I’m a CODA and my question is, how do you separate your clients, wether community or VRS when they remind you of your parent(s)?

My father is Deaf and he was just a rude person, temper problems, etc… don’t wanna get too detailed. But sometimes I’ll have callers or community clients that act SO SIMILAR, striking me deep reminding me of him. Hits hard to the point that I feel like saying “fuck interpreting” blah blah blah.

So back to my original question, how do you separate that life experience from the job? Tyia

I recently graduated from CSUN with my Bachelors in Deaf Studies. My concentration wasn't interpreting so I didn't join the interpreter training program when I was there, but now I'm wanting to get into the field and am wondering the best way to go about it. I am considering joining the ITP at LA Pierce College since it's close by. I've heard it's a good program but when I looked at the schedule layout of the classes I saw that it starts off really slow at ASL 1 and outlines the other classes as would needed for a regular associates such as general education and elective courses. I'm wondering if anyones been in the program and could recommend or just general advice about how to go about getting into the field/ which program they recommend for someone straight out of a getting a BA. I was hoping for a direct program to hone my skill and teach me how to become an interpreter but was really hoping to only have ASL centered classes rather than more GE classes. Lmk what you guys think; if I have to bite the bullet and this course is the best option or if there are other courses out there as I'm willing to go as far as the inland empire for a good program that fits what I'm looking for.

I turn 25 soon. I start my ITP in the fall. My program is not the strongest in the area, but because of work and living restrictions, I can't make the commute to the university. So, sub-par community college it is. I'm active in the local Deaf community, attending additional library classes and volunteering at Deaf organizations, but I do not at all feel comfortable in my production skills yet. Conversationally I'm okay and can get by, but not more than that. Expressing complex or long-winded ideas is difficult. Breaking from the "glossing in my head as I go" to processing everything visually is difficult

I'm about to start my interpreting program not even close to being fluent. Have you gotten at the end of your ITP and found out you're not as strong or confident in the language as you want to be? I did not pursue this program and ASL interpreting to become a "meh" interpreter. If I get to the end of my internship and find out I just don't have the skills to do the job, I won't do the Deaf community a disservice by muddling through with wishywashy access.

I know more interaction w the community and actual assignments will help, but I guess I'm just stressed about where I stand and I'm worried my program won't help me get where I need to be.

Thank you for any insight or thoughts you may have.

I took my deaf class on a field trip to a major tourist attraction this morning. I bought tickets for the class and requested ASL interpreter 2 months ago. I figured 2 months would be sufficient amount of time to find and hire an interpreter to interpret the tour guide on an hour and half train ride. When we showed up this morning, the coordinator explained she had a hard time finding a certified ASL interpreter (we live in an area where there are at least 4 ASL interpreting agencies). What she did provide was a staff member who just completed ASL 2 class at a nearby community college and can barely sign. I had to kick her off the train and my students never had access to the tour guide explaining the history and the natural habitats of the area. Adding to the insult, the coordinator said we could just lipread the tour guide. Should I be doing something to educate this tourist attraction about a violation of ADA compliant?

Quick question: I was told (eons ago by a more experienced interpreter) that the reason why VRS companies cannot have separate queues for legal or medical calls is because the FCC doesn’t allow it. Something about how if it was allowed, VRS companies would hire unqualified people to answer all the other calls.

Does anyone know if that’s accurate? I’ve tried to research and comb through the FCC TRS meeting minutes and other documents, but couldn’t find anything. I’d appreciate any help or pointers y’all can give!

Hey everyone!

So: I have a VRS apprenticeship assessment screening scheduled with Purple for Thurs June 6. I'm a bit nervous because I took a screening assessment for Sorenson last summer (fresh out of my ITP) and I failed. This was especially hard for me because, around the same time, a classmate who I went through my 4 year ITP with also took a screening at Sorenson and passed. I had always personally assessed us to be at a pretty equal/similar skill level. I am notoriously very hard on myself, so I sort of "gave up" for awhile and wasn't doing much as far as practicing goes. I've been trying my best to get back into things. I have taken both the TEP and written EIPA and passed both. I recently took the EIPA performance assessment and I am not anticipating to earn a qualifying score for my state, but I am SUPER glad I did it for the experience and for the practice. As far as my screening goes -- does anyone have any input about Purple, VRS in general, tips, encouragement, etc.? Any feedback and advice is appreciated! :) TIA!

