Career as Deaf Interpreter

Deaf Interpreter
ISL is the language of the Deaf in India. There are approximately one million people with onset of deafness in early childhood and that the sizable number of sign language dependant deaf children and adults face hardship due to non-availability of Indian sign language Interpreters and such inadequacy causes difficulty in accessing public services such as education, communication, health and transport etc. 

WHO IS A SIGN LANGUAGE/ DEAF INTERPRETER?

sign language interpreter is someone who helps hearing impaired or deaf individuals understand a spoken language by converting it into sign language. Interpreters are needed in both one-on-one situations as well as group settings.

JOB RESPONSIBILITY OF A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER?

-A sign language interpreter needs to fully understand the subject at hand and be able to accurately translate the information to the recipient.

-Not only are excellent skills in both sign language and the Indian & English language necessary, but listening and communication skills are imperative.

- A good memory is equally important, since the interpreter will need to remember what is being said in detail in order to translate the information accurately.

-There are many times where the interpreter will have to do research ahead of time if there is complicated or technical information that needs to be interpreted.

- He or she will need to refer to dictionaries, encyclopedias or other reference materials in order to be as accurate as possible, and to have a good understanding of the subject.

SCOPE-

• In view of the PWD Act (1995), UNCRPD (2008), and RPWD Act (2016) it has become mandatory to provide interpreters for deaf persons at public utilities, schools and functions. 
• As per sept 23 2018, Delhi High Court agreed to list a PIL filed by 31-year-old disability rights activist Nipun Malhotra, seeking the official recognition of Indian Sign Language (ISL), for hearing.

The above scenarios, has lead to an increasing demand for sign language interpreter. 

WHAT QUALITIES ARE REQUIRED?

While looking for a job, we search about the responsibilities, scope, qualification etc required for a particular. But we often forget the most important factors  i.e career interest, Aptitude and personality, needed to be considered, while applying for a job. 

Some of the basic aptitude, personality and interest required to succeed in this career are-

THINK YOU POSSES THE ABOVE QUALITIES?

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INSTITUTE OR CENTRES  THAT PROVIDE A CERTIFICATION COURSE/ DIPLOMA IN INDIAN SIGN LANGUAGE ARE AS FOLLOWS-

Sign language interpreting is a relatively new concept in India. But Training programmes are now available at various levels and recognised by the
Government & also Private foundations-

•   Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpretation (DISLI)  by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)- 1 YEAR
•   Indian Sign Language Research and Training Center ( ISLRTC)
•  Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan) 
•  Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women
•  Centum- GRO Intiative-  New Delhi
•  National Institute of speech and hearing also online courses in Indian sign language. 

For learning international sign language, one can opt to National association  for Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) by National Association of the deaf. 

A degree in social work would also prove advantageous.

CAREER PROSPECTS-

-Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpretation holders can work in regular schools as Interpreters for deaf children, and also work as resource units attached to regular schools and in Integrated Education for Disabled (IED) / District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) Schemes/SSA/RVM.

- Professional Sign Language Interpretater can also work in a variety of settings, including education, social services, religion, government, business, performing arts, mental health, medical, legal fields and more. 

-With increasing opportunities for deaf & mute, acceptance of sign language  in India, in future, Indian Sign Language Interpretation can expect to be a part of human resource development and also new channels (media)  as a sign language reporter. 

- Candidates with certification in International /American sign language can work abroad and also has a chance to work for tourism department. 

HOW MUCH DOES A DEAF INTERPRETER MAKE IN INDIA?

- An entry level deaf interpreter (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of ₹ 2,33,551. On the other end, a senior level deaf interpreter (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of ₹ 3,87,315.
- In addition, they earn an average bonus of ₹ 6,629. Salary estimates based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in India.

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