What is interpreting?

Interpreting is the facilitation of communication by a skilled professional between hearing persons and deaf and hard of hearing persons.

Whether you want to know more about interpreting, how to become an interpreter, or whether you are already working as an interpreter, this section has information for you.  Topics include:

• Becoming an interpreter
  • certification
  • Interpreter training programs
• Finding an interpreter
• Using an interpreter
• Working as an Interpreter
  • Benefits of becoming an educational interpreter
  • Certification Maintenance
  • Code of Ethics
  • Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA)
  • Interpreting for Extra-Curricular Activities
  • Mentoring
  • Professional Organizations

Classroom Interpreting For Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Gallaudet has created a series of six publications for school administrators, educators, educational interpreters, students, and parents to support language access for deaf and hard of hearing children in general education settings.  All five are available in English; the parent and student guides are also available in Spanish and Chinese.

National Association of Interpreters in Education Professional Guidelines

Professional Guidelines for Interpreting in Educational Settings to support local and state education agencies, educational interpreters, parents and other essential stakeholders in establishing and implementing best practices in educational interpreting.

For More Information

Deaf Services at the Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides Interpreter Certification Guidance, explaining:

• what interpreting services include
• what qualifications are required of interpreters
• Commissioner's Rule (Texas Education Code) on interpreting services for students who are deaf

The Registry for Interpreters of the Deaf, Inc. outlines standard practices for Professional Sign Language Interpreting