First off, I'm in Michigan. I have a BEI 1 and am working k-12 with a waiver. I have two coworkers who are EIPA 4.1 and 3.7 (I'm pretty sure anyway). Our ISD asked if any of us were available this last weekend to interpret a high school graduation, for parents not students. I was unable, but the other two were available to do it. The day of came and went and they said it all went fine, I knew it would, they're phenomenal interpreters in my opinion.

But my question is, were they legally allowed to do that? The DHH said that it was fine because it was a request that came from the ISD, but it wasn't for students, it was for parents. I'm not 100% on the law here, so if anyone knows better than me, your information is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Hello everyone!

Just as the title says, does anyone know where I can find research papers on solo interpreting for lengthy assignments? There's tons of material out there on switching every 20 or 30 minutes, but I can't seem to find anything (but I KNOW I read some studies on this!) about the effects on the quality of message, brain fatigue, etc. on long assignments without a team. Got any links you can share? I'm particularly interested in articles that discuss 8-hour meetings or classes, but I'll take what I can get.

Thanks!

Hey yall :) I took 3 years of asl in highschool (class of 2021) and became extremely passionate about the language and culture! I’ve always wanted to become an interpreter, but couldn’t jump straight into school because moving out and working was my first priority. However, I plan on going to school this year through Lone Star College (north Harris) in the Interpreter Training Technology Program. I guess I’m wondering if anyone has any tips? Advice? Things I should know? Or if anyone has any opinions about how their experience with lone Star college and asl was that would be awesome! :)

What is everyones experience or suggestions for the Alternative Pathways to certification through RID? I didn’t know about it when I got started so I have my bachelors degree but wish I had done the Alternative Pathways to save money. I am just curious because I do recommend it to people along with text books so they gain classroom interpreting vocabulary, concepts and what not they may not otherwise gain in the field. When filling it out as a freelance what does the turn in process look like? Anything ever get denied?

I am not certified interpreter, but based on my recent experiences with Kelly Services, I know I am very capable of being an interpreter, be it in taxes, banks, hospitals, insurance, etc. Do you know where can I get a better paid interpreter job? I live in Canada. Current pay 24/hr. In feel it’s so underpaid

I have two semesters left in my ITP. It's a two-year Associate's program; I do already have a bachelor's degree. While I'm learning as expected, I can't help but feel like I'll be nowhere near ready to work solo as a fresh graduate. I know this isn't necessarily expected, but my question is, what did life look like for you when you were a fresh grad? Did you go right into employment, or did you further your education first? What was successful?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Hey there! Is there a sign for ASU Sun Devils? I know it's probably a local sign but is there one for the school?

I did WFH part time with SVRS and I’m considering joining Z/P. I have a question about comparable pay. I made around $37/hr with SVRS, is it possible to make that with Z/P?

Not certified but Bachelor’s degree, CODA, 6+ yrs VRS and other interpreting experience too.

Tyia for any comments ♥️

Hi everyone! I am a new interpreter (just graduated with my B.S.Ed last weekend) and I’m taking my EIPA Performance test this weekend. I am so nervous and could use all the advice for a baby terp :)) Thank y’all in advance!!

Not green but feeling like I need some at home processing practice. I work alone 90% of the time in community so feedback is rare. However, I teamed the other day with and without taking intentional digs on them, it just made me want to go home and evaluate my voicing and signing skills… where are my college books? Probably in a box upstairs so I thought hmm what is the current textbooks colleges are using to teach ITP. Ideas? Suggestions? Experience you want to share of your own journey?

