DISCOVER: How American Sign Language Interpreters Help Deaf People

NOTE FROM MARY: This is the third post of a four-part series related to the WCAG 2.1 Guideline Success Criterion 1.2.6 Sign Language (Prerecorded) (Level AAA). Though not currently required, adopting Level AAA guidelines now and going forward can provide a better user experience for persons with disabilities.

by Emma Mankin
Guest Blogger

If you have ever been to live events or watched them on television, there’s a good chance that you have probably seen sign language interpreters before.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters can also freelance and/or work for schools, universities, hospitals, agencies, social welfare, the government, courts, private businesses, and communities to make sure that Deaf and hard of hearing people have the same access to information and communication as hearing people. Thus, they play an important role in developing healthy and trustworthy deaf-hearing relationships by interpreting spoken language into signed language for deaf and hard of hearing audience members.

How long does it take people to become Nationally Certified ASL Interpreters?

No matter if aspiring interpreters are deaf, native ASL users or hearing people who have taken ASL classes, they must receive formal training in ASL, Deaf culture, and, most importantly, interpreting competencies to provide well-produced interpretations. The National Deaf Center states that it takes people who hold Bachelor of Arts or of Science degrees about 19 to 24 months after graduation to become nationally certified ASL interpreters. While Associate of Arts or of Science graduates can become certified in about 25 to 36 months. Here is a list of U.S. colleges that offer ASL Interpretation Certification programs.

Can people who are hearing, deaf, and/or fluent in ASL become interpreters?

Yes, but the answer can vary.

Interpreting requires a high level of fluency in at least two languages (in this case, English and ASL) and a strong ability to focus on what speakers around them are saying.

Hearing people who are fluent in ASL are not always qualified to be ASL interpreters. But it is important that they are qualified and skilled in formulating accurate translations.

Deaf people may also become Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs) by working to ensure that the spoken language is translated and comprehended in cultural ways (i.e., a wide range of visual language, vocabulary complexities, and communication forms) that Deaf recipients may not pick up on from hearing interpreters’ communication. They engage in the same tasks as hearing interpreters and often work as part of a deaf/hearing interpreter team. CDIs often work in legal and healthcare settings. They also work well in situations when hearing interpreters cannot adequately meet individuals’ communication needs; for example, when a deaf person uses a different signed or has little or no language proficiency.

Why are sign language interpreters often hired to work in teams?

ASL interpreters are often hired in teams to guarantee effective communication that the Americans with Disabilities Act requires. This also reduces the interpreters’ risks of miscommunication factors, such as overuse injuries, mental and physical fatigue, and interpreting errors. Here are two important factors to consider if team interpretation is necessary:

  • Class length and complexity: Class content and structure must be considered. Generally, classes that are over one hour long should have a team of interpreters, especially if the material covers complex content with technical terminology. However, a three-hour-long light lecture class that contains independent work may require only a single interpreter. Overall, it all depends on how long the class time runs and how complex the lessons are.
  • Deaf and/or hard of hearing individuals’ unique needs and preferred communication modes: Regardless of time length and topics, tactile interpreting is labor intensive and often requires a team. One example is interpreting for individuals with weak language proficiency. In such cases, a team of interpreters can take turns and work together to accommodate their special communication needs.

Hiring a team of qualified interpreters will help people prove that they have made the best efforts to provide deaf and hard of hearing individuals with the most effective communication that they need. Yes, this may cost more than hiring just one interpreter, but it is a much better investment than having to pay unwanted costs that could be caused by medical misdiagnosis, court mistrials, educational failure, and other unfortunate outcomes.

[SOURCE]

BIO: Emma Mankin is a freelance blog and technical writer located in St. Augustine, Florida who specializes in explaining technical topics so that they are easy to understand. She holds a B.A. in English with a minor in American Sign Language from George Mason University. Email Emma.

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DISCOVER: How to Learn Sign Language

Four photos of individuals learning sign language

NOTE FROM MARY: This is the second post of a four-part series related to the WCAG 2.1 Guideline Success Criterion 1.2.6 Sign Language (Prerecorded) (Level AAA). Though not currently required, adopting Level AAA guidelines now and going forward can provide a better user experience for persons with disabilities.

by Emma Mankin
Guest Blogger

Did you know that American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most-used language in the United States, behind English and Spanish?

