[Slling-l] Chicago Trib column on terp for official coronavirus press conferences

[Mark Mandel]

https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/heidi-stevens/ct-heidi-stevens-coronavirus-sign-language-guy-press-conferences-0323-20200323-dptv2ton7zfu3o53g5p6wost6i-story.html

*Sign language interpreter at Illinois coronavirus press conferences thrust
into spotlight: ‘The information is critical. It’s literally life or
death.’*

*By HEIDI STEVENS*
*CHICAGO TRIBUNE*
*MAR 23, 2020 | 1:09 PM*

For 21 years, Michael Albert has worked as a staff sign language
interpreter for the Chicago Hearing Society.

He translates small business meetings and large conferences into American
Sign Language. He accompanies deaf patients to medical appointments and
translates their doctors’ questions and advice. He joins them at their
social service appointments and makes sure they understand the resources
available to them.

Earlier this month, when it became clear the coronavirus pandemic was going
to warrant frequent, televised communication from Illinois officials, Gov.
J.B. Pritzker’s office contacted Chicago Hearing Society, or CHS, and
requested a sign language interpreter to translate press conferences.

CHS sent Albert.

Now, when you tune into Pritzker’s daily press briefings, Albert is the one
you see gracefully and emphatically translating crucial guidance,
directives and compassion from Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot,
Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady, Illinois
Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike and various other experts.

He has become a bit of a celebrity, albeit a reluctant one. He’s hearing
from friends and acquaintances and members of the deaf community who are
grateful for his work. He sees the tweets that critique his outfits. He
watches the public weigh in on social media about which TV character he
most resembles. (“I learned this week that I look like Screech from ‘Saved
By The Bell,’” he told me.)

*(Follow link for rest of article.)*

Mark Mandel
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