ASL Interpreter

Program Description

The American Sign Language Interpreting AAS at Bridge Valley Community and Technical College provides rich opportunities to learn American Sign Language from native ASL signers and certified interpreters. Students will develop proficiency in ASL and Interpreting during the program which includes formal classroom instruction, small group practice, and practical experiences. American Sign Language interpreters are responsible for conveying information, as well as the meaning and intention between signed and spoken English with an emphasis on cultural and regional dialects. Training in this program prepares students to take the state certification exam, which will qualify students to work as interpreters in educational, medical, legal, and governmental venues.

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of and respect for the Deaf Culture and community.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in ASL.
3. Interpret ASL-to-English and English-to-ASL effectively in a variety of settings and with diverse populations.
4. Employ knowledge of the linguistic structures of ASL and English and ability to think critically about language, including ability to self-critique and analyze own interpreting skills for life-long learning and improvement.
5. Prepare for ASL certification exam(s).
6. Articulate and practice the RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) Code of Professional Conduct; create and maintain client/colleague relationships; work effectively as a member of an interpreting team in lead and support roles.