SES Professions in Deafness
Professions in Deafness
Choosing a career can be one of the most challenging decisions you can make, and many factors should be considered before you make that choice. Listed below are some questions that may help in your process of choosing sign language interpreting as a career.
What do sign language interpreters do?
Interpreters may be asked to interpret for exciting events such as a cruise, a circus, a
wedding, or a birth. They may also be asked to interpret for challenging situations
such as a medical setting where doctors are notifying a patient of a diagnosis, or in a
legal setting where a person may need a skilled certified interpreter to interpret
their testimony, or a deaf child may need an interpreter to convey what is being
taught in their classrooms. With the recent onset of Video Relay Interpreting (VRS),
a service offered to deaf citizens where they can place a phone call through a video
source such as a web cam to any hearing person. The interpreting profession can
offer an opportunity for interpreters to work in an office setting in front of a
computer and webcam providing this type of service. As varied as the settings may
be for an interpreter, it is known that your day will never become routine in the
traditional sense. You will be challenged to handle any or all of these situations in
your daily work.
What other skills are needed other than knowledge of ASL to be a sign language interpreter?
Interpreters are often called in when communication is necessary; some of these occasions can be where conflict exists. An interpreter must have the interpersonal and ethical skills needed to handle frustrating or difficult situations. A keen sense of language both spoken English and fluency in American Sign Language is required.
Who would enjoy working as a Sign Language Interpreter?
Individuals that would enjoy working as a sign language interpreter would be those who are comfortable in working in a variety of situations, adapt quickly to changes in schedules, have the ability to focus their attention on one task at a time and strive for accuracy, remain objective despite own personal beliefs, be highly ethical in their decision making, have strong people skills, and the ability to speak and interpret before large audiences. Most of all this person must have openness to cultures other than their own and the ability to respect the diversity in those cultures.
What is required for Sign Language Interpreters to do their work?
To work as a community interpreter the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) offers certifications at a national level to assure that the quality and skills of an interpreter are at the optimal best to quarntee Deaf consumers their right to communication.
To work in educational settings interpreters are required to take the Educational Interpreter Proficiency Assessment (EIPA) to determine skill level according to grade level and communication mode to assure that the deaf student gets the quality education they deserve.
Some states may have their own screening process or require interpreters to have a professional license. You may wish to consider which state you choose to work as a professional interpreter to make sure you are in compliance with state laws. Many state licensure requirements include passing the national certification in Interpreting (NIC) developed by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). In order to get any of the above mentioned certificates interpreters must have a strong educational foundation. In 2012 a four-year degree will be required in either an Interpreter Preparation Program or a related field in order to become nationally certified.
Who do I work for as an interpreter?
Interpreters facilitate communication between a hearing and a deaf person; both of these parties should be your main concern. Businesses, education systems and agencies are responsible for paying for your services. These businesses or agencies will typically contact an interpreting agency or individual interpreters to contract services.
As an interpreter you could work for interpreting agencies as a full or part time staff member with benefits or you can work for education systems, organizations or government agencies that also provide benefits. Many video relay services will also hire full and part time interpreters with benefits.
Interpreters can also start their own business and become a free-lance contractor interpreting for agencies or businesses. Setting up your own business can be exciting and risky, it is recommend that if you are interested in becoming self employed you may wish to take additional classes related to establishing your own business in order to fully understand tax implications, insurance, and laws that effect self-employment.
How much money will I make as an interpreter?
Interpreters are paid an hourly rate based on their skill level and certification. The hourly rate may seem attractive to novice interpreters, however, interpreters do not work a typical 40-hour workweek and depending on whether you have established your own business or are working for an agency with benefits your salary could vary greatly. The United States census reported that 20% of interpreters are selfemployed. Self-employment requires a person that is assertive, willing to take risks, and financial stability. Students graduating from interpreter preparation programs with a certification of some type will enter the work place earning salaries in the mid twenties. Nationally certified interpreters can make up to forty thousand or more a year depending on the size of the city they are working, their reputation, and skill level.
Will I be able to find a job and is there a demand for Sign language Interpreters?
Currently there is a shortage of qualified sign language interpreters. After completion of an Interpreter Preparation program most of students take the EIPA, pass and are able to enter the profession in school systems as educational interpreters.
When should I take the national certification offered by the RID?
The National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf recommends that students graduating from an Interpreter Preparation Program sit for the national test three years after graduation in order to gain the experience necessary to pass the performance portion of the exam. Students at UNCG typically sit for and pass the written portion of the RID national test during their senior year. The written portion of the RID national certification exam covers ethical situations and the history of interpreting.
How does the Interpreter Preparation Program at UNCG help me to bridge my academic study to work in the profession?
Students enrolled in the Interpreter Preparation Program at UNCG are required to take variety of courses that will expose them to the different aspects and skills of interpreting. As part of those requirements students take a practicum course that will introduce them to the profession of interpreting and require 100 hours of volunteer interpreting experiences at local events.
Students are further required to complete 400 hours of an interpreting internship. Internship placements are determined on skill level and personal dispositions. Interns are typically placed with mentors at local interpreting agencies and school systems. Through internships relationships and connections are made to assure the success of newly trained interpreters to enter the professional field.
For additional information on the field of Sign Language Interpretation please use the following links:
www.discoverinterpreting.com - a helpful website that further addresses the above questions.
www.rid.org - a resource for national testing information
Deafness - a helpful resource for researching deafness on the Internet.