American Sign Language & Interpreter Training

Sign language interpreters work wherever people, who are Deaf, need to communicate, which is everywhere. More than simply translating, interpreters must understand the meanings and intentions of spoken or signed words and accurately convey that message, often while the communication rapidly continues. It is a career that is as challenging and rewarding as it is widespread. Interpreting happens in settings from math classes to music festivals, giving interpreters flexible work opportunities. Many are employed through contract agencies, while others freelance and serve as their own boss. Demand for skilled interpreters far exceeds the number of qualified professionals, so jobs are plentiful. Austin Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Interpreter Preparation and a certificate in American Sign Language Studies.

Within the American Sign Language & Interpreter Training (ASLIT) department, ACC offers both American Sign Language (ASL) courses, Interpreter Preparation coursework, certificates and degrees. It is the department's goal to create students who are competent in ASL and knowledgeable of Deaf culture.

 

American Sign Language

 

ASL is a visual spatial language utilized by Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to communicate. At ACC, they offer seven different levels of ASL classes which are all taught in ASL by our experienced teaching staff. ASL classes are available all year, morning, noon and night at the Rio Grande, Pinnacle, South Austin, Cypress Creek and Highland Business Center campuses.

 

Interpreter Training

 

The purpose of ACC's ASLIT 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 for graduates to have entry-level theoretical and technical skills in interpreting. ACC has been providing interpreter training since fall 1997. Since that time, it has tripled in size and continues to grow. The majority of ASL & Interpreter Training classes are offered at the Rio Grande Campus, 1212 Rio Grande Street, Austin, TX 78701. At Rio Grande Campus, ACC has an ASLIT lab that is open 58 hours a week and is staffed by lab instructors. 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 a process of communicating spoken English messages into ASL as well as rending ASL 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.

 

Degrees & Certifications

 

ACC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Interpreter Training and certificates in ASL Studies and Interpreter Training. If you wish to become an interpreter and do not have a Bachelor degree or strong ASL skills, we highly recommend you pursue an Associate degree in Interpreter Training. This degree provides sufficient exposure to ASL coursework and coincides with future state certifications requirements.

For a list of courses, please click here.

 

Different types of Degrees & Certificates offered:

 

1. Interpreter Training Program Associate of Applied Science Degree Includes all ASL, Interpreting, and general education courses; prepares students to take the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) state certification test (link to aasinterp10-11.pdf).

 

2. Interpreter Training Program Certificate
Includes some ASL and most of the Interpreting classes; designed for students with Bachelor's degree in related areas or students who come to ACC with strong ASL skills and some interpreting experience; prepares students to take the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) state certification test (link to certinterp10-11.pdf).

 

3. American Sign Language Studies Certificate
Includes ASL I-IV and a class on Deaf Culture; provides a thorough knowledge of ASL; designed for students in other majors (e.g. Pharmacy Technician, etc.) who might use ASL to communicate as part of their job (link to certasl10-11.pdf).

 

Contact

 

For general questions, contact:
Emily Anderson, Professor and Department Chair
eanderso@austincc.edu
512-223-3208 (voice) 512-410-6555 (VP)

 

To set up an appointment to have your ASL skills evaluated:
Tracy Williams & Amanda Levy, Department Assistants
aslterp@austincc.edu
512-223-3205

 

For the ASL Lab:
asllab@austincc.edu
512-410-6538 (voice/VP)

 

For ASLIT website, go to austincc.edu/aslipp.