Interpreter Training, University

Sign language interpreter training has evolved since the first training opportunities were implemented in the 1960s. Since then, academic and nonacademic training programs have emerged in many parts of the world. Yet developments are ongoing to introduce and optimize programs that produce sufficient skilled professionals to meet the numbers of sign language interpreters needed to enable communication between Deaf and hearing people around the world. In the United States, interpreter training typically happens at either community college or university level, and differences between training opportunities via vocational and academic routes exist in various countries.