This Is Me - CODA Interpreter on RTE Television

This was a recent RTE TV documentary featuring Mary Stringer, an ISL Interpreter. To watch the programme you'll need RealPlayer installed on your computer.

NB: This programme is available to view within the island of Ireland only.

Episode three of This is
Me - The Hearing Aide will take us on a journey of discovery, as we learn to
understand deafness in a world where everything is geared towards hearing. It
has been said that deaf people need to be fixed - they have their own language
they don’t need to be fixed. Everyday Mary Stringer brings the hearing and deaf
worlds together. Despite the obstacles thrown in their way, the Stringers simply
live their lives.

Mary and Lizzy Stringer are both hearing. Been born to
deaf parents allows them to have one foot in the deaf world and one in the
hearing. Mary grew up fiercely protective of her deaf parents. Sign language was
her first language. Been the eldest she is the mother hen of the family. “I
would interpret at parent/teacher meetings, and would sometimes lie if I didn’t
like what the teacher was saying”. She felt worried about things beyond her
years. The death of her father Joe, when she was 16 was tough. Having to
interpret for her mother and deal with her own emotions was very difficult and
upsetting. She could hardly understand what was happening herself, let alone
interpret for her mother.

When Mary moved out, but only around the
corner; Lizzy, 21 remained at home with Jennifer. As Lizzy is the youngest she
relied on Mary to look after her and after their mother’s hearing needs. “People
think deaf houses are quite. Our house is mad. I can come in from college and
the hoover is on, the TV is blaring, the dishwasher and washing machine are
going all at once” says Lizzy.

Mary was born into her career. Today, she
is a professional interpreter, and her job takes her all over the country. She
is the ultimate CODA (Child of Deaf Adult). She confesses that the power of a
CODA is very strong, “I know everything about my mother; sometimes more than I
want to”.

Jennifer’s surprised 50th birthday party is a milestone for
the Stringers. They just have to be sure that people remember not to just
‘shout’ surprise but to sign it as well.