are sign language interpreters in high demand?
I would like to study asl but I would like to know if they're in high demand and where would my services be needed?
Yes, definitely!!… So you're interested in working as a interpreter? If I were you, I would go to California State University of Northridge or Gaudalladet University OR any nearby colleges that offer Deaf program and interpreter too!
Also, try to majoring in Deaf Studies plus Interpreter credentials as well and talk to your counselor about it…
I live in Southern California and I am Deaf, really… Also, I have Deaf friends back in high school who going to the same college as I am this fall and my college are short of interpreter…
For example:
More Deaf students coming to college, university, trade school, etc.. = increased demand of interpreters.
and right now, in my school, more and more Deafs come (I say about 36 Deafs) and only have about 12 interpreters available… It not good for Deafs and me as well….
good pay? YES! But depends on the location, really 
Hope this helps?
If you have any question, feel free to email me on my profile
If i Major is American Sign Language and minor is education would that be ideal for me to teach ASL in school?
I want to teach American sign language so i am going to major in America sign language and minor in education, is this what i need? or can i just major in American Sign Language? and does anyone know any schools that offers American sign language as a B.A?
The more education classes you can take, the better. You will need them anyway, as you're required to get your Master's degree to continue teaching.
I know a few schools have a B.A. in ASL: University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology (both in Rochester, NY), and I'm sure there are others.
Teacher's College, of Columbia University, has a "Teaching ASL as a 2nd language" master's program, once you get your bachelor's.
Job outlook for sign language interpreters?
Does anybody know the job outlook for interpreters….sign language to be exact??
Gosh, you can't go wrong with a career in Sign Language Interpreting! Most start out making no less than $25/hour, and then from there it climbs. I know some interpreters who earn $200 every day and that's 'small' for most.
I also know sign language interpreters who earn $60/hour after having worked at a specific interpreting agency for 2 years.
The money is great, you meet A LOT of interesting people, and it's great fun.
The things you learn (about the Deaf and Deaf culture) will stay with you forever.
Good luck!
Any ideas for an American Sign Language presentation?
I have to give a 3-5 minute presentation in my ASL class and have no idea what to do. My teacher said no jokes or poems, but we can tell a story, sign lyrics to a song or sign a speech. So far, all I've been able to think of is the preamble to The Constitution, the Gettysburg Address and the lyrics to Imagine by John Lennon. If anyone has any other ideas I would love to hear them.
Have a little fun with something you know AND that can be modified at will.
For example, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Cyclic story. Basic vocabulary. Check the timing first. You could also get the class involved by having them chime in with signing "too big, too small, just right"
Sign language Interpreters what is your hourly rate?
central ny are you an educational interpreter? Do you know of any positions open?
The rate depends on your experience, qualifications and geographic areas you work in.
In my state, Virginia, there is a published state rate that is a guideline many interpreters use, but it is only a suggestion. It is only used specifically for those that are on the state contract. If I followed the contract and was a freelancer (I work for an agency), then my rate would be $38/hr. (or is it $42? I've forgotten since I don't work on my own anymore.) I have one certification (CI). The scale varies based on certifications.
You asked about educational interpreters… not sure if you want an educational interpreting position, or if you are asking about freelance rates that educational interpreters charge when they go out in the community. The above was addressed to community work. For a full-time position with the school, I would never accept a hourly wage position. I want to have the same pay and benefits of a professional. I would not want my pay to be dependent on if the student came to school or not. I am setting aside my time and cannot replace the work for the day due to the student not being there.
As far as open positions… Do you have RID, NAD, or NIC certification? Are you willing to move? I believe that Virginia is a great place to work! The pay and cost of living here are great for interpreters. There is a wide range of work — community and education. There are few agencies and lots of freelancers.
I work for Sign Language Associates, Inc. and love it! I make good money and get to do the work I like to do. I'm currently doing video relay, but I also can take other jobs that interest me.
I use to work for a large school system and the pay got much better through the years. Thank goodness! The school pay here isn't bad at all.