In a message dated 2/17/2007 10:27:23 A.M. Pacific Standard
Time, dawn_marie1977@___ writes:
My
name is Dawn Otto and I live in Savannah, Georgia. I
would like to learn American Sign Language, and become
an Interpreter. None of the colleges here offer ASL as
a language though. Unfortunately, I can not move to go
to college. Also, what do you recommend I use to teach
my 7 year old son sign language, he is interested in
learning and I don't want to give him something too
difficult?
I look
forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Dawn
M.B.
Hi Dawn,
Sign language interpreting is an exciting and
growing profession. There is a current shortage of qualified
ASL-English interpreters needed to meet the growing demand. As
with most professions, years of experience are required to
become proficient. The first step is to become fluent in sign
language. Be aware that ASL-English interpreting is a separate
skill which utilizes signing ability, but is much more than
simply knowing how to converse in sign language. Special
training is needed to develop techniques and ethics required to
facilitate communication between two parties.
So, the first step is to learn sign language. Without your
local colleges offering classes, you have some challenges, but
it can be done in other ways. Recently I responded to a similar
inquiry from someone wanting to become more adept at sign
language:
The best method to acquire fluency in ASL is to
associate with members of the Deaf community. Seems you are
in an area where there is little opportunity to do so. Have
you checked into community colleges or continuing education
in your area that might offer sign classes? If that is not
an option, consider computer aided programs such as CD-ROMs
and DVDs. Look up websites offering basic ASL. Many are
free.
www.lifeprint.com
is one such site. ASL dictionaries can help too, just keep
in mind learning ASL by book alone is (like trying to learn
a spoken foreign language by book) very challenging, but a
great tool in addition to other methods. Check to see what
your local library offers.
Will your children join you in your efforts? Depending
on their ages, they (and you too) may benefit from the many
DVDs currently popular which teach sign language to infants
and children. It would be great to include your family in
your efforts, and set aside time to practice every
day. Practicing every day will help you retain the skills
learned better than doing a marathon cram session every now
and then. Label items around your home with sign pictures.
There are sign language games available too. By doing an
Internet search, you'll find several companies selling
products to help you learn ASL.
Do you have a web cam? Could you find an Internet buddy
to practice with? Turn off the volume and have all your
buddy conversations using sign language. Maybe check into an
immersion program where you can get away for a week or so in
a "no voice" atmosphere with others also wanting to learn
ASL.
An excellent educational website using ASL with text and
spoken English interpretation is www.deafplanet.com. The
target audience is Deaf children ages 8-12, but the
interactive environment makes it fun for just about
everyone. This may be an excellent tool for you to use as a
homeschooling mother. Ideally you should have at least
intermediate signing skills to best understand the signing,
but hey, if you want to teach your children science and
other curricula, give it a try. The sign language would be
an added dimension in addition to the excellent learning
objectives.
Perhaps some of the above ideas could start you thinking of ways
to begin learning sign language. If you feel you want to pursue
professional ASL-English interpreting, you will most likely need
formal training. A college degree will soon be required of
interpreters wanting to become certified by the Registry of
Interpreters for the Deaf (www.rid.org). If professional
interpreting is truly your goal, you will need to keep that in
mind.
I've recently learned of an online program through the
University of Northern Colorado:
Baccalaureate Degree in ASL-English
Interpretation
The American Sign Language-English Interpretation
program is an online (with summer onsite requirements)
Baccalaureate Degree program that prepares majors to provide
competent interpreting services between individuals who are
d/Deaf and use ASL as their primary means of communication,
and individuals who are not deaf and do not know sign
language. Graduates of this program will be prepared to
interpret in a range of low-risk settings with professional
autonomy and be work and/or RID certification-ready.
There may be similar programs closer to your area. An online
search may provide information for you.
These are just a few of the many different ways to begin
learning ASL with the goal of becoming a sign language
interpreter. Good luck to you. Hope you can give some a
try.
~Lynda Park
Sent: Monday, January 7, 2008 6:36:27 AM
Lynda,
I read your reply to Dawn about online
ASL/Interpreter courses.
Here are some more.
Hope this helps you, her and anyone else that finds
your page.
In a message dated 1/7/2008 5:28:22 P.M. Pacific
Standard Time, lyndapark@ writes:
Thanks Nathanael. Your knowledge on this is very
much appreciated and helpful.
~Lynda Park