As awareness and advocacy for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities have grown in recent years, so too has the demand for sign-language interpreters. With its varied educational landscape, Illinois has several colleges that provide extensive sign language interpreting programs.
This review looks at a few of Illinois’s most prestigious universities that train students for jobs in this important industry.
Harper College
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Sign Language Interpreting is offered by Harper College, which is situated in Palatine, Illinois. The goal of the program is to give students the tools they need to help Deaf people and the hearing community communicate. American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf culture, interpreting theory, and hands-on interpreting experiences are all covered in the curriculum. Harper College places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, giving students the chance to participate in real-world interpretation scenarios through internships and collaborations with nearby businesses.
College of DuPage
A comprehensive program in sign language interpreting is available at the College of DuPage, which is situated in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The program leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree. Through a mix of in-class instruction and real-world experiences, the program focuses on improving ASL proficiency and interpreting abilities. Students are exposed to a range of interpreting contexts, such as community, medical, and educational settings.
In addition, the College of DuPage provides a certificate program for individuals who already hold a degree and want to specialize in sign language interpretation.
William Rainey Harper College
An extensive program in sign language interpretation is offered by William Rainey Harper College, which is located in Palatine, Illinois. With a curriculum covering ASL, Deaf culture, interpreting ethics, and techniques, the college offers an AAS degree in Sign Language Interpreting. With a focus on hands-on learning, the program allows students to work in a variety of interpreting environments.
William Rainey Harper College offers plenty of opportunities for internships and community involvement because of its strong ties to the Deaf communities in the area.
Illinois State University
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a concentration in Sign Language Interpreting is available at Illinois State University, which is situated in Normal, Illinois. By giving students a strong foundation in linguistics, interpreting theory, and ASL, the program prepares them for careers in professional interpreting. Students participate in the community and internship programs to obtain real-world experience. As a top pick for prospective sign language interpreters, Illinois State University is renowned for its dedication to research and innovation in the field of communication disorders.
Southwestern Illinois College
Sign Language Studies is an Associate in Applied Science degree offered by Southwestern Illinois College, which is situated in Belleville, Illinois. The curriculum focuses on improving ASL skills and learning about Deaf culture. Students are given opportunities for practical experience in a variety of settings and receive instruction in interpreting skills. For students interested in a career in sign language interpretation, Southwestern Illinois College is a good choice because of its stellar reputation for a caring academic community and committed faculty.
Columbia College Chicago
ASL-English interpreting is available as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) program at Columbia College Chicago. With extensive instruction in ASL, Deaf culture, and interpreting techniques, the program aims to prepare students for careers in professional interpreting.
Students at Columbia College Chicago engage in community service and internships as part of the school’s emphasis on experiential learning. Students at the college can take advantage of many professional opportunities and a thriving Deaf community thanks to its downtown Chicago location.
John A. Logan College
The Associate in Applied Science program in Interpreter Preparation is offered by John A. Logan College, which is situated in Carterville, Illinois. Through coursework and hands-on training, the program focuses on developing cultural competency and interpreting skills. John A. Logan College students benefit from small class sizes and individualized instruction, which guarantees they get the help they need to achieve. Through partnerships and events, the college also provides opportunities for students to interact with the local Deaf community.
Waubonsee Community College
Photo by Armin Rimoldi
An Associate in Applied Science degree can be obtained through the extensive Interpreter Training Program at Waubonsee Community College, which is situated in Sugar Grove, Illinois. With a focus on hands-on learning, the program offers courses in ASL, Deaf culture, and interpreting skills. Students can take advantage of fieldwork and internship opportunities to obtain important practical experience. Waubonsee Community College is renowned for its encouraging learning environment and dedication to student success.
Moraine Valley Community College
The Palos Hills, Illinois-based Moraine Valley Community College grants an Associate in Applied Science in Interpreter Preparation. The goal of the program is to improve ASL proficiency and interpreting abilities by combining classroom learning with real-world applications. At Moraine Valley Community College, students can interact with the local Deaf community and have access to cutting-edge resources and facilities. The college is a great option for students interested in a career in sign language interpreting because of its committed faculty and strong community connections.
Richland Community College
Interpreter preparation is a degree that can be earned with an Associate in Applied Science at Richland Community College in Decatur, Illinois. The program’s main goal is to improve cultural competency and interpreting abilities through a demanding curriculum and real-world experiences. Small class sizes and tailored instruction help students at Richland Community College succeed by making sure they get the help they need.
Through partnerships and events, the college also provides opportunities for students to interact with the local Deaf community.
Conclusion
Numerous colleges and universities in Illinois provide extensive sign language interpreting programs. These educational establishments equip students with the necessary knowledge and abilities to thrive in this fulfilling profession. Upon completing associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs, students can anticipate a comprehensive education comprising both theoretical and practical elements. These institutions prepare students to meet the increasing demand for qualified sign language interpreters by providing them with ample opportunities for practical experience and strong ties to the local Deaf communities.
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 Keira Burton
