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Educational Interpreters: Buck the Low Wage, No Credential Status Quo
Most sign language interpreters at some juncture in their career will provide interpreting services in an educational setting. As mainstreaming with an interpreter has become a commonplace approach to educating deaf and hard of hearing kids, there is a consistent demand for educational interpreters. While more common, twenty-two years after the ADA and the Individuals [...]
5 Ways Sign Language Interpreters Can Stay Inspired
How do you sustain the passion for your work as a sign language interpreter? This is a question interpreters’ and those that employ them are asking, particularly during these times of uncertainty and anxiety. Whether you have found yourself on the receiving end of a salary reduction or are considered an artist in demand by [...]
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 [...]
Ethical Development: A Sign of the Times for Sign Language Interpreters?
Prophetic words do not solely come from scriptural texts and prophetic messages do not only come from spiritual leaders. A prophetic message can be found in the profane moments of our daily lives: a song on the radio that brings comfort, an overheard remark of a child that is innocent yet profound, or an advertisement [...]
International Collaboration: Should Sign Language Interpreters Do More?
What is the role of sign language interpreters in supporting other interpreters in other countries, and what strategies can reinforce Deaf community and interpreter collaborative work? As President of the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI), I am often asked these questions, as well as why I chose to be part of an international [...]
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 [...]
Sign Language Interpreters: Breaking Down Silos Through Reflective Practice
Most of us went to work as sign language interpreters before we were ready. Whether it was insufficient skill sets, a lack of maturity and self-awareness, or some other gap, we started working without being fully equipped to handle all that being a professional interpreter requires. This lack of readiness is often compounded by a [...]
Sign Language Interpreting: The Danger of the Idea That Transformed the Profession
Decades have seen the sign language interpreting profession quietly transformed by a single, powerful idea—sign language interpreters are professionals. This single idea has created the momentum necessary to move the field from a hand written list of volunteers to a vast web of public and private entities, interest groups and regulation—an industry. Is it possible [...]
Case Discussion: Sign Language Interpreters Contain Their Inner “What the…!!!?”
As sign language interpreters, we continue to struggle with the very real human costs, the fallout from the gaps in our professional development and consideration of each other in our work. As we continue to evolve in how we discuss our work with each other, we need to consider a process which will assist us [...]
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