. You want someone who can meet your needs while meeting your budget, which might be small or zero. This usually means compromise.

I didn’t go through an interpreting agency. I couldn’t afford them. Compromise in my situation meant finding an interpreter or two willing to volunteer or work for reduced rates. I did this by approaching interpreters who needed work experience and interpreters who also were cycling fans.

It isn’t easy but when you can’t pass up the opportunity and there is no other solution, paying for your own interpreter does create benefits:

- Creating opportunities for yourself.
- Educating the hearing community on how capable we are.
- Enhancing the skills of novice interpreters.

In my view, it’s a win-win situation. If it’s personal, find an interpreter who will gain from your success. If it’s business, start with an idea and approach an interpreter who may be as invested in your idea as you are.

Good luck!

Robin