Sign Language/spoken English interpreters are highly skilled professionals. They must be able to listen to another person's words, inflections and intent and simultaneously render them into the visual language of signs using the mode of communication preferred by the deaf consumer.

The interpreter must also be able to comprehend the signs, inflections and intent of the deaf consumer and simultaneously speak them in articulate, appropriate English. They must understand the cultures in which they work and apply that knowledge to promote effective cross-cultural communications.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires the provision of qualified interpreters. This has caused sign language interpreting to become a rapidly expanding field with a strong need for more qualified interpreters with credentials.



Adapted from: Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.