Back story: when I was in high school I took two years of asl and was also in a serious relationship with a deaf person. I was fluent and had a lot of experience in the Deaf community. At the time, I wanted to become an interpreter and was actually accepted to RIT.

Once that relationship ended, I completely stopped using asl. I decided to not go to RIT and I went a completely different route with my education/career.

Now, here I am 10 years later, feeling a pull back to the language. I miss it. I have used it casually as circumstances have arisen over the past few months. I’ve obviously lost a lot, but I’ve retained much more than I thought and pick up more with each interaction.

With that being said, I’m considering looking into interpreting once again. However, I am finishing up a BA degree after 3 years, and am not wanting to jump into another 3 years of schooling.

Whats the best path for me? I’ve looked into ITPs or IPPs but I couldn’t find any in my area (Phoenix AZ). I’ve only found one interpreting program near me but I don’t know if I’d have to start all the way at the beginning- I’m definitely at a much higher level than asl101. I also have little kids at home so in person classes aren’t really feasible unless it’s like night classes or something.

I know it’s a long shot…. And maybe I have to wait awhile until my home situation is different and I have the time for full time classes. But does anyone have any tips or advice of how to continue my ASL study and pick up interpreter training?

Hi everyone! I just graduated my ITP! I had some essentials that I wore to my practicum placements throughout the years, but I’m needing a few more clothing items to round out my professional wardrobe. If you’d be so kind as to drop links of your favorite interpreter tops and trousers, I’d appreciate any recommendations!! I have plenty of sports interpreting clothes, so I’m mostly looking for dark, solid tops that’d be good for volunteering and maybe education (as a provisional terp). Same with pants!! I’m a white woman so dark-colored tops are best.

Thanks in advance for any info on your favs! Summer or winter clothing 💙

I graduated with a BA in ASL 3 days ago and I've gone through an ITP for 3 and a half years before switching to the ASL program to avoid accruing more loans. I am in Ohio and trying to figure out how to go about licensure before attempting the NIC in a few years. I can't remember what my ITP said to do for the process of certification for working in Ohio and I can't ask my old professors.

Could someone post their experiences for their licensing process and where you went to do it?

My SLPI score is a 3+.

It is often quipped that our profession is one of the most stressful. I’ve seen some folks saw top 3. It is certainly a higher stress field no doubt.

My question, are there or WHERE are there facts to back that up?

My sister is deaf and when we were young children we had a vhs tape of a man that sang songs and signed them. I remember a scene with him spinning plates and he sang a song about a rhino. Does anyone else remember this tape?

I just bought one in an attempt to get ahold of my physical health. I was working all week, but it was a lot of seated interpreting. Almost every day that I’ve worn it, it has given me results that say I have walked between 6-8 miles- SEATED. I wonder how skewed health tracking tools are for interpreters/ the Deaf community because these numbers are crazy. I may be wearing the watch on my ankles from now on lol.

On a side note, there’s a lot of physical/mental work that we do, I wonder if there have ever been any attempts at calculating how many calories an interpreter burns while interpreting/processing per hour.

I just finished ASL 3 and in the fall i’m going to get my AA in ASL then i’m going to do the ITP at my community college. Is this going to be enough schooling to start working or am I going to need more? Thanks for any help.

How do i go about becoming one im still in high School and graduating next year and have years of experience with signing

I'll try to make this short, but answer questions as they present themselves.

I'm moving positions and hoping the grass is greener, after being at the same school for almost 2 years (20 months). I do not have a team, we have one para-interpreter, and another. Both are older and more experienced, but no certifications or testing done. I, for background have a B.A from an ITP, and EIPA score and multiple hours of CEU's. Not trying to say what is better but just background. But I am much younger in my career for experience, but what I do have is more freelance experience in various roles, and work with much more clients outside of my 9-5 Educational Field.

