What is "consumer agency" in the interpreting context?

In the context of interpreting, "consumer agency" refers to the ability of consumers to control their communication experience and make informed choices regarding the interpretation services they receive. This concept emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals to actively participate in decisions about how communication occurs, which includes selecting the type of interpretation they need, communicating preferences to the interpreter, and engaging in discussions about their communication needs.

This definition aligns with the principles of consumer rights and advocacy within the field of interpreting, highlighting that individuals who rely on interpreters should have the autonomy to dictate their preferences and ensure that their communication needs are adequately met. By having agency, consumers can advocate for themselves in various contexts, leading to more effective and satisfactory communication outcomes.

In contrast, while evaluating interpreter performance and selecting preferred sign language are important aspects of the consumer experience, they do not fully encompass the broader concept of agency that is about controlling the overall communication process. The ability to influence interpreter training programs, although valuable, is a more indirect aspect of consumer agency and does not directly relate to the individual's immediate control over their communication interactions.