Interpreter Preparation Program

The purpose of Austin Community College’s Interpreter Preparation Program (IPP) is to develop knowledge and skills leading to employment as interpreters.  It is intended that graduates will have a broad understanding of the types and scope of support services, which could be or should be available to deaf persons as well as extensive knowledge of Deaf culture.  The goal is forgraduates to have entry-level theoretical and technical skills in interpreting.  ACC has been providing this 2-year interpreting program since the fall of 1997.  Since that time it has tripled in size and continues to grow.  The majority of ASL/Interpreting classes are offered at the Rio Grande Campus, 1212 Rio Grande Street, Austin, 78701.  At this campus, ACC has an ASL/Interpreting Lab that is open 30 hours a week and is staffed by a lab instructor.  It has been of great benefit to our students here and gives them the opportunity to work on and improve their ASL and Interpreting skills according to their personal schedules. 

Interpreting is the process of communicating spoken English messages into American Sign Language as well as rendering American Sign Language into spoken English.  The field of interpreting is a rapidly growing profession.  Legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) have greatly increased the demand for interpreting services throughout the United States.  In addition, and more than ever, hearing and deaf people are interacting in all aspects of our society.  Today, interpreters can be found in scores of situations such as educational, legal, medical, and theatrical settings.  Within these different settings, an interpreter may work for a variety of clients on a “per job” basis as a freelance or private practice interpreter or may hold a full-time interpreting position.