Education
In education, there is always a need for people who know sign language. Within the education field can be found teachers at deaf schools, special education teachers, and college professors at the deaf colleges Gallaudet University and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) and other deaf programs within colleges. Another education-related career is working with deafblind students using a tactile form of sign language.Government
Federal, state, and local government agencies offer opportunities to people skilled in sign language. Such people can be found in equal opportunity offices, or working as deaf and hard of hearing specialists at vocational rehabilitation agencies and state commissions for the deaf and hard of hearing.Health
Medical professionals who know sign language are in demand. There are some deaf doctors and dentists. These deaf (or hearing) doctors and dentists went to regular medical school and learned sign language outside of medical school.Interpreting
One example of an interpreting-related career that has evolved is managing sign language video relay services, and video remote interpreting services. Deaf people can manage these relay services, so this career is not limited to hearing sign language interpreters.In addition, interpreters can be found in multiple environments. Interpreters are in government agencies, courtrooms, hospitals, schools, museums, amusement parks, theaters, and more. Deaf people can also work as deaf interpreters for deaf people with special needs.
Recreation
Travel agents and tour guides that know sign language can be found working in specialized deaf programs at travel and tour agencies, or even running their own agencies.Social Services
Police officers who can sign are much needed. A few work at Gallaudet University and NTID. Social workers who know sign language are also needed. Psychologists who know sign language are employed at schools for the deaf and colleges as counselors, and can also work for private and government mental health service providers.Teaching Sign Language
Sign language teachers can be found at colleges teaching classes, giving private lessons, or leading baby sign language classes. Plus, sign language teachers can work in interpreter training programs.Therapy
Speech language pathologists who know sign language can work better with their clients. So can audiologists and occupational therapists.An About.com Deafness visitor said it best: "...even at my old age, new opportunities are opening for me that never would have if I did not know how to sign."
Do you have a career that involves using sign language on the job that is not mentioned here? Join the discussion on the forum where Justgottajum asked, "I am doing a presentation on Sign Language and I was wondering if anyone could please tell me careers involving sign language."
