r/ASLinterpreters

Hey, lurker here. I’m 38F, currently working corporate and it’s not a good fit for me. I used to be a freelancer and loved it, I miss it. I’m signed up for ASL 1 class in the fall and using Lingvano and Barron’s ASL book to learn in the meantime. I live in Los Angeles, near CSUN. Next step is getting myself to a deaf event!

I’m thinking about my existing background and how to pivot into interpreting potentially - I have my masters in business administration. I know there are some speciality focuses like legal interpreting, medical, or education work. Do some interpreters focus their work in the business setting?

I know I’m thinking ahead a lot considering I’m still in the beginning stages of learning ASL, but I was just curious. Open to any other ideas/suggestions. Thanks!

Anybody ever double major in interpreting and something else?

Time wise this would probably be extremely difficult but I’m still curious

BEI advanced Interpreter here with an EIPA 4.5. I’ve passed the casli written but struggle to understand why I should pursue my NIC. I live in Seattle and with the exception of legal, (which I have no interest in doing), I’ve not been denied for any work. I’ve not been paid less for it. If people ask if I’m certified and I tell them I have a BEI advanced, they immediately acknowledge it as equivalent. I believe if I wanted the most difficult, high-end top paid work then the NIC would be beneficial. I personally thought the TEP was much more practical to the real world than the CASLI written test, which asked the same question 18 times.
I’m being a bit facetious, but that’s my opinion.

I’m BEI certified in the state of Illinois. The dues cost less. There are less CEU’s required to maintain my credential. RID has been a complete soap opera for a long time now. I know there are a lot of people that have more formal education than me and will always be in favor of NIC. This isn’t an insult to your hard work and experience. For me this is a simple math equation. The reality is, we are all trying to make a living and we have to weigh costs versus ROI. I’m not trying to troll or start controversy, but I think it’s a fair discussion whether or not RID is even worth it anymore with their internal squabbling, drama and higher fees.

Sorry if this question has been asked before but I checked and it looks like the last time was a while back.

Would any interpreters please be willing to share what they use or their recommendations for laptops and/or desktops & their specs for remote interpreting?

And whether you use it for a VRS company and/or freelance/agency remote work?

Lastly, which apps/programs you use that are effective for this kind of work from home?

Hope this question is okay, your input is appreciated, thank you so much!

Hey yall! An agency I’m considering onboarding with as a freelance interpreter is asking that I pay for a drug test before moving forward. Has anyone else seen this and what is yalls take on it? I have no problem taking and passing a drug test and I’ve done it for w2 interpreting jobs but I’ve never seen it as a freelancer working 1099. Would love to know what yall think.

Hello!

I am curious to know what your daily life looks like as an interpreter. Is it a lot of driving from one place to another? Is it more staying in one place all day? I know it depends on if you’re staff or freelance, but I’m looking for a variety of answers!

THIS seems very odd. Isn't he the tCEO and who is she and what does she do?

You can go to RID and read their bio's. Says nothing on his about being on the finance committee and no notation anywhere that he was that I could find. During 2024-2026 that would have been Kate's tenure.

It does say that he became a certified interpreter at 16 yrs old in 1979. I am not trying to be picky but no where on LinkedIn (his info goes back to 2002, not sure when that started) does it say he volunteered at RID or was a certified interpreter.

https://preview.redd.it/4haatlxt4wah1.png?width=651&format=png&auto=webp&s=dabfe16a2b81a136cc25f67a64d40e556b7d4113

Does anyone have any recommendations for a desk chair you love?! Good lumbar support for either and optional arm rests are a plus. Something you can tuck your feet up under you.

[reposted from my original post over at r/HelensDeafClub just because I NEED to get info on this!]

I just learned that RID appointed a two-years termed CEO. The guy is Scott Ready.

And the worst thing is that they didn't publicly announced it!

They quietly announced it by emailing state level chapters' presidents about this. I only found out about this because a redditor here alerted me about it and when I took a look into it, I found out that this was announced FOUR days ago!

Oh, come on!

I thought RID was making a lot of improvements on being more open to the public about their progress!

And this BS happened!

What the fuck!?

I spent the last half hour googling him up and I can't find anything solid about this guy!

Who the hell is Scott Ready!?

Who is SCOTT READY? Hired as the transitional CEO for RID? Two Years? We are back to being pushed into the new 501 so it seems.

