Interpreting Information
INTERPRETING INFORMATION
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf ( RID )
"You
have probably seen our members interpreting on political grandstands,
in churches, in schools, on television, in courtrooms, in hospitals, in
theaters, and any place where communication is vital. However, it
wasn't always a commonplace occurrence ... RID has worked diligently to
provide the "three Q's of interpreting: Quantity, Qualifications and
Quality," namely, the RID Triad. RID's Triad is composed of:
- Training for new and professional Interpreters through the Professional Development Committee (PDC), and the Certification Maintenance Program (CMP), and,
- Continued certification through RID's National Testing System (NTS),
- Self-regulation through a national Ethical Practices System (EPS).
In addition to originating and administering the National Testing System that certifies interpreters, RID also provides various support services to practicing interpreters, students of interpretation, and persons who share an active interest in the field of interpretation. Information on speakers, workshops, and classes are offered for the following: the American with Disabilities Act, the interpreting profession, Interpreter Preparation Programs, National Testing and Certification, Certification Maintenance Program for professional development, national Ethical Practices System, Testimony/Technical Assistance, Interpreter Referral Services, career opportunities, mentoring, internships, and scholarships to cover testing fees."
-- RID Web Site (3/27/01)
National Association of the Deaf ( NAD )
"Founded
in 1880, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is the oldest and
largest organization representing people with disabilities in the
United States. The NAD safeguards the accessibility and civil rights of
28 million deaf and hard of hearing Americans in a variety of areas
including education, employment, health care and social services, and
telecommunications. A private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the
NAD is a dynamic federation of 51 state association affiliates,
sponsoring and organizational affiliates, and direct members. Programs
and activities include grassroots advocacy and empowerment, captioned
media, certification of American Sign Language professionals;
certification of sign language interpreters; deafness-related
information and publications, legal assistance, policy development and
research, public awareness, and youth leadership development.
Headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, the NAD also has program
offices in Spartanburg, South Carolina and Morganton, North Carolina."
-- NAD web site (3/27/01)
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Regional Organizations |
Massachusetts Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf ( MassRID )
"The
Massachusetts Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (MassRID), a state
chapter of the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc
(NRID), is a non-profit membership association whose charter allows it
to work towards establishing a national standard of quality
interpreting. It is the mission of MassRID to work together with the
Deaf Community in meeting the demands for interpreting services in the
Massachusetts area by enhancing the quality and availability of sign
language interpreters."
-- MassRID Web Site (12/12/01)
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Interpreter Training Programs |
Northeastern Unversity, Boston, MA
"The
American Sign Language Program is dedicated to preparing individuals
who can interact in a positive and supportive manner with members of
the American Deaf Community. The Program does this by providing a wide
array of course offerings as well as volunteer, internship and
practicum opportunities. For its ASL/English interpretation majors, the
Program is committed to providing opportunities that will allow them to
acquire the linguistic, cognitive and ethical decision-making skills as
well as the socio-cultural knowledge necessary to serve as professional
ASL/English interpreters. For students pursuing a dual major in ASL
Studies and another academic discipline, the Program is committed to
enabling them to integrate their communicative competence and
socio-cultural knowledge in order to work positively with the Deaf
Community in a variety of meaningful roles. For students taking
American Sign Language in fulfillment of their university language
requirement, the Program is committed to providing the communicative
competence and cultural sensitivity needed to interact successfully
with members of the American Deaf Community."
-- NU ASL Program Web Site (3/27/01)
Western Oregon University
"The
ASL/English Interpretation major is designed to prepare its graduates
to enter the interpreting field as professionals who make significant
contributions to the service delivery team. The program combines
classes in language development, linguistics, sociology, anthropology,
education, and professional practices, as well as interpreting theory,
technique, and the application of knowledge and skills to the
interpreting performance. Courses are taught by highly qualified
instructors, both deaf and hearing, and students interact with both
professional interpreters and consumers throughout their term of
study."
-- WOU Web Site (3/27/01)
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Internet Resources |
Sign City
"SignCity is a non-profit organization created for the benefit of disabled persons, with an emphasis on those who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. With this web site we hope to inform and empower members of the disabled community, and educate the public about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)."
-- SignCity Web Site (3/31/01)
Sign Language Interpreting Theatre
"Sign
Language interpreters are gaining popularity in theatres from Broadway
to Boise. With the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act,
along with increased sensitivity to Sign Language and the Deaf
community, theatre producers and venues throughout the country find
themselves exploring the opportunity to reach out to a new audience via
interpreted performances. Unfortunately, interpreters who are
experienced in performance interpreting are few and far between. In
addition, most production staff have a limited understanding of the
variety of issues associated with the provision of quality interpreted
performance. It is hoped that this Web site will serve as a resource
for both novice and experienced interpreters, as well as for theatre
staff wanting to learn about sign language interpreted performance."
-- Terptheatre Web Site (3/31/01)