How to Become a Sign Language Interpreter?

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Governments around the world are making immense efforts to encourage career opportunities for specially-abled people. And many people are open-heartedly welcoming people with disabilities to work with them and earn a good life. But as much as we all want to embrace equality; some challenges stop us from extending a helping hand. One such challenge is of bridging the gap between people with hearing impairment and the general population. Thus, a rise in sign language interpreting services is being witnessed. If you too wish to work as a sign language interpreter, in that case, this blog is for you. We are sharing ultimate tips to get trained in sign language interpreting and become a certified sign language interpreter.

College Education 

Formal training at colleges and universities is highly recommended. Authorities in some states have made it mandatory for the professionals to have at least a bachelor’s degree in sign language interpreting. Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education has some listed programs to find a training program. However, the scholarships from state associations are relatively few; here are some of them: 

  • Minnesota Registry of Interpreter for the Deaf, for the educational interpreters in Minnesota. 
  • Florida Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
  • Harper College – Jacob and Iris Wolf Sign Language Interpreting Scholarship 
  • Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Scholarship 

Testing Services 

Having a certificate from an authorized organization increases your chances of employment. After you complete your college degree, try to get some hands-on experience in sign language interpreting them, apply for a professional interpreter certification. The National Interpreter Certification Test is highly recommended. The test is organized by the National Association of the Deaf and Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Further, as you grow more proficient in the skillset, you can go for higher levels of certification:

  • National Interpreter Certification 
  • National Certification Advanced 
  • National Certification Master

Additional training resources 

Perfecting the skillset requires continuous efforts, look for training resources that help you advance sign language interpreting. Gallaudet University is one such place where they offer training to inexperienced interpreters to be mentored by highly skillful interpreters. You can enroll yourself in their Visiting Interpreter Program; you can also apply online from their official website. Other than Gallaudet University, the National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers and Conference of Interpreter Trainers also offer good training programs. 

Wrapping Up 

Learning sign language interpreting can be costly. But it is worth it. Looking at the skyrocketing demand in every sector, you will have several opportunities to earn back the money you are putting in for getting trained and earn certification. Also, if you aim to be a sign language interpreter, you should know since June 2016, the authorities of some states have made it mandatory for professionals to have at least certification from a registered organization and a bachelor’s degree. This requires you to go for a good college program.

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