Definition: What is an interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing? An interpreter is a highly skilled and educated, preferably certified individual who listens to speech and repeats it back to the deaf or hard of hearing person via sign language interpreting, oral mouthing, cued speech transliteration, or hands-on deafblind interpreting.
Interpreters need to receive professional training to know how to interpret. They can choose work environments such as video relay, schools, churches, colleges, courtrooms, private and government work places, museums, theaters, and so much more. Interpreters also have their own organizations in the United States and internationally.
Interpreting is frequently discussed on the About.com blog. A sampling of interpreting posts:
