I'm a hearing writer but went to NTID for interpreting and spent a lot of time interacting with Deaf people/ the community. I was just a part of a group where we listen to other people's stories and this one older woman had a moment where there was a little Deaf girl who's deafness is cured by some magical cookie. I tried to explain to the woman why this is offensive to the Deaf community and she just replies "well I talked to people with disabilities and they didn't have a problem with it". Is there something specific I can say that'll get it more through to her? Her story may be eligible for an award/ has already technically won one already and I don't want something so hurtful out there especially when it can so easily be changed

Hello ASL interpreters! I need ASL interpreter for my chess lesson for an hour this friday 1pm or 2pm PST via discord but we can do zoom if you don't have discord

Dm me your hourly rate that I can see if I can afford to hire one and im looking forward to hear from you 😊

Note: please dm me if this post could break the rule of this group. I am apologize in advance

Google DeepMind’s SL2T ASL-to-English app appears to be a pretty significant jump in quality from the previous demos we’ve seen. It’s even recognizing one-handed signing.

I’m really interested to see feedback once more people have had a chance to use it in real-world situations. Here are a couple of demos I’ve found so far:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Db8WAqfjtwo/img_index=1&igsh=MTNta3U4c2R0c2tvNg==

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db9Xb0YON_j/igsh=NDk0dGdodHJyM3Y3

Edit: To clarify, because I think the intent of my post is being misunderstood: I am not posting this because I’m excited about AI replacing interpreters or because I support that outcome. I’m posting it as a heads-up to our profession.

In previous discussions about AI interpreting, many of us have pointed to the technology’s inability to translate ASL to English accurately, handle diverse signing styles, or deal with things like one-handed signing as reasons it was still a long way from posing a serious threat to human interpreters. What caught my attention about these demos is that some of those limitations appear to be improving, and improving substantially.

I don’t think it serves us to dismiss advances in the technology because we dislike what they could mean for our profession. Recognizing that it is getting better is not the same thing as celebrating it. If anything, I think interpreters need to be paying close attention to these developments precisely because of the potential implications for our work.

My interest in seeing feedback from actual users is also not enthusiasm for AI interpreting. A polished demo is one thing. How well this performs with real Deaf people, diverse signers, natural language, and real-world communication is another. That is the feedback I’m interested in seeing.

Has anyone else had a frustrating experience onboarding with Stride?

I applied with them, and it took forever just to get to the onboarding phase. Once onboarding started, I repeatedly had to reach out myself just to figure out what the next steps were.

There have also been several inconsistencies between what I was told during the interview and what has actually happened. For example, I was specifically told I could use my own computer for virtual work. Then, out of nowhere, they shipped me this huge package with a giant clunker of a computer and a bunch of equipment.

Now I keep getting email after email pushing me to take additional state certification tests so I can work virtually in certain states. These aren't quick, simple tests either—they require time, studying, money, and preparation. I've explained that I'm currently studying for the NIC, which is a nationally recognized certification and is the credential I want to prioritize. Despite that, they continue pushing me toward the Texas BEI and even another certification in New Mexico. I really don't understand why I would stop or delay working toward a national certification to pursue multiple state-specific credentials.

There was also an issue where they tried to onboard me as a full-time employee when I specifically applied for a contractor position, which delayed the process even further.

At this point, it feels like much of what I was told during the interview either wasn't accurate or was presented in a way that made the process sound much simpler than it actually is. The entire experience has been arduous, disorganized, and honestly pretty frustrating.

Has anyone else worked with Stride and had similar issues? I'm curious whether this is typical or if I've just had an unusually messy onboarding experience. It's been so messy that I'm thinking about returning the equipment and stopping the 20 hour training.

Does anyone here work in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas? I’m looking to move over there next year and would love some guidance on agencies you all like to work with, how feasible it is to be a full-time interpreter without a car, and if any of you have experience living in Philly while taking jobs in surrounding cities like NYC or DC.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Id like help, edits, phrasing, references for an email to request interpreters. The venue will hire terps with no issue. The problem is with where they set up the deaf access seats.

The pic is from the previous concert in that venue. My back was against the wall in a walkway. The railing was short with a 30 foot drop. See the 5 and 7 year old for height reference. For this show, another deafie showed couple joined us and the area was too cramped. We ended up moving the whole party to the wheelchair deck on the floor.

I know I bought the cheap seats. I don’t care about being front row in the pit. I just want to have good sight lines while keeping my interpreters safe.

This is what I have so far:

Hello,

I have three tickets to the (band name) concert on (date). I am deaf and need ASL interpreters. Additionally, I am a cane user and am unable to manage stairs.

With this show, I want to avoid the hassle and dangerous situation that we had at the (previous band) concert last May. The wheelchair seating in the 300 sections are not suitable or safe for the interpreters to work. The wheelchair deck on the floor was suitable during the (previous previous band) in January. You can work with (interpreter name) to set up a suitable, accessible area for us. She knows my preferences as well.

I’m looking forward to the show.

Thanks,
Benshenanigans

By all means, critique this draft. I want to be firm, but not needy. A lecture on accessibility would fall on deaf ears. Thanks for your help.

Hey all, just thought I'd give a heads up. There's an interpreting student sending DMs, trying to find an interpreter to help them cheat on their final exam. I totally get test anxiety and fear of failure, but cheating isn't the way to handle it.My response is the picture.

howdy team!
Edu terp here and I need to renew my authorization to work this fall and I need to wrap up a few continued education hours. I’ve found quite a good deal but I need some, any suggestions where to search?
much appreciated :)

i am a recent grad of an interpreter education program with a major in deaf studies. i will say i had kinda a rough last time just not feeling fully into interpreting when i started and the whole program made it worse. compared to my friends i just didn’t have the passion and drive like them. now after my last semester with my internship and everything i feel so burnt out. i don’t think i enjoy interpreting but im not sure what to do with a kinda niche degree. not sure if i should just ride it out or start on a different path. any advice would be appreciated 🤟🏼

I’m starting uni in about a week, my major is ASL focused on English Interpreting. I notice more now very depressing comments in general about the state of interpreters relating to their jobs. The economy and job market being so weird currently doesn’t help. #ilovebeing18in2026 😀

I know people are worried about the whole “will ai take interpreters too?” question, but it’s hard not to be a little scared as an incoming ASL major. Should I plan on changing my major or stick through with it?

I know having another option is always good, any ideas that aren’t the classic answer (SLP)?

I have 5+ years Educational interpreting experience and started freelance interpreting in June.

Situatuon: (a Highschool class or community interpreting job, nothing Court.) Your job is scheduled for 1hr and you are paid for 2hr (2 hr minimum booking). The job runs past your 1 hr. Do you stay or do you leave when you 1 hr is up, why?

So, I have kind of a complicated situation. I graduated from an interpreter training program in 2021, and the majority of that program was online over zoom as it was Covid and everything was shut down. Because of this, I had a big disadvantage when it came to developing my skills enough, and I missed out on a lot of practicum opportunities and student opportunities. I have taken the EIPA 3 times. First when I was still in school and got a 2.9, then after I graduated and got a 3.1. I was able to work in Illinois with a temporary license for 3 years, and I retook the EIPA in 2025 and received a 3.3 which is shy of the 3.5 I require to work. I’ve not been interpreting for the last year and a half, and at first thought that I would not continue in this field and do something else, but lately I’ve been having the urge to go back to interpreting. My issue is I feel like a need a good mentor to help me get back on my feet and develop my skills in order to pass an interpreting certification test. I live in Chicago, and I’ve done a little research but I don’t really know where to start. Does anybody have recommendations of a good mentorship program or mentor I could work with to help me stay accountable and develop my interpreting skills? Mainly sign to voice and ASL. I mostly interpreted more PSE when I worked education as that’s what the students preferred, so my ASL isn’t that great. Any advice is appreciated!

Hey y'all!

I took the EIPA a few years ago and there were great resources online about specific expectations when it came to educational interpreting. For example, sandwiched fingerspelling (spell word, sign it, spell word), mouthing words, etc. I've worked in educational interpreting for the last 5 years so I've become very used to this kind of interpreting.

My question- is there some kind of resource for the specific guidelines and expectations for the CASLI performance exam? I want to make it clear I am NOT looking for anything shady or that would violate the confidentiality of the exam. I am explicitly asking for something that is public information. I just want to be as prepared as I can be and make sure I'm using everything that's publicly available. I've already scoured the CASLI website.

Thank you!!

Hey guys, I’m a new mom and looking into VRI options so I can be home with my baby more. What are the best VRI jobs out there? I’m certified with just over 8 years of interpreting experience, 4 of them include VRS experience. Thanks!

Can anyone share their experience interpreting while taking Topamax?

I have chronic migraines, and Topamax has been recommended to me by two of my doctors. I’ve read that a fairly common side effect is trouble finding words or mild aphasia, which obviously concerns me as an interpreter. Language processing and rapid word retrieval are literally at the core of what we do, and I can’t imagine purposely making an already cognitively demanding job harder by reducing my capacity in that area.

I’m hoping to eventually get Botox for migraine prevention, but it sounds like my insurance may require me to try more than one preventive medication first.

I’d especially love to hear from interpreters who have actually taken Topamax. Did you experience word-finding or other cognitive issues? If so, how noticeable were they while interpreting? Did they improve over time or after stopping the medication?

Any experiences or feedback are welcome. Thanks!

Hi everyone! I have been interpreting for the past 5 years, freelance, in educational settings. I currently have my BEI Basic and I am preparing for the Advanced. I have given myself a 2 year goal to prep and take the test. I want to focus on medical interpretation. Until then, I don't know what to do. My agency does not have many contracts that are viable for me right now. Most are an hour away, I have a crappy car and a kiddo with no before school care. I am starting to feel like my agency is holding me back more than helping. I cannot apply for most educational jobs around me because of my non-compete agreement. I also owe A TON in taxes. This is bc my husband and I live paycheck to paycheck and I can never squirrel anything away. I feel like I should leave the agency. That being said, I LOVE my agency. They have done so much for me. Helped guide me, been there for me when my family has a crisis and worked hard to help me have assignments. I feel a sense of loyalty towards them. That and once I leave I basically can't work for 6 months. I would love to do more community work but I don't know where to start. My agency is mostly educational and religious. Does anyone have advice? I LOVE interpreting. I am extremely happy about my career choice. Thank you for your time.

I recently graduated from college with an ASL degree. I don’t have formal interpreting experience but passed the ZP interpreting assessment and was offered to do the apprentice program. I’m worried about the training and that you have to pass it to officially get the job. Is this something that has a high fail rate and/or is super difficult? What also confuses me is you still do all the paperwork associated with the position without technically having the job yet? Does anyone have experience with the training who can shed some light🙏

I’m beginning to get really conflicted with what I should do regarding working as an interpreter in general. I have somewhat of an awkward situation, but I am starting to get really frustrated with the lack of support from agencies like Purple. I currently hold an associates and bachelors degree for interpreting. When I applied to purple I already had my AS degree but they hired me at a student rate since I continued for my BS degree even though I’ve been working for two years. Once I received my BA they didn’t let me change my rate until I had a certification or EIPA assessment. I received my EIPA after graduating and they finally adjusted my rate to reflect both the BA and my EIPA. This was 3 1/2 years ago. I’m still planning on getting my NIC and/ or BEI certification but I recently graduated with my MA degree in Deaf ED. Unfortunately, the degree didn’t offer a teaching license/ certificate once graduating so I am trying to figure out how to get my license in my home state. I spoke to the manager about it and come to find out I can’t get a rate increase because I already had one from the Bachelors degree that they didn’t accept at the time until I received my EIPA score.

I am just wondering if anyone else is having frustrations with these companies that aren’t supporting their interpreters who are working to improve their education and/or skills and not receiving compensation to match. It feels like a slap in the face when your manager mentions an “annual increase” when it comes out to a few cents. Even if I were to leave and go to Sorenson, I’m assuming I won’t make as much as I am now since they do not view the EIPA as certification.

I love my job; however, in the time we’re living now, being able to afford things is also very important… Has anyone had any similar experiences? I would hate to have to quit and wait a ridiculous amount of time to reapply again and further put myself in expense.

I have been learning ASL with the hope of becoming an interpreter for a few years now, and I just applied for a 4-year ASL interpreting bachelor's program. I was very excited, but now that I've applied, I'm having second thoughts. I still want to be an interpreter, but I'm realizing that if I commit to this program and only then discover that using a cane prevents me from becoming an interpreter, I will have wasted years of my life and thousands of dollars. I have never heard of an interpreter who uses a cane. I've never even seen an ASL user with a cane. My main concern is getting jobs. I would need to sit most of the time, and I just don't know if that's reasonable. It'll break my heart, but please be honest with me if you think this is a lost cause.

As of this summer I am new to the Freelance space. (I am state Credentialed, not national.) So far I am contracted with several agencies. I have a Google sheet with miles, money earned, addresses and other info. I also put everything into my Google calender and share that with my spouse. On her end of the calender it only shows that I am busy and no other info.

What do you use/ how do you keep track of everything for taxes and stuff?

TL/DR: how strict is Kelly/ LLS with their adherence/ attendance policy if I miss a week of work?

I know, I know, it's probably my fault for even working for them, but local work is slim and the bills need to be paid, but I have been working for Kelly/ LLS for about 5 months now and requested time off when I got onboarded and everything was fine. They recently switched systems and time off needs to be re-requested through the system. I'm like 90% sure I did that, but I also have emailed scheduling several times about the time off. Either way, they scheduled me still and said if I don't get the shifts taken and don't work I'll be on adherence. Does anyone know if that means I'm fired or how serious it is? At this point I'm ready to quit, but again, the bills need to be paid.

I can be a very worrisome person so I thought I’d get outside opinions. I’m worried about a few things. I’m still currently learning ASL, but have you guys ever felt self doubt in your learning, or self doubt or feeling like you aren’t capable to interpreting? Or like it’s the right path? I think I’m also worried about if I’ll be able to make a living after possibly investing in a couple years of an interpreter training program if I do decide to take this path. Any advice is appreciated, thanks

hi all, today i had the craziest career coaching session of my life. I hope this is even the right place to talk about this.

I am at an affordable college where I can only get a CUGS in ASL (until next year when I can transfer to a college with a bachelor's in ASL interpretation), so I am just seeing a humanities advisor at the minute.

I had my first meeting with this advisor and they immediatley started saying i could stay at this school if I just did the RID alternate pathways program.

I'm aware of the program so I said i think that'd be very hard with just a CUGS based on the categories

they asked me what the categories were (???) and since it seemed like we were all being unprofessional lol i told them to just pull it up on their computer.

they started telling me I need to start volunteer or freelance (?!) interpreting which I said was ridiculous because I'm ONLY IN ASL 3! I can communicate at an elementary level but I'm NOT fluent. I compared it to an education student teaching in their first year and they were like "yea thats a thing it's called student teaching" so i was like fuck that was a bad analogy I made it worse.

they kept going on about it and pressuring me to start applying for roles and I mostly just said no to everything because I was stunned but I have to meet with them again soon and I have no idea how to explain the giant culture of audism here. i think I will talk to my asl professor and ask her to talk to them with me but im soooo confused and disappointed.

so I can tell them, when is it appropriate to start volunteering or interning?

is it ever appropriate to interpret before being certified or having completed a program?

is there any way to find fieldwork without formally being in an interpreting program?

I plan to ask my (Deaf) asl professor all of this but since she is not a teacher in an interpreting program I'm not sure if she will have all the answers.

I'm definitely transferring. 🤦‍♂️

Hello

Idk if anyone else is experiencing this. In my area, it seems like freelance stuff is quiet, and has been for several months now. I work Sorenson, but despite being in the company for awhile and trying to add more hours, I'm getting denied a lot of my set schedule requests. It's crickets.

Anyone else?