Question: I want to help people and am interested in possibly becoming an interpreter for the deaf. Can you tell me more about this occupation and where I can get some training.
—Leah

Response: Interpreters for the deaf, dactyologists, provide translation between spoken and manual (sign language) communication. They may translate spoken material into sign language for the understanding of the deaf, or interpret sign language of the deaf into oral or written language for hearing individuals or others not conversant in sign language. They may work for television stations or other providers of information. They may work for the court system, schools and other public agencies.

Employment Outlook:
Above average is projected through 2008 for interpreters. Beginning interpreters may work at community and state colleges or through registries at social service organizations. Experienced interpreters are preferred in public school settings.

According to a representative of the El Camino Community College sign language/intepreter-training program, there is currently a need for interpreters at elementary schools.

Salary Range:

INTERPRETER FOR THE DEAF
projected 2002 annual salaries in the Los Angeles area according to Economic Research Institute:
YEARS EXPERIENCE 10th PERCENTILE TIME SERIES MEDIAN 90th PERCENTILE
3 $ 30,230 $ 36,170 $ 44,101
2 $ 28,612 $ 34,247 $ 41,739
1 $ 26,935 $ 32,254 $ 39,293

Interpreters are generally independent contractors or employed by a school/organization. According to a representative of the sign language program at El Camino Community College, interpreters as independent contractors are paid an hourly rate ranging from $11.75 to $25 per hour, depending on the interpreter's skill level and experience.

According to an online site for jobs for interpreters for the deaf, a salaried staff interpreter at El Camino College earns from $36,240 to $44,256 per year.

Training Options and Costs:
According to a representative of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), at the present time deaf interpreters don't need certification, but the state of California is in the process of making certification a state requirement. The representative recommended that interpreters gain from two to five years of work experience before taking the examination which is administered by RID.

The examination consists of a written and oral section. Working interpreter experience is crucial to passing the oral examination. There are 5 levels of certification, depending on one's test scores. Level 3 to 5 is needed for official certification. Currently both the National Association of the Deaf and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf administer the tests. However, both organizations are expected to a merge in a few years to form one certification agency.

Sign language/interpreter programs are offered at various schools including community colleges. The following are RID recognized college sign language training program in the Los Angeles area:
El Camino College
Instructional Services Division
16007 Crenshaw Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90506
310-660-3296
www.elcamino.cc.ca.us
Contact: Cheryl Peacock
The college offers a 40-unit Sign Language/Interpreter Training Program that can be completed in approximately 3 years on a part-time basis. The school has a Career Resource Center where students can get referrals to jobs with business/schools. Further, the school offers a Sign Language Club, which is a good resource for networking and for learning of job opportunities in the field. The program cost is approximately $440.
Los Angeles Pierce Community College
6201 Winnetka Ave.
Woodland Hills, CA 91371
(818) 719-6471
Contact: Darlene Allen Wittman, CSC, SC:PA, CI and CT or Cynthia Herbst, CSC
E-mail: wittmadk@laccd.cc.ca.us
E-mail: herbstcl@laccd.cc.ca.us
The college offers a 32-unit American Sign Language/Interpreting program where students are trained in the various aspects of interpreting and upon completion of the program should be prepared to work in the field. The program takes two to three years to complete depending on course load. The cost is $11 per unit/$352 for the entire program.

Professional Resources
Southern California Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
E-mail: brianbrodhagen@yahoo.com
Contact: Stephanie Harris, President
E-mail: stepharoo@earthlink.net
Cell (562) 537-9225
This is a chapter of national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. These professionals provide sign language interpretation for the deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people. Its members include both deaf and hearing interpreters.

Membership benefits include professional development seminars, certification preparatory workshops, receipt of a quarterly newsletter with industry updates, and networking opportunities through an online link of members in Southern California.

One of the many certificates offered is the Certificate of Interpretation. Those who have this certificate are recognized as fully certified in Interpretation and have demonstrated the ability to interpret between American Sign Language and spoken English in both sign-to-voice and voice-to-sign. Interpreters with this certificate are recommended for a broad range of assignments. The annual student membership dues are $10.
The tests are administered at various sites in California. The test site in the Los Angeles area is:
Greater Los Angeles Council on Deafness, Inc.
2222 Laverna Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 478-8000
Fax (323) 550-4205
Contact: Denise Madland or Kerri Howell

— • —  
Susan W. Miller, M.A., is a National Certified Career Counselor, a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist and holds diplomate status on the American Board of Vocational Experts. She heads California Career Services, a private practice career counseling firm in Los Angeles.

You may e-mail questions to swmcareer@aol.com.