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How to become an ASL-English Interpreter
Online Resources:
Professional Sign Language Interpretingby the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
Working with an ASL-English Interpreter & Providing Visual Accessibilityby 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 Bookby Sharon Neumann Solow
Sign Language Interpreting: Deconstructing the Myth of Neutralityby 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 Scenariosby Brenda Cartwright
Reading between the Signs: Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpretersby Anna Mindess
Sign Language Interpreting: Exploring Its Art and Scienceby David Alan Stewart, et al
What should I know about Deafness?
- What is Deaf culture?
- How can I learn American Sign Language?
- How can I find the Deaf community in my area?
- Which is correct - "Deaf", "deaf", "hard of hearing", or "hearing impaired"?
- What other options do I have for a career working with Deaf people?
How will I be considered a professional interpreter?
- A professional interpreter must be evaluated and certified by a national or state interpreting organization and hold current credentials to interpret.
- 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.
Where can I earn a degree in ASL-English interpreting?
Many colleges and universities offer Sign Language Interpreter training. Programs vary, so it is important do research before making a long-term commitment. Consider these questions:
- How long has the Interpreter Training Program (ITP) been established?
- Are the instructors members of the Conference of Interpreter Trainers?
- What percentage of graduates are currently working as nationally certified interpreters?
- Is their faculty comprised of Deaf instructors and nationally certified interpreters?
- 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)
- Do they offer specialized training for different types of interpreting? (medical, mental health, educational, performance, legal, etc.)
- Is an internship required? If so, what are the requirements?
- Do they have a lab for classes & independent study?
- Do they have alumni that you may interview?
- Do they provide mentorship after graduation?
- Does the ITP have a good relationship with the local Deaf community and interpreting agencies?