Have you ever wanted to learn sign language? Now, you can! Here are some easy ways to help you start learning sign language.

  • Take a sign language class: ASL is taught as a foreign language in many American high schools and colleges. Having Deaf teachers and/or students as language models in the classroom will help you learn about the language from a cultural background. If you have a busy schedule during the weekdays, you can even take an evening or online ASL class. This allows you to learn and practice signing as much as you want without feeling pressured with deadlines.
  • Watch online sign language videos and DVDs or download applications on your phone: In today’s technologically savvy world, there are free videos on YouTube and other signing websites and phone applications, such as Signing Savvy, Handspeak, and Pocket Sign, that can watch as many times as you want to help you learn and practice fingerspelling, signs, expressive and conversational skills, and more. Many ASL workbooks, such as DawnSignPress’ Signing Naturally, include DVDs that you can watch as you teach yourself each lesson. If you would like to find other options, please contact your local library, or research available resources online.
  • Read sign language books: If you don’t want start by watching videos, sign language books are a great way to read about how it is used around the world. The history of how signed language and Deaf culture have evolved is fascinating! There are sign language dictionaries, children’s books, step-by-step learning books, and more. However, drawn handshapes with directions may not be as helpful as watching videos.
  • Attend Deaf events or cafés: These are great ways to practice your signing skills outside of your class and individual studies. You’ll meet plenty of Deaf people, ASL students, teachers, and more, in your local Deaf community. Everyone you meet at Deaf events is willing to help you practice and improve your signing skills as you communicate with them. You can contact local Deaf organizations or search for an ASL social group through websites such as Facebook or Meetup.com. Here is a list of deaf-owned restaurants as well.
  • Hire a private certified sign language tutor: If you don’t want to take an ASL class, you can research and hire a local private tutor who can help you learn the language. You can ask for one-on-one or group instruction if your family and/or friends would like to learn sign language, too.
  • Ask Deaf friends or family members to teach you: If you have Deaf friends and/or family members who are fluent signers, consider them to be great resources! As personal teachers, they will help you learn and practice signing, as well as teach you what being Deaf is like from a cultural perspective.
  • Watch and mimic sign language interpreters: If you have ever been to or watched live events, you have probably seen sign language interpreters before. Their job is to interpret spoken language into signed language for deaf and hard of hearing audience members. It may not be the best option as you are first learning, but depending on their signing speed, you can always watch them to test your knowledge and try to learn some new signs.

Once you’ve found your preferred way(s) to learn sign language, here are three key things to remember:

  1. Practice your fingerspelling: This will be one of your first lessons. Proficiency in expressive skills (spelling out) is more attainable than receptive skills (reading fingerspelling) at first. After you learn and master fingerspelling, you are ready to move on to the next levels of signing!
  2. Facial expressions are important: Sign language is more than just talking with your hands. You must also use your facial expressions, eyebrows, and other body movements to indicate the mood and character of your topics and conversations.
  3. Use real-life situations: As previously mentioned in the Deaf event point, practice your conversational signing skills with your teachers, classmates, friends, family, and other members of the Deaf world. As a result, you will gain a greater means of identity, interaction, values, customs, and information by meeting and communicating with other members of the Deaf community.

By learning ASL, you are bound to learn a lot and make new friends as you navigate a new and exciting language and culture. Happy signing!

[SOURCE]

BIO: Emma Mankin is a freelance blog and technical writer located in St. Augustine, Florida who specializes in explaining technical topics so that they are easy to understand. She holds a B.A. in English with a minor in American Sign Language from George Mason University. Email Emma.

Instant Download!

PDF Accessibility Remediation How to Fix 40 Common Errors

Whether you have limited experience with the PDF remediation process, are expanding your knowledge on how to remediate PDFs, or simply need a resource that can help remind you how to fix a frustrating error, the info provided in this e-book can help.

Download now.

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