Interpreting: Professional Organizations

A symbiotic relationship exists between the progression of the sign language interpreting field and the role of professional interpreting organizations. Historically and around the world, a grassroots movement of Deaf people, children of Deaf adults (CODAs), and interpreters have worked together to gain recognition of their country’s natural signed language as well as the right of the Deaf to have trained and qualified professional interpreters to gain equal access to communication. From these efforts, and sometimes by referring to precedents set by other nations, professional interpreting organizations have emerged to serve multiple functions, including compiling a directory of interpreters; setting industry standards and ethical guidelines; developing certification and educational requirements; and providing training, research, and advocacy. Professional interpreting organizations partner with Deaf associations to produce ...