Learning ASL, But Have Fibromyalgia. Become an Interpreter?
Monday April 7, 2008
Sue455 says on the forum that she has fibromyalgia, but is very interested in ASL. She has already had two semesters of ASL, and is investigating interpreter training. However, she knows the fibromyalgia may prevent her from becoming an interpreter. read more...
Comments
From what I know about this disorder from friends who have it, it isn’t wise to pursue a career as an interpreter since the excessive physical movements will aggravate the condition.
Your rheumatologist or physical therapist might advise you on whether the exercise will improve or maintain your muscle condition.
Interpreting may be an extreme form of the exercise, though, and sign language teaching may be a milder form that can be tolerated.
With the variability and unpredictability of fibromyalgia, perhaps only you can be the best judge of what is tolerable for yourself.
I have fibro and i considered being an interpreter. I still got a lot out of the ASL classes and interpreting school courses I took, but decided that full-time interpreting is not a wise choice for my health.
However, there are lots of things you can do with ASL besides interpreting. First, make some deaf friends and socialize in ASL. This is a LOT less stressful/painful on your body (and brainfog) than interpreting. Interpreting is physically and mentally intense, but chatting is much more relaxing.
Also, consider getting a job or volunteering at an organization run by and/or for people who use ASL. School for the deaf, local service agency, etc. This will increase your skill and confidence, without the painful intensity of interpreting.
After you become more fluent in ASL, perhaps you’d like to go back to school to prepare for a Deaf-centered career. I attended grad school at Gallaudet, where all my classes and social interactions were in ASL. (Gallaudet’s grad school programs have about 50% deaf students and 50% hearing students, depending on the department). There may also be other courses - conducted in ASL - on a variety of topics at places like RIT and CSUN, since they also have large college programs for deaf students.
Also, always listen to your body and if you need to opt out of some things to rest, do it! When I was taking interpreting-school courses, I did so part time and it worked out well for me. Even if you’re the only person doing it that way, no worries — i
It’s a wise and reasonable accommodation of your fibro, and you’ll get more time to incorporate all your new ASL vocabulary and skills if you’re not so stressed out by full-time attendance.
Good luck and don’t give up on ASL and the Deaf world, even if you do give up the idea of becoming an interpreter!
Thanks for the replies. Great ideas and advice! I’m encouraged that, even with fibromyalgia, I can do something with ASL. Thanks again.