American Sign Language and Interpreter Training

• American Sign Language: Deaf Support Specialist, A.A.S.
• American Sign Language: Sign Language Interpreter, A.A.S.
• American Sign Language Training Enhanced Certificate in Educational Interpreting
• American Sign Language Training Enhanced Certificate in Specialized Interpreting

American Sign Language Interpreter

A qualified Sign Language Interpreter is responsible for facilitating communication between consumers that are Deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing by interpreting between English and American Sign Language. Interpreting refers to the process of preserving the meaning from one natural language to another natural language. When we interpret, it involves the unrehearsed, not written (i.e., spoken or signed) conversion of a message from one language (called the source language) to a second language (called the target language). (Department of Linguistics and Interpreting Gallaudet University, 1991) A Sign Language Interpreter must also act as a cultural mediator when working with consumers who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing.

The demand for interpreters allows for a variety of job opportunities, either part-time or full-time. There are a number of settings for a Sign Language Interpreter to find employment such as educational, community, video relay, medical, legal, mental health/psychiatric, religious and performing arts. An interpreter also has the opportunity to be self-employed and work as an Independent Contractor or a Freelance Interpreter for various companies and/or government agencies. The pay rate for a Sign Language Interpreter will depend on certification level, degrees held, location (urban vs. rural) and years of experience.

Below are additional web sites you may want to visit.

• http://www.discoverinterpreting.com
• http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes273091.htm#ind
• http://www.deaflinx.com/Interpreting/jobdescription.html

Certified Deaf/Intermediary Interpreter

For more information contact: Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services

Deaf Support Specialist

A Deaf Support Specialist (DSS) is responsible for advocating, educating and promoting community awareness on the issues that pertain to the Deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing communities. Their duties involve assisting Deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers with independent living skills, informing them of community services, and educating them in terms of their rights as they relate to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally they can assist in locating the latest rehabilitative and/or assistive technological devices. A DSS is not a Sign Language Interpreter; although, some interpreting may be required which is why our program requires that DSS take Interpreting I to become familiar with the interpreting process. A DSS may also work as a cultural mediator when working with consumers who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing.

A DSS may find employment in a variety of settings. They can work in the educational field as a paraprofessional, tutor or educator. Additionally they can also work as a job coach for companies or government agencies that employ Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. They may also have the opportunity to work for an agency or organization that provides an array of services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

This degree may also benefit students who plan on pursuing their Bachelor’s degree in a field where they  encounter deaf or hard-of-hearing consumers. Those occupations may include Deaf education or special education teacher, social worker, counselor, and vocational rehabilitation counselor.

The pay rate for a Deaf Support Specialist will depend on degrees and/or certifications held as well as years of experience.

• ASL Program Information
• SVRS Excellence and Innovation in Interpreter Education Award
• Registry of the Interpreters for the Deaf
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission, BEI
• Commission of Collegiate Interpreter Education
• Alamo Colleges Interpreter Services
• Test of English Proficiency Application