Career Opportunities in Interpreting

As Deaf people pursue new fields, enter new professions and take on diverse careers, the need for qualified interpreters continues to grow.

With the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), both public and private agencies and business are now required to provide communication access to their employees. Interpreters are needed to work in public schools, universities, law enforcement agencies, courts, medical centers, libraries, government offices, public services agencies, on-the-job training in virtually all walks of life.

Interpreters work in private practice (freelance), in-house, on staff, or are contacted by agencies which provide interpreting services.

Ohlone IPP graduates have filled positions in community, educational and business settings which require interpreters or interpreter Supervisors. Some graduates choose to continue their education and pursue degrees in Counseling, Social Work, Deaf Education or other fields of study which incorporate their skills gained in the IPP.

Successful IPP graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in the field and with experience are expected to be able to take the current Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf performance test after working a few years. Most graduates have also taken and passed the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf written test on knowledge and ethics.