Become an Interpreter

When deciding which Interpreter Education Program (IEP) to apply for, consider the following factors. CASLI recommends that the program have:

• A strong commitment and level of involvement from the local Deaf community (i.e., is the Deaf community represented in program advisory committees, are a variety of community members invited to be language models in the classroom, and does the Deaf community work with students during practicum)

• Trained and qualified instructors, Deaf and hearing (i.e., bachelors degree, preferably in related disciplines such as Education, Linguistics, ASL, etc.)

• Instructors who are Active members of CASLI, as well as, members in other related organizations such as CIT, RID, CAD, CCSD, etc., and who attend the conferences and gatherings of these associations

• Hearing staff who are interpreters who have successfully completed the American Sign Language / English Certificate of Interpretation (COI) conferred by CASLI

• A strong curriculum, fully-developed and in place, ready to apply; (including very clear and measurable entrance and exit criteria); curriculum based on current trends, teaching and research in the field of interpreting

• A large community of working interpreters to assist in training and to act as supervisors for students during practicum placements

• A community able to provide a variety of employment settings for field placement

• Adequate resources, including comprehensive text & video materials, audio & video equipment, as well as, other academic and support services for students

When deciding on applying to a program, the above points reflect just a few areas you may wish to inquire about. Be sure to investigate thoroughly the choices available to determine which program will best meet your needs and aspirations.