i am fluent in sign language as i have 2 hearing impaired siblings. i live in ny and would like to work as an interpreter. do i need a college degree or is there a skill assesment to pass since i am fluent already?
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Ok, I’m going to answer best I can. I did some quick research and can’t find specifically if there has been a licensure law passed yet. I know there was one in the works. The best way to find that out is to search (google) New York RID. There are several chapters for NY, so pick one and send them an email through their website and ask them. And ask them for requirements for education interpreting as well. There are usually different requirements for that.
Now, the part I can answer FULLY. 🙂
Knowing how to sign and knowing how to interpret are two completely different processes. Not only that, but there are also business implications and ethical things to think about. I would suggest contacting an Interpreter Training Program to see if maybe some training would fit your needs.
ALSO, as an interpreter, many companies and referral agencies will require that you are nationally certified through Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). Currently, to take their certification tests you MUST have at minimum an AA degree. In 2012, that requirement will become a minimum of a 4-year degree. The field/subject does not matter, it does not have to be in Deafness or Interpreting.
So, if you don’t have a degree and your goal is to become an interpreter, I would suggest looking for a school that offers a 4-year degree in interpreting. To find a list of schools, go to http://www.rid.org there is a link to find Interpreter Training Programs on their page.
Hope that helps!