Interpreters
Need a sign language/oral interpreter? MN Interpreter Referral (outside link)
This page is about Interpreter Shortages, including shortages of educational interpeters. MCDHH is also working on: certification of educational interpreters.
Interpreter Shortages
Minnesota, like the rest of the United States, is facing a shortage of sign language interpreters. How do we know? MCDHH and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division contacted all the major interpreter referral agencies in the state and found that 7 to 10% of all requests went unfilled.
The fill rate (the number of interpreter requests able to be filled by agencies) was close to 100% before February 2004, when video relay services opened offices in Minnesota. Video Relay Services are great- they have revolutionized communication for the signing deaf community and are tremendously popular. But the surge in use of VRS has resulted in fewer interpreters able to fill educational and community needs.
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How do we address the problem?
We need to convene stakeholders and create a systems plan with targeted responses to specific sectors. Here are preliminary recommendations that others have made to MCDHH. More discussion needs to be held.
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Demonstrate the Need and Estimate the Numbers Needed
We need to consolidate the numbers of unfilled freelance interpreter requests, unfilled interpreter jobs in educational, public, private, VRS, and nonprofit settings and estimate the number of interpreters needed going forward to fill the gap.
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High Schools
Promote interpreting as a profession to high school students.
Encourage more schools to offer ASL in their world language programs.
Ask the Minnesota Board on Teaching to accept American Sign Language Teacher’s Association standards and a teacher’s license as a requirement for teaching American Sign Language in secondary settings. (in progress)
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Interpreter Training Programs
Raise the bar for admission into ITP programs by setting required proficiency levels in American Sign Language.
Develop an educational and general adult track for students entering the program.
Set a goal of students ready to pass a national certification test when they graduate.
Remove financial barriers that prevent students from attending ITP programs.
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