ASL Interpreting gaining recognition as profession

By Michael Corby
FCCJ Media Relations Coordinator
November 18, 2007

There are a few things that FCCJ Professor of Interpreter Training Randy McDavid and American Sign Language (ASL) Professor Lori Cimino want the deaf and hearing public to become aware of:

• ASL, the natural language of the deaf community, is recognized as a language. It’s the fourth largest language studied (based on student enrollment) according to a newly released report by Modern Language Association.
• Sign language interpretation is a profession, the same as a doctor or a lawyer. And it’s growing.
• National standards for interpreters are becoming tougher—by 2008 interpreters will be required to have an associate degree to sit for the national exam; by 2012 a bachelor’s degree.
• There continues to be a critical need for qualified interpreters.

Sign language interpretation is a specialized career, well-suited for people with connections to the deaf community. More of those connections exist now than ever as awareness of the deaf community increases.

McDavid credits the implementation of laws, as well as advances in technology for that growth. Video relay services and the Internet have removed the barrier of telecommunications, enabling the deaf and the hearing to communicate with ease. In addition, media coverage and entertainment venues have enhanced the position of the deaf and hard-of-hearing into mainstream society along with the profession of interpreting.

Cimino gives credit to high schools in Clay, Duval, St. Johns and other Florida counties that offer ASL courses as a language for advancing awareness of the deaf community. University of North Florida just began a program with an advanced curriculum that follows up on what students have learned at FCCJ or the four other Florida schools offering A.S. degrees.

Sign language interpreters need language skill, a good moral sense, and ability to process information quickly. It may require physical stamina, as interpreters may stand for long periods in front of large groups.

Florida Community College’s Sign Language Interpretation program is selective—applicants must have a level of proficiency for acceptance. Students will learn the process for interpreting into both English and ASL through classroom instruction and a well-equipped and staffed lab. The program awards an Associate in Science degree.

Emily Carriker, an anthropology student at UNF also in her second year of the FCCJ program, began taking ASL as a language credit at Santa Fe Community College. She came to Jacksonville for the FCCJ program and works in the ASL lab as a tutor and aide.

“I like that the program focuses on the culture, not just the language,” she said. Citing the exposure at FCCJ through an ASL club and opportunities to interact with the deaf community, she said she’s learned “there is no need to be intimidated by meeting those in the deaf community.”

The full program takes about two years to complete, and costs around $5,000 for Florida residents.

Cimino not only teaches ASL; she is also an interpreter in a Jacksonville video relay center that employs more than 25 interpreters. Other jobs exist through interpreter service agencies, and anywhere communication takes place: classrooms, court rooms, medical and mental health facilities, business meetings, theaters, churches, auto dealers and government offices.

“There is a void in the number of minority interpreters and a shortage of males in the profession across all cultures,” said McDavid, who also interprets.

At present, after passing a state exam, the rate of pay for ASL interpreters varies with the “quality assurance” level reached by the interpreter. Level one interpreters start at around $12 an hour; level three interpreters can earn nearly $20 an hour. Those who become nationally certified can make more than $30 hourly. Highly specialized interpreters with national certification and specialized training can earn $45 or more per hour.

For more information on FCCJ’s Sign Language Interpretation program call 904.646.2300 or visit FCCJ’s Web site. Prospective students may also contact McDavid directly at 904.646.2406.

*Tuition and fees are subject to change by action of the College’s District Board of Trustees. Current tuition and fees will be posted at the time of registration.