It is important to keep up with news and developments in the rapidly changing field of American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. Keeping up with the most recent trends, best practices, and technological advancements can improve your skills and opportunities, regardless of your experience level or stage of your career. Thankfully, there are several trustworthy resources at your disposal to assist you in keeping up to date with ASL interpretation.

Professional Associations and Organizations

Joining associations and organizations devoted to ASL interpretation is one of the best ways to stay up to date on news and developments in the industry. Members of these organizations frequently have access to conferences, journals, online forums, newsletters, and conferences, which allow professionals to exchange ideas and talk about pertinent subjects.

  • Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID): For ASL interpreters in the US, RID is a well-known professional association. It provides several resources, such as the bimonthly magazine RID Views, which covers news, trends, and opportunities for professional growth in the industry.
  • National Association of the Deaf (NAD): An invaluable resource for ASL interpreters, NAD is primarily an advocacy organization for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Updates on news, publications, and details about conferences and events that are pertinent are available on their website.

Online News Sources and Blogs

Following blogs and internet news sources devoted to ASL interpretation is another method to remain current on developments and news in the field. Articles, interviews, and opinion pieces from professionals and industry experts are frequently featured on these platforms.

  • Street Leverage: This online resource offers videos and articles on a range of subjects about sign language interpretation. It includes best practices, industry trends, and interpreters’ reflections. 
  • The Terp Torch: ASL interpreters manage this blog, which offers insights into the field along with news from the industry, advice for career advancement, and firsthand accounts.

Academic Journals and Publications

To stay up to date in the field, academic journals and publications with an emphasis on ASL interpretation can be very helpful. These resources frequently include case studies, theoretical discussions, and research articles that can help you gain a deeper understanding of the field.

  • The Journal of Interpretation (JOI) is an academic publication that disseminates case studies, research articles, and reviews of relevant literature on interpreting theory, practice, and education. It is a useful tool for interpreters who want to keep up with scholarly advancements in the field.
  • Interpreting: Another scholarly publication that addresses a variety of interpreting-related subjects, including ASL interpretation, is the International Journal of Research and Practice in Interpreting. It includes articles about interpreting theory, research, and practice.

Social Media and Online Communities

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Online forums and social media sites can be great places to find news and updates about developments in the industry. You can keep up with industry news and maintain relationships with other professionals by becoming a member of pertinent groups and keeping up with prominent figures.

  • Facebook Groups: ASL interpreters can connect in several Facebook groups where they exchange job openings, resources, and news. “ASL Interpreters Forum” and “ASL Terps Unite” are two examples.
  • Twitter: You can keep up with industry news and developments by following hashtags like #ASLinterpreting and #DeafCommunity on Twitter. On these platforms, a large number of industry professionals and organizations frequently share updates and insights.

Conferences and Workshops

Another useful strategy for remaining up to date-in the field of ASL interpretation is to attend conferences, workshops, and seminars. These gatherings frequently include talks on new trends, presentations by professionals in the field, and chances to network with other industry members.

  • RID National Conference: Every two years, ASL interpreters from all over the nation come together for the RID National Conference. It offers networking opportunities, workshops, and presentations that can keep you up to date on industry developments.
  • ASLTA Conference: Another important gathering for ASL interpreters is the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) Conference. It emphasizes ASL teaching best practices and frequently incorporates lessons pertinent to practical interpreting.

Online Training Platforms

ASL interpreters can choose from a variety of workshops, webinars, and courses offered by online training platforms. These platforms can assist interpreters in staying up to date with changes and trends in the industry and cover a wide range of topics, from fundamental interpreting skills to specialized areas of practice.

  • StreetLeverage: For ASL interpreters, StreetLeverage provides a range of webinars and online courses. Subjects covered include cultural competency, ethics, and specialized interpreting environments. These give interpreters the chance to improve their abilities and stay up to date on industry best practices.
  • ASL Interpreting Academy: This organization offers online training courses to ASL interpreters with varying degrees of expertise. Their courses assist interpreters in staying current with industry standards and practices by covering a variety of subjects such as language development, interpreting techniques, and professional ethics.

Conclusion

For ASL interpreters who want to advance their careers and maintain their competitiveness, keeping abreast of industry news and advancements is crucial. Interpreters can remain up to date on the newest trends, best practices, and technological developments in ASL interpretation by making use of resources like conferences, professional associations, online news sources, academic journals, and social media.

For those 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 Kerde Severin