- Statewide Outreach Center at Texas School for the Deaf
- Interpreters Working With Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals
Interpreting
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Interpreters Working With Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals
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Interpreters who work with deaf and hard of hearing people are trained professionals who translate spoken language into a visual language or communication mode. They should possess the ability to deliver information between hearing persons and deaf or hard of hearing persons in a way that can receive and express information clearly. There are two main groups of interpreters: general interpreting and educational interpreting.
General interpreters for deaf and hard of hearing people usually work in professional, community or higher education settings. Interpreters can obtain different levels of certification and different types of specialization. All interpreters are required to adhere to a national and/or state code of ethics, established by a recognized licensing agency.
In addition to the resources listed, the Statewide Outreach Center provides professional development and support to interpreters who work with students in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions- Texas
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How do I find an interpreter?
There are several avenues for finding an interpreter near you.
- The BEI Interpreter Registry provides listings of certified Texas interpreters. Search results may include the names, certification levels, and cities of BEI certified interpreters.
- Contact your local Deafness Resource Specialist for referrals.
- Deaf Interpreter Services, Inc.
- Interpreter Service listing from Deaf Network of Texas.
- Dovetail Communication Group
The Last Resort Communication Services can connect you with interpreters in situations which the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other access mandates do not apply.
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How do I become an interpreter in Texas?
To become an interpreter in Texas, interested applicants must pass assessments administered by the Board for Evaluations of Interpreters (BEI).
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How can I get interpreter training or CEUs in Texas?
Begin by learning American sign language. You may be able to locate sign language classes at your local community college or university. Some other resources are:
- Communication Skills Workshop (CSW)
- Signing Exact English Skillshops
- Interpreting webinars through the Texas Sensory Support Network
- Interpreter Training Programs directory maintained by the Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
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Are there CEU requirements to maintain BEI certification?
Yes, certification maintenance is listed on the BEI webpage.
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What are some BEI interpreting specializations?
BEI offers 18 kinds of certification, including Sign Exact English, Oral, Medical, Legal, Trilingual or Deaf interpreter. For information on deafblind interpreter certification, please visit the Hellen Keller National Center.
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How can I connect to other interpreters in Texas?
The Texas Society of Interpreters for the Deaf (TSID) is a network of professional interpreters working in Texas. They provide training and events.
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Are there a set of code of ethics or conduct for Texas interpreters?
Yes, BEI maintains the Code of Professional Conduct and requires certified Texas interpreters to adhere to it.
Frequently Asked Questions-National
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How do I find an interpreter?
Use RID’s Interpreter Agency or Referral Service to locate agencies in your area.
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How can I become a nationally certified interpreter?
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf is the national certification agency. Refer to their requirements.
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How can I get training for RID certification?
Check with the local RID chapter for opportunities or one of these nationwide training programs:
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What are the CEU requirements to maintain national certification?
8.0 CEUs and a current RID membership are required to maintain certification. Read more here: RID CEU Requirements.
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What are some interpreting specializations from RID?
There are two main types of certification: national and deaf interpreter (DI).
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How can I connect to other interpreters?
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) is a national membership organization that advocates for excellence in interpretation. To find a local chapter, use their directory.
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Does RID have a code of ethics or conduct?
Yes, they post their code here: Code of Professional Conduct.
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Where can I find guidance on interpreting in different settings?
RID’s Standard Practice Papers outlines the use of interpreters’ roles and responsibilities in a variety of settings such as:
- Health Care
- Legal
- Mental Health
- Religious
