The Classroom

Typically in the United States, many ASL interpreters are known to interpret into sign language for deaf or hard-of-hearing students in the classroom setting, whether it be K-12, colleges, or universities.

Classroom interpreters may also be called “educational interpreters”—these interpreters aren’t just advocates for the students they interpret for, but also role models and supporters. Educational interpreters are part of the educational teams that are responsible for students’/children’s learning goals and outcomes. While the interpreter must maintain confidentiality, of course, confidentiality is not limited to themselves and the classroom teacher. Instead, the interpreter must speak with the student’s educational team about the student’s behavior, answers, development, etc. during classroom and/or school hours.

To properly teach a deaf or hard-of-hearing student, the interpreter and other members of the educational team must decide beforehand on a) what specific type of sign language is necessary to use; b) whether the interpreter should modify vocabulary and/or register (this is especially important if the child has a developmental disability); and c) what each lesson’s outline and expected learning outcome will be.

A Workshop

We’ve recently received a request to provide ASL interpreters for an upcoming workshop designed to promote leadership and effectiveness in the workplace. Workshops can be on any topic–technology, business, medical, community CPR and fire training, etc.

Depending on the length of the workshop and number of attendees, a team of interpreters might be better than a singular interpreter, as interpreting can be tiring with constant hand movement and so require sufficient breaks. If there is a speaker addressing an audience, an interpreter will stand up on stage as well and sign to provide interpretation (usually simultaneous), and can switch out with another interpreter as needed. Providing a team of interpreters can also allow for one or two of them to work with someone who may require extra assistance.

ASL interpreters may be asked to “voice” during the workshop. Voicing is the process of using spoken English in tandem with signing. Deaf or hard-of-hearing people using an interpreter’s services can benefit greatly in their understanding of the interpretation by reading the interpreter’s lips. Those with some level of hearing can also pick up on the morphemes (simply put, small units of spoken sound) coming from the interpreter. Depending on the needs of the situation, the interpreter may be asked not to voice during their work, too.

A Hospital or Forensic Setting

Hospitals are a very common setting for any type of interpretation, and it’s no different for ASL interpretation. Oftentimes, an emergency or a high-priority appointment will pop up. In those cases, time is of the essence to find an interpreter, and it takes a quick, calm, and agile manager or coordinator to find who is available and experienced to interpret.

Recently, we were contacted for a same-day ASL interpretation request concerning medical forensics. We worked fast to send an interpreter who not only could make it in time to the appointment, but also fluent in medical terminology with a proven track record of interpreting for potentially upsetting circumstances.

In our next post we will be highlighting more ASL interpretation scenarios, so please stay tuned.

American Sign Language has its own set of cultural norms and its own community. The people that bridge the gap between the deaf community and hearing people are ASL interpreters. These people are highly skilled and trained specifically for this purpose.

One of the most beautiful, smooth, and expressionistic languages in the world completely disregards sounds coming out of your mouth; rather, it features the use of your hands, eyes, mouth shapes, and facial expressions.

What language is this? Sign Language of course! Or more specifically, American Sign Language, commonly referred to as ASL. To give you a little background on ASL, here are some stats:

Here in the United States there are approximately 600,000 deaf individuals, not counting people that classify themselves as hard of hearing. Of the 600,000, many of these people would identify themselves as part of the deaf community which has its own set of cultural norms and practices. Unfortunately, this whole culture and language is ill-known to most hearing people unless they have deaf relatives, friends, or have taken ASL classes during their schooling. This often leads to misunderstandings, false assumptions, and information being lost in translation.

As with all languages, interpretation is necessary when it comes to bridging the gap between hearing people and deaf people. However, being an ASL interpreter takes a lot more than just being bilingual. This means that just because someone can speak English and also fluently sign does not mean they are fit to be an interpreter, in fact, they have a long way to go.

So what’s it take to be an interpreter for ASL? Well, in the near future you will have to at least have a bachelor’s degree. This is because you need a wide variety of vocabulary and general knowledge in order to mix and match the sometimes rough translations from word to sign. After you have prepared yourself with education and experience, you can then take the NIC, or National Interpreter Certification. The NIC has three levels: the normal certification, the advanced certification, and the master certification.

Learning ASL in itself is a commendable and rewarding experience, but taking the extra step to becoming a certified interpreter literally pays off. These jobs range from part time to full time and offer a substantial amount of cash!

Picture taken from: http://www.ods.ohio-state.edu/services/a-s-l-interpreting-services-for-campus-events/

Stats: http://research.gallaudet.edu/Demographics/deaf-US.php