(excerpts from an article by Sarah Katz – Nov.7, 2019) I’ve always felt like the object of a constant tug of war between the deaf and the hearing communities. “Your whole life, they’ve been trying to take you away from me,” my father says to me, referring to the deaf community. But the deaf community […]
Tag Archives: sign language interpreters
Sign Language Interpreters and California AB5
September 20, 2019

On September 11, 2019, the California State Senate voted to pass gig-worker bill AB5 without an exemption for translators and interpreters. Final vote was 26 to 11 and AB5 has now been signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom. The bill kicks in January 1, 2020. AB5 or “Worker status: employees and independent contractors,” clarifies the definition of […]
Sign Language vs Foreign Language Interpreters
June 30, 2019

An Interpreter’s Balancing Act: Sign language interpreters. What do they do? For those unfamiliar, it may seem pretty simple…similar to the work of foreign language interpreters. However, there are issues particular to this profession that only come to light when one looks deeper. Foreign Language Interpreters are interpreting one spoken language to another. The vast […]
How Is This Okay?
October 24, 2018

It’s been called a “disturbing trend” and sometimes it seems we are watching an ominous wave as it gradually approaches the beach. A bit of history. Back in the 1960’s, Deaf students had the choice of either navigating their way through Public / Private schools or attending a School for the Deaf. Let’s face […]
Sign Language Interpreters in the Courtroom
September 26, 2018

Deaf people have a legal right to a qualified interpreter. In legal settings, a qualified legal interpreter will have a specific skill set to ensure that the deaf person’s right to be present and participate is not compromised. Legal interpreting requires highly skilled and trained specialists because of the significant consequences to the people involved in the […]
Deaf Individuals are Seven Times More Likely …
July 20, 2018

I recently came across an article from Beth Adams in Rochester, NY. In this article, she addresses the issue of health conditions affecting the Deaf and Hearing populations. It seems relevant to share the research findings as they highlight the gaps in “access to information” – – especially for deaf individuals growing up in […]
ADA Quick Tips Regarding Sign Language Interpreters
June 25, 2018

TITLE III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes it illegal for any business, building or other place that is open to the public to discriminate against people with disabilities. Such places are called “public accommodations” and include restaurants, hotels, theaters, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, retail stores, museums, libraries, parks, private schools, and day care […]
The Chicken and The Egg and The Interpreter
May 21, 2018

The case of the chicken and the egg. Recently, in California’s Coachella Valley, local Deaf residents met with area officials regarding the need for Sign Language Interpreters to service their communication needs in this California desert. Recently, in California’s Coachella Valley, attempts were made to draw Sign Language Interpreters to the area to help bridge […]
Can You Sign “Isolation” ?
November 20, 2017

Cans of cranberry sauce are lining the aisles in the grocery stores. Boxes of stuffing are multiplying next to the jars of turkey gravy. The entire store is now shades of orange and brown with fake fall leaves tucked in between every single item. Holidays are coming. Once again, I flash back to childhood […]
Interpreting Bloopers – Lost in Translation
October 23, 2017

I recently came across a thread where sign language interpreters shared their personal “oops” moments. Voicing for speakers with heavy accents… Signing technical or classroom material… Fatigue and confusion can make for some funny bloopers. Here are some of my favorites. Names have been removed to protect the innocent. After he had been […]
November 13, 2019
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