Careers for Sign Language Interpreters

Vast Opportunities Await the Certified ASL Interpreter

For the certified interpreter there are several career paths to choose from. There are three basic types of interpreting careers:

• Educational
• Religious
• Community

Quality Educational Interpreters Give Deaf Students Their Best Start

Educational Interpretation, as the name indicates, typically involves working in the school systems. Deaf students are frequently mainstreamed into public schools but need interpreters to help them in classes and in socializing with other students and faculty. Interpreters can be assigned to a single student full-time or job share with another interpreter.

In high school or college, the interpreter may specialize in a given subject such as math or science. Other interpreters may work on-call and fill in when the regular in ill or otherwise unavailable.

Educational interpreters can be hired by the school district, by an interpreting service or by the family of the deaf child.

Dr. Leilani Johnson, of University of Northern Colorado DO-IT would like to see more interpreters in the educational setting. “Kids need a good start to give them every opportunity to excel,” she said in a telephone interview in March, 2009. “They deserve the best interpreters we have.”

In a religious setting, interpreters may be paid or volunteer depending on the organization. Some religions have their own set of signs unique to their faiths. Some, like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, publish sign language dictionaries especially for church use. Interpreters may be needed for weekly services, youth groups, conventions, conferences, retreats or other activities. Because of the nature of the special relationships between parishioners and clergy, the interpreter needs to be very sensitive to the privacy needs of the deaf person. Absolute respect for that privacy is critical.

Great Variety of Options in Community Interpreting

Community interpreting is a very broad collection of opportunities for the sign language interpreter. From tours and tourist attractions to medical and legal needs, the variety is almost endless. But these options can have serious need for further education and even certification. In a courtroom or hospital, there is little time for fingerspelling a word or phrase the interpreter should know. Communication and understanding must meet the highest standards. And like religious interpreting, there needs to be absolute respect for privacy.

Again, interpreters may be hired by the courts, hospital, an agency or by the individuals involved.

Services Offer Remote and Personal Interpretation

More and more, organizations are turning to interpreter services such as Sorenson Video Relay Service or Enterprise. These services may be used for telephone communication, conferences, business meetings, classroom, legal or medical settings and more. The services may be provided directly in person or by remote using videophone and other technology. The advantage for the client is simple - cost effectiveness. A relay service can cost half as much as a personal interpreter.

As far as earnings are concerned, salaries can range from under $10/hr to over $25. For interpreters, “average hourly earnings in 2002 were $15.70. Highly skilled and trained workers can earn an annual salary of over $100,000.” (careeroverview.com, 2009)

Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act which “guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications”, the need for interpreters has exploded. Most positions require certification which is increasingly accomplished with a Bachelor’s degree