From the article: Sign Language Interpreting for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
People become interpreters for a variety of reasons. For some, it could be as simple as the fact their parents were deaf. For others, it could be that they took a sign language class and decided to become interpreters. For still others, it could be a desire to help deaf and hard of hearing people. Why did you become an interpreter?
Share Your Reason
high paying career
- i'm a sign language interpreter because there's a scarcity of terps out there. thus the demand is high. few terps, high demand, high salary. simple math. : )
- —Guest marvin
CODA
- That is my first language and I know it very well-- taking classes to "officialize" (not a word, I know lol) my signing abilities as well as learn a lot more, and it's very natural. I have done it for the church for over 2 years and there's nothing like it. It's like acting since you use a lot of facial expression and body movements, but really just conveying what you hear, having the spotlight for just a moment, and feeling like you helped the deaf and HH experience what you learned from the speaker. There is a tremendous need and it will continue more so, since the requirements for completing it are getting more difficult every few years. So if you are wanting to do it, Go For IT!
- —Guest Tiffany
Reason for becoming an interpreter
- I have a deaf daughter and I want to help her and her deaf friends in advocating the rights and respect for deaf people.
- —Guest alma pamittan-tuazon
Still Working On It
- I fell in love w/ASL from the 1st time I saw it. So many times, I tried finding ways to learn. More than 20 years & no luck. Finally met Deaf friends who still teach me signs, & they suggested I become an interpreter. Wow! What a great way to show my thanks! Problem is, now that there are places & ways to learn, I have no $ for classes. Found an ITP agency that lets me study FREE in their library!! Why do I want this? To thank friends. To inspire other Hearing folks to KEEP LEARNING. To let Deaf & HH know they are NOT ignored! To become the "stepping stone" so fear won't stop everyone from communicating together. I found my "voice" in my hands. Learning, patience w/myself is tough. So long, so hard, I've fought. Still not there. Still working on it. Trying to become excellent so I don't disappoint anyone. Trying to learn enough to be "worthy of the cause".
- —Guest guestAMSD27@yah
why did I become an Interpreter
- I can remember when I was a little girl and I use to watch Jery Fawel. I watched his entire sermon at the age of 5 or six.He had this little lady in a blue dress in a box right hand corner of the T.V.
- —Guest angel
Student/teacher
- My personality is a helper in this world. I love to help and feel satisfaction from this.
- —Guest Diana
