Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, many situations today require the services of hearing impaired interpreters. These are people who translate between American Sign Language and spoken English. If you need to hire an interpreter, you can find one through a local government agency, deaf services organization, or through a private referral agency.

Hearing impaired interpreters receive training through college programs and many obtain advanced degrees. Often, they take certification tests for credentials, an extra bonus offered through several testing organizations. Many colleges and universities offer training programs but not all interpreters receive formal training.

Hearing impaired interpreters are in high demand these days, in various settings. This rapidly expanding field offers interpreters assorted jobs in schools, government agencies, and businesses. If you want to become an interpreter, you can look forward to working in a different atmosphere every day--in the medical or legal fields, in the performing arts, or even in religion. Positions and hours vary too, from part time and freelance to full time salaried jobs.

Hearing Impaired Interpreters and Referral Agencies

Referral agencies are another place where hearing impaired interpreters work. Referral agencies hire freelancers on an as-needed basis. Therefore, interpreters get to work with flexible hours and be their own bosses. If you are interested in a career as an interpreter, flexibility is key--with both time and mobility. The majority of jobs are found in medium and large metropolitan areas.