Sign Language and Oral Interpreters

Employers

There is a demand for deaf interpreters in many fields. Possible employers include public health agencies, employment agencies, hearing and speech clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, public schools, trade and technical schools, colleges and universities, business and industry, government agencies, theaters, television stations, churches and religious agencies, law enforcement agencies, and the courts.

Sign language and oral interpreters typically work in one of three categories: as salaried interpreters for an agency that provides interpreting services to individual clients, companies, and organizations; as freelance interpreters who must find their own clients; or as contract interpreters, who work under contract for an agency for a set period of time.   

Starting Out

Once sign language skills have been sufficiently developed, interpreting students may then tutor deaf students or volunteer in a social service agency that works with deaf clients. In either case, they should become familiar with the deaf community centers and any other deaf organizations in the area. The more experience with deaf people they acquire, the smoother the certification process will be. Also, to help prepare for certification, students should study the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Ethics and books and videos recommended by RID. Once certified, interpreters can be listed in various directories, including directories published by RID.