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How to become
an ASL-English Interpreter
Online Resources:
How do I become a
sign language interpreter?
by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
Professional Sign Language Interpreting
by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
Working with an ASL-English Interpreter
& Providing Visual Accessibility
by Amy Frasu
Information about the role of the interpreter - providing access, what interpreting IS, what interpreting IS NOT, ethics, preparation, rest, & visual access
Books:
Sign Language Interpreting: A Basic Resource Book
by Sharon Neumann Solow
Sign Language Interpreting: Deconstructing the Myth of
Neutrality
by Melanie Metzger
From Topic Boundaries to Omission: New Research on Interpretation
(Studies in Interpretation)
by Melanie
Metzger (Editor), Steven Collins (Editor), Valerie Dively (Editor), Risa Shaw (Editor)
Encounters With Reality: 1001 Interpreter Scenarios
by Brenda Cartwright
Reading between the Signs: Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters
by Anna Mindess
Sign Language Interpreting: Exploring Its Art and Science
by David Alan Stewart, et al
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A professional interpreter must be evaluated and certified by a national or state interpreting organization and hold current credentials to interpret.
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The RID-NAD Code of
Professional Conduct for interpreters is a guide for the difficult decisions interpreters must make about confidentiality, appropriate conduct, payment, continuing education, and other professional areas.
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Many colleges and universities offer Sign Language Interpreter training. Check this RID directory of
Interpreter Training Programs.
Programs vary, so it is important do research before making a long-term commitment. Consider these questions:
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How long has the Interpreter Training Program (ITP) been established?
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Are the instructors members of the Conference of Interpreter Trainers? |
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What percentage of graduates are currently working as nationally certified interpreters?
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Is their faculty comprised of Deaf instructors and nationally certified
interpreters? |
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How long is the program? (4 years is the new standard - a 2 year preparation
program is not long enough for a novice signer to become an interpreter)
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Do they offer specialized training for different types of interpreting? (medical, mental health, educational, performance, legal, etc.)
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Is an internship required? If so, what are the requirements?
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Do they have a lab for classes & independent study?
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Do they have alumni that you may interview?
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Do they provide mentorship after graduation?
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Does the ITP have a good relationship with the local Deaf community and interpreting agencies?
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