Interpreters who use American Sign Language (ASL) are essential in bridging the communication gap between hearing and deaf people in a variety of contexts, including healthcare, education, the legal system, and entertainment. ASL interpreters make significant contributions, but they frequently confront a variety of difficulties, such as inadequate pay, little recognition, and a lack of awareness of their needs as professionals. Fostering a more inclusive and equitable society requires standing up for the rights and needs of the interpreting community. 

This article looks at the different ways people and groups can stand up for ASL interpreters and support them so they get the resources and respect they deserve.

Raising Awareness and Educating the Public

Increasing public awareness of ASL interpreters’ roles and difficulties is one of the best ways to support them. Campaigns for public education can help debunk myths about interpreting and emphasize the value of ASL interpreters in a variety of contexts. ASL and interpreting knowledge can be incorporated into diversity and inclusion training programs offered by colleges, universities, and businesses. Interpreters can be featured in articles and interviews by media outlets, which will highlight their experiences and the significance of their work. Raising public awareness will help us cultivate a deeper respect for ASL interpreters and build a more encouraging atmosphere for their line of work.

Advocating for Fair Compensation and Working Conditions

Poor working conditions and insufficient pay are common problems for ASL interpreters. Many interpreters are underpaid and have unstable jobs despite the demanding nature of their work and their specialized skills. Ensuring that interpreters receive just compensation that reflects their expertise and the worth of their work should be the main goal of advocacy campaigns. This involves promoting increased pay, benefits, and chances for professional growth. 

Additionally, companies should strive to make work environments safe and accessible, give sufficient breaks during assignments, and assist in managing stress related to the workplace for interpreters. We can contribute to the development of an ASL interpreting profession that is more fulfilling and long-lasting by fighting for equitable pay and improved working conditions.

Supporting Professional Development and Continuing Education

ASL interpreters must pursue ongoing education and professional development to stay up to date on industry developments and to retain their skills. Giving interpreters access to conferences, workshops, and training courses can help them advance professionally. Employers and organizations can offer time off for professional development activities, as well as funding or reimbursement for continuing education courses. Mentorship programs can be advantageous as well, matching up less experienced interpreters with more seasoned experts who can provide advice and assistance. We can help ASL interpreters grow professionally and improve their skills by supporting their professional development, which will ultimately benefit the entire interpreting community.

Promoting Certification and Credentialing Standards

Photo by Leeloo The First:

Certification and credentials are essential for ensuring the quality and proficiency of ASL interpreters. 

Promoting the value of certification and assisting interpreters in earning and retaining their credentials can be the main objectives of advocacy campaigns. Educating people about the different available certification programs, like those provided by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), can help with this. Employers and organizations can make certification a requirement for hiring interpreters to make sure they adhere to industry standards. Furthermore, financial aid for certification examinations and ongoing education requirements can assist in removing obstacles for interpreters who want to improve their credentials. We can contribute to ensuring the caliber and professionalism of the interpreting community by advocating for certification and credentialing standards.

Encouraging Collaboration and Networking

Building a robust and encouraging interpreting community requires networking and collaboration. Facilitating connections between interpreters and professionals in related fields can promote a sense of community and offer significant chances for education and development. Professional associations with online forums, workshops, and conferences, like RID and NAD, provide a platform for networking and collaboration. By sponsoring memberships and involvement in professional associations, employers and organizations can assist these efforts. Furthermore, establishing chances for interdisciplinary cooperation—for example, collaborations between interpreters and teachers, doctors, or lawyers—can improve the caliber of interpreting services and advance a more comprehensive strategy for aiding the deaf community. We can contribute to the development of a more cohesive and resilient interpreting community by encouraging networking and collaboration.

Advocating for Policy Changes and Legal Protections

To solve systemic problems that affect ASL interpreters, advocacy for legislative protections and policy changes is essential. This may entail collaborating with legislators and advocacy groups to advance legislation that upholds the requirements and rights of interpreters. Establishing guidelines for interpreter certification and licensing, making sure they receive fair pay and working conditions, and shielding them from harassment and discrimination are all potentially important policy areas. 

Furthermore, promoting laws that facilitate the use of interpreting services in a variety of contexts, including the legal, medical, and educational sectors, can help guarantee that people who are deaf get the assistance they require with communication. 

We can contribute to the development of a more equitable and supportive environment for ASL interpreters and the communities they serve by taking part in advocacy efforts at the policy level.

Supporting Deaf and Interpreter-Led Organizations

The effectiveness of advocacy initiatives can be increased by supporting organizations run by and for the deaf and interpreting communities. These groups can provide specialized assistance and resources since they frequently have a thorough awareness of the special requirements and difficulties faced by interpreters. Contributions in kind, volunteer labor, and joint venture opportunities can all support these groups and their advocacy work. Furthermore, interacting with organizations led by deaf people and interpreters can yield insightful opinions and insights that can inform and direct more general advocacy campaigns. 

We can guarantee that the needs and voices of the deaf and interpreting communities are met by lending our support to these organizations.

Conclusion

Fostering a more inclusive and equitable society requires standing up for the rights and needs of ASL interpreters and supporting the interpreting community. We can contribute to the creation of a more welcoming environment for ASL interpreters by recognizing the importance of these workers, educating the public, fighting for equitable pay and working conditions, encouraging professional growth, advancing certification standards, fostering cooperation, pushing for legislative changes, and assisting deaf and interpreter-led organizations. 

These initiatives not only help interpreters but also improve the caliber of interpreting services and foster improved understanding and communication among our communities. By working together and advocating for ASL interpreters, we can make sure they get the credit, dignity, and assistance they need.

For those who are looking for additional support, Unspoken Language Services offers interpreting services to help bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities. 

Thumbnail Photo Credit to: Photo by Matthias Zomer