How do I start a career in sign language?

American Sign Language a good career?

• I am 24 years old and I been working on my credits to transfer but it is time to choose an actual career. I am completing the first class of ASL. My school offers American Sign Language Certification I take 4 sign language levels and one class on the history of the deaf. From what I researched there is a different between a certification and an actual interpreter license. If I do decide to continue down the ASL road, would it pay off. I love helping people so I am sure I would love it but what about income wise. I am trying to achieve a family soon with in a couple of years I fear that this is going to take a long time to get done.

• Answer:

  I find that being an interpreter is a very rewarding career. There are more courses that your school doesn't offer but would be beneficial - like ones that actually work on interpreting skills - but the courses that you have there are a great start. If you're able to easily pick up the language then you should be able to learn the interpreting part on the job - be sure to find a mentor and maybe invest in some resources. A must on your list "So You Want to be and Interpreter" by Alcorn and Humphrey. For more resources, check out the NIC Candidate Handbook - http://rid.org/education/testing/index.cfm/AID/86 appendix D RID is the national certifying body for ASL Interpreters in the US - Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Don't get overwhelmed by this information, just like any major or career you choose, take it one step at a time. When you've been practicing for a year or more you'll eventually be ready to take the NIC - National Interpreters Certificate (or whatever they change it to, they're reworking the testing process now) You can also use the RID website to locate interpreters in your area or see if there are any agencies with mentorships in your area. I know in the metro area where I live, interpreters have the option of working full-time directly for an entity that has multiple Deaf employees/clients (like a school or hospital or government agency or private business), others work for a contracting agency full or part time - the agency does the work of scheduling work, accounting, and benefits and the interpreter just shows up for the assignments, and others are freelance - they find the work, bill for it and maintain their own records as a self-employed individual. You'll have to figure out how the business works in your area and what will suite you best. Many of my colleagues have families and are able to balance the work load either by working full time as many parents do, or switching to part time or freelance - when you're part time and freelance - you pick the schedule you want when you want or as your budget needs. If your partner has insurance it's a little easier to budget your jobs and when you HAVE to work. Good Luck!