Seems the information was sent out to the AC Presidents four days ago.. Post of FB (might not be all

Scott’s appointment reflects our commitment to the important work ahead. Over the next two years, his primary focus will be stabilizing the organization, strengthening internal operations, advancing strategic fundraising efforts, rebuilding trust across our community, and preparing Headquarters, our volunteers, members, and the Deaf community for the thoughtful transformation of RID’s 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) structure. He is also committed to increasing RID’s visibility and impact throughout the profession and the communities we serve.

Scott officially begins on Tuesday, July 30, and we are excited for this next chapter. We believe his leadership will help build upon the work already underway while positioning RID for long-term success.

Thank you all for your continued support, patience, and commitment to RID throughout this transition. We appreciate all that you do and look forward to working together as we move the organization forward.

I have been taking a lot interpreting test for an community interpreting job, I say I about an strong B2 in American Sign Language. I want to know to some of you guys that are C1 in American Sign Language, how did you get there?

CASLI Sample exam has a question: You're interpreting for a Latino client, and the doctor hands the client an appointment card. You eagle eye that the date is MM/DD/YYYY.

This question has me so screwed in the head. Each answer on the sample exam are various ways that you should step in to correct the date, either tell the doctor to flip the date to DD/MM/YYYY, or tell the client, "This date is not Latino Culture of a date DD/MM/YYYY", or tell the client, "This dates in American MM/DD/YYYY format, or independently just sign in ASL "The appointment is July 5."

I disagree with all these answers. If the client is handed the card, we shouldn't take the card from them to sight interpret unless asked. We shouldn't assume their culture, or knowledge- brown people aren't always Latino culture, and if they are Latino and follow Latino culture, who knows, maybe they have been in the country for decades and already know the American date difference.

My thought- if the doctor hands the client a card, I'm not leaning over to read it, I'm not taking it from them, and I'm certainly not asking the client, who for all I know has a doctorate, if they need help reading a date on an appointment card...

And yet CASLIs sample exam answers only has those 4 options.... bad exam question?? What would you do in real life??

THOUGHTS????

Hey guys, I am working on a ASL engine and had a few questions

how many people in the ASL community can fluently read, write and understand english?

would anyone be interested in using a platform that turns ASL gestures into text?

Here is my platform if anyone would like to try:
https://gesturebridge.com/

Hello, I'm an aspiring ASL interpreter and I'm currently looking into proper camera and lighting set ups. I have been having the same problem across multiple camera set ups and was looking for advice

My camera(s) has a problem where my hands become blurry when moving. Im 90% sure this is a lighting problem. I do have natural light coming in from behind my computer to face me, but then I get washed out by how bright it can become, and it doesn't help me at night, when the sun decides it doesn't want to be around anymore.

So I purchased a camera with a light built in, and I have a separate light to help add to the situation, but it only sort of helps. I am clueless when it comes to lighting and camera work and recordings and was really hoping to get some help on this situation, or how to become less blurry during movement/signing.

Can this be fixed with a better camera?

What cameras do you use? What is your preferred and optimal lighting set up?

My set up is not terrible, but I'd like it to be better. I have limited space to work with.

All help is appreciated!

I had a client ask if they could request me for one and I said yes they can but I don’t work for any agency that I know of that does these cruises. Figured I’d do my part to find info and if they do end up requesting me I can be onboarded for whoever handles that contract. Any info is helpful thanks!

I started with Propio recently. This morning I was logged in for 2.5 hours and it’s been extremely slow compared to other mornings I worked over the past week. Is this typical to have a very slow morning randomly?

Hello! We put together this basic resource video and blog to explain the role of a CDI to first time hearing users. What is missing from these resources?

https://deafservicesunlimited.com/10-situations-where-a-cdi-is-essential/
https://youtu.be/S3WNYxUEGME?si=vgztqTkPFK1viRLJ

Hi all, it’s been 3 months since taking the CASLI performance. Curious what day or time has Casli been emailing results? I’ve noticed on social media certification pages that it’s typically on Thursdays or Fridays that interpreters are reporting they got the email.
Sincerely, a restless interpreter🫠

Hi there. I’ve been studying ASL slowly for the last 2 years and have been accepted into an interpreter program that would start this fall. I’ve been having some hesitations with this path though recently, namely the freelance style work. I’m currently working in a social work adjacent type environment, which is low pay but I have a predicable schedule, regular breaks, coworkers, and I can bike to work.

I love sign language of course, and do get a lot of satisfaction when I interpret informally. But I’m concerned if an asl interpreter career is sustainable for me. So I wanted to reach out to a larger group of terps to see how they feel on average. Terps:

How many different locations do you go to on a given day?
How much control do you have over your schedule?
How stable is your income?
How many years did it take to get there?
If you could do it over, would you?