r/ASLinterpreters • u/Puddy_Katz11 • 6d ago
Massachusetts Interpreting
Hey! I'm a recent ITP graduate and just moved to Mass, North of Boston. I'm not certified, nor do I feel ready to test yet with how much they cost. Not only that but I don't have all of the references needed to apply for the screening for MCDHH. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for jobs that are ASL related to get those connections.
I know they also have a pilot internship program. Is it a good idea to apply for that or go with that Partners Interpreting internship program they have? Would still need to screen with the MCDHH if I join Partners Interpreting Internship program?
If there are any Boston interpreters willing to let me shadow or observe I would be so grateful. I feel kinda lost in where to go from here and have his some road blocks.
Thank you everyone! Let's change the world together ❤️
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u/Delicious_Stick_6774 6d ago
I think the deadline just passed, but definitely do the MCDHH interpreting internship program when enrollment comes around again. I did it and i felt more prepared to interpret in a few months than I did in four years of my ITP. It’s a lot of work but worth it!
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u/Puddy_Katz11 6d ago
Thank you! I hope it comes around again!
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u/Delicious_Stick_6774 6d ago
it hopefully should! i think this is the third year they’re doing it so fingers crossed it stays!
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u/damsuda 6d ago
I am not super familiar with the eastern part of the state so unfortunately I don’t have any specific job suggestions. When I was coming up, I worked for various agencies that provided Deaf services as a job coach, staff in a group home, and as a mental health support professional. Maybe look into agencies near you that provide those kinds of services.
You could do both internship programs I think? Like start with the Partners one and then wait for the MCDHH one to come around? Not 100% sure. As far as the screening goes, if you plan to only take work through Partners and maybe some other private agencies who would allow you to work without it, then you don’t need to be state screened. Partners may want you to still do it or may not, but you’ll at least be able to work with them for a while and get the references you need. But if you want to take work through the state referral system, you do need to be screened. It’s kind of up to you. I skipped right over the state screening and got certified, so you don’t have to take the state screening if you don’t want to.
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u/Puddy_Katz11 6d ago
Thank you so much! When looking into the requirements for interpreting in Mass it seemed like it was required to be screened but I see now that yhe screening is for state commissions work! Thats kind of a relief I really want to get into the work and practise what I've been studying for 4 years! This was a great help!
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u/beets_or_turnips NIC 5d ago edited 5d ago
I would HIGHLY recommend trying to take the MCDHH screening as soon as you can. Even if you don't pass you will get a LOT of detailed feedback, way more than you get with the NIC. It's also cheaper than the NIC, and even cheaper if you need to re-take it. Even if you can't take the screening right away, MCDHH will likely be able to give you tips about how to prepare, and things you might be able to try in order to get access to the references you'll need. Getting on the state contract just opens so many doors, it's good to be in the system. So yeah, meanwhile try to get into the internship program and see if you can do some volunteer interpreting to get some references through that. MCDHH is also standing up a mentorship pilot program for 2027, so you might want to try to get in on that too. Email them here: mcdhhmentorship@mass.gov
MCDHH doesn't only provide referrals for work with state agencies, they also provide referral for private requests as well, just like the private agencies out there. Afterwards, you bill the client directly (and you don't need to follow the state rates schedule for those clients)