To the meat of it, I have "a team" (2 interpreters in total) at the school with me. They refuse to upload notes when we all are supposed to cover each others students some days, I go in blind. They both have one primary student each day and do not upload notes. I have 1-3 daily I record notes over. I have worked Pro-bono, I've had to Sub? I've had to drive the same co-worker home without a $1 of compensation multiple times these past 20 months. Whenver I am asked a question I answer promptly, upload my notes on time, update my timesheets when I need to, meet deadlines, juggle multiple kids, and never complained one day. No one covers me if and when I may not be here. But I am expected to drop everything and leave for others, then I am talked about around the school as "Bossy" when after being asked questions. They both have refused to meet as a team to work together these multiple months. They both hardly complete CEU's. They are never reprimanded for spreading rumors and drama around the schools and all I want is my students success. I know maybe I'm still "green" (started in 2022) and I'm not like them (solely an educational interpreter) but I work extremely hard. I go home and study my signs, and math, I taught myself math to be able to interpret it to my best ablilty and the interpreters telling me "you're doing too much" as a poke against me.

My question is because the list can go on, do I or don't I report this to the Director of the school? Or to the HR of my Agency me and one other interpreter share? She even hangs out with the highschool student at her/their house...ask teachers and coworkers for rides every single morning and afternoon, allow ESE kids to kiss her (forehead) but don't pull away or re-direct like others do, takes photos of the kids, and so much more I think is beyond inappropriate since she was fired from her last job for taking photos of kids.

I don't want to burn professional bridges with this school/agency on the chance my new position doesn't work out but I also don't think this is fair. Should I just let it go? I really have my fingers and toes crossed this new positon is for the best. Seems like more kids and more interpreters, I know there is drama everywhere you go but I'm nervous. I think because of what I'm used to here and I just want to be where I'm appreciated. Not told I'm too "anal" about keeping notes (I was told to keep) and going above and beyond when asked. Then spoken badly about after.

I by no means am saying I'm perfect, I'm always just trying to be the best interpreter I can be..

Honestly, I was NOT expecting this because of all the negative things I’d heard from other interpreters but I feel this was a really well designed test overall.

I don’t know how I did (I feel okay about it, but who knows really!) but I feel that every scenario felt appropriate for an entry level competent practitioner. Nothing was highly technical, advanced, fast paced, and everyone was generally way more coherent than they would be in real life. Nothing required extreme expansion, a lot of extra time that wasn’t allotted, or extra linguistic knowledge… It felt super fair to me.

There is no way to have a perfect, lifelike exam, but this was close. It’ll always be different than real life because you lack context, prep, ability to ask for clarification, and have no team. But overall I will say whatever result I get is a result of MY own decisions and ability and response to pressure, and had nothing to do with the setup or design of the test which I appreciate. The breaks honestly felt too long to me but I’m sure it’s better to have too long of a break instead of too short!!

I’m excited to get my results and I’m hoping they come back in the next 3 months or so (timeline right now seems to be 4 months but they promised 90 days in the last update meeting I attended…)

Just figured I’d put this out there for anyone preparing for the test! Good luck!!

Hi all!

Can someone who works for ZVRS let me know what type of availability I can expect on the switchboard?

I’m still going through training.

If I choose to not pre-schedule, are there typically shifts available all throughout the day on switchboard? Or is it better to pre-book?

My availability is limited to evenings(after 5pm MT) & weekends.

Thank you!

(Edited a typo)

Relocating to Raleigh soon and going through the process of applying for a provisional license. Does anyone have experience with this? I’m in contact with the licensing board already, but would love to chat with someone who’s gone through the process themselves.

ETA: I qualify for the provisional under the specification of 400 hours of interpreting for the 2 years prior to application. I do not have a NIC so don’t qualify for the full license yet. I know for a fact I qualify for the provisional and have most of my application in order, I just still have a few questions about specifics.

It takes years and years to learn fluent sign language, and I am okay with that. The concern is that my mom keeps insisting me to look for better paying jobs but I really want to know if you can make a living being an asl interpretor. I also don't plan on living in a house, I plan on living in an RV, just a living style choice, nothing to do with money or anything. Is it not good living conditions as an asl interpreter without doing other jobs?