Now that you're learning ASL and American Deaf Culture, undoubtedly someone will ask you if YOU'RE now qualified to interpret in business, community, or other specialized settings. The quick and definite answer is NO! Just like starting to learn any foreign language (Spanish, Russian, French, Japanese, etc.), would you try to run out and interpret between that language and English after a few weeks of classes? NO!

What about learning all of the "Baby Signing" books and videos? Still NO! "Baby signs" would be considered just vocabulary and foundational concepts. (Compare it to reading "Golden Books" and Dr. Seuss Books...learning their vocabulary and content wouldn't make you competent enough or skilled enough to interpret!)

You shouldn't be guilted into thinking that you can interpret at this stage in your learning. (You can do a lot more damage when you're non-fluent/dysfluent, but think you have more skill than you really do.) Part of learning another language and about another culture, is recognizing your boundaries and limitations: what you know, and how much you still have left to learn!

In that case, you should contract out for qualified and professional ASL-English Interpreters:

• Who have gone through extensive higher-education learning/courses (preferably a degree in ASL-English Interpretation)

• Who have achieved national-level certification,

• Who have verification of continued/on-going education in their interpreting career, and

• Who continue solid connections and relationships with ASL-using Deaf Community members.

The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) has published several white papers/Standard Practice Papers regarding the hiring and securing of qualified ASL-English Interpreters. The basic first paper you should read is about "Professional Sign Language Interpreting" (PDF).

Qualified and Professional ASL-English Interpreters will also adhere to a Code of Professional Conduct, which states:

RID CPC Tenets

1. Interpreters adhere to standards of confidential communication.

2. Interpreters possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific interpreting situation.

3. Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting situation.

4. Interpreters demonstrate respect for consumers.

5. Interpreters demonstrate respect for colleagues, interns, and students of the profession.

6. Interpreters maintain ethical business practices.

7. Interpreters engage in professional development.

If you are in need of a Professional ASL-English Interpreter, please reach out to me to discuss your needs, dates/times, and specifics about the event or meeting. I can contract with you, or recommend trusted contractors with whom I typically work.

As a last resort, you can always inquire with local ASL-English Interpreter Referral Agencies too.