About the Interpreting Field

About sign language interpreting

Sign language interpreting makes communication possible between people who are Deaf and people who can hear by conveying meaning between the signed and spoken languages. Interpreting is a complex process requiring a high degree of linguistic, cognitive, and technical skills in English and American Sign Language (ASL).

Where interpreters work

Interpreters may work as employees of an agency or they may be self-employed and work as independent contractors. Interpreters work in a variety of settings such as in education, the medical field, performing arts, legal settings, they may work for federal or state government agencies, for conferences and conventions, or in any of the other settings that come to mind where Deaf and hearing people may need to communicate with each other. 

Qualified interpreters

Appropriate credentials are one way to determine an interpreter's qualifications. In California, the Department of Education requires interpreters working in secondary education settings to pass the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) with a level 4.0 or above or hold certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. 

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)

The RID awards certification to interpreters who successfully pass a national test administered by the Center for Assessment of Sign Language Interpreting and satisfy the degree requirements necessary for certification. The test assesses language, interpretation and communication skills, as well as knowledge, judgment, and decision-making skills on issues of ethics, culture, and professionalism. 

Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA)

The EIPA is a tool that evaluates the voice-to-sign and sign-to voice skills of interpreters who work in elementary through secondary classrooms using videotape stimulus materials and a procedure that includes a comprehensive rating system. 

(Source: www.rid.org and https://www.classroominterpreting.org/)