Let's Get Started

Getting Started 

Now that you have a read a little bit about Interpreting and how it started you might ask yourself, “How do I learn more or get involved.” There are many avenues that are recommended, if you want to be an ASL Interpreter for school or if someday you would like to interpret for the President. I will share some links and resources to get you started. First and for most you must have an absolute love for the Deaf community and their culture, also you will need to know ASL (American Sign Language) before entering this field otherwise you may be unsuccessful and it may be disappointing.  One of the best places I recommend going to is the Sanderson Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Utah or St. George. It is place where the Deaf community can meet and hang out with one another. Their activities are open to the public and it is a good way to get to know people in the Deaf community as well as start to learn Sign Language from real professionals, Deaf people.  

When you are ready to start to get involved, I would recommend taking an ASL class either from the Sanderson Center or Salt Lake Community College. There is also an online resource ASLPro.com, that can aid in learning Sign Language. However one must understand that the above resources help aid in the learning process but overall the Deaf culture and language belong to those who are Deaf and they are the best people to learn from.

 

 

Pictures from Associated websites

The more you Sign Language and knowledge about Deaf individuals, the better off you will be when you enter an Interpreting program. Interpreting is so much more than language; it is about who Deaf individuals are and their rich history. Their history is one of oppression, hate and disrespect and when one learns about it they maybe enraged. But may I offer a warning, we are still hearing and it is not our world so we must be allies and not oppressors, we must be there to be a communicator not their “speaker.” We must not take away the Deaf individuals power by speaking for them, when they have not spoken. We must let them have their own Deaf identity, just like we have our own identity. Sorry for the soapbox but the more you know the better interpreter you will become. In the next few blogs I will go more in depth into being an interpreter and what it requires, how to get started and what do once you are certified.