Category: Politics & Regulatory
Questions for Shane Feldman, New Executive Director of RID
Brandon Arthur interviews the newly appointed Executive Director of Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), Shane Feldman. It takes a special blend of skills to effectively run a large organization with a diversity of needs like RID. Shane shares how RID is working to restore confidence in the NIC test and how as the new [...]
Modern Questor: Connecting the Past to the Future of the Field
Lynnette presented, Modern Questor: Connecting the Past to the Future of the Field, at StreetLeverage – Live. Her talk examined how the shift from a Deaf/centric to a market/centric locus of power has left both the Deaf community and sign language interpreters feeling powerless. The Modern Questor “The modern questor now takes up the search, His quest the same; [...]
VRS Reform: Will Anyone Wade in to Save the Sign Language Interpreter?
The October 15, 2012 Public Notice released by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has sent another wave of distress crashing over top of the already apprehensive sign language interpreters working in support the nation’s Video Relay Service (VRS). As these interpreters, awash in the regulatory storm of VRS reform, reach out for the relationships, practices, [...]
RID Increases Dues: An Interview with President Brenda Walker-Prudhom
Brandon Arthur interviews the President of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), Brenda Walker-Prudhom, on the increase in dues and fees announced on March 30, 2012. In the interview Brenda reiterates the 4 driving priorities of RID, the reasoning behind the priorities, and how she and the Board plan to develop greater transparency [...]
Can Blogging Protect the Interests of Sign Language Interpreters?
During these times of economic crisis many states are making decisions and cuts that have a real impact on sign language interpreters. It is times like these when it is even more vital to pay attention to the decisions your state is making. Gathering and disseminating information on the activities impacting sign language interpreters in [...]
Outwitting the Devil: NAD Calls on Sign Language Interpreters to Partner
Sign language interpreters and deaf people have a long standing symbiotic relationship notwithstanding any actual or perceived “Devil’s Bargain” as described by Dennis Cokely in his December 8, 2011 article. In that article, Mr. Cokely points out that the relationship between interpreters and deaf people has changed in the last forty years as a result [...]
Should Sign Language Interpreters Unionize?
In today’s economic downturns and upswings, representation in the labor market is paramount to the success of any profession. The profession of sign language interpreting is no different. Without understanding the influence unity bears, sign language interpreters all over the country, dare I say the world, will not realize the import of their services as [...]
Vanquished Native Voices — A Sign Language Interpreting Crisis?
As sign language interpreters we have the difficult and challenging task of straddling two languages/cultures (Michal Agar coined the term “languaculture” to highlight the fact that language and culture cannot really be separated.) But I suggest, as others have (see Bill Moody’s 12/11/11 comment), that the vast majority of us approach this daunting task only [...]
Will Sign Language Interpreters Remain Silent on FCC VRS Reform?
In some circles, VRS providers are viewed as the newest of the Coyotes on the scene of the sign language interpreting industry. Whether you subscribe to that view or not, what the FCC is ‘seeking public comment’ on (i.e. prepared to do unless there is significant feedback in opposition) will have an impact on you [...]
FCC VRS Reform Part II – Sign Language Interpreters File Public Comment
The charge of emotion sign language interpreters received at the hand of VRS Reform, while important in prompting us to action, can be detrimental if not checked when filing comment with the FCC. Though appreciative of the sign language interpreter who overcame the inertia of apathy and filed this comment with the FCC, I believe [...]
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