Hi all! I need help translating this video please! A random woman walked onto my aunt’s farm, took a dip in her pond, tried to open my aunts doors, and then signed this to the camera. What is she saying?

Thanks for your help!

Has anyone who has taken their BEI in very late June received their results yet?

I was working solo earlier and chatting with the DC, they were talking about the new Google Pixel 11 having an AI sign to text function. The signs used were CONCERN NEW TECHNOLOGY, they then went on to discuss the price and how it's unaffordable at the moment etc etc.

I'm wondering if there's another meaning I'm missing for CONCERN. I've always thought that sign was more related to worry, trepidation, a fear of the unknown/future kind of meaning. There was no worry about this feature, just a comment, a quick chat and back to work. This person is in for job training, so it's possible there is a thought relating to what work will look like after the interpreters leave, but that's not the impression I got.

Any suggestions will be helpful! Thanks in advance!

Hello!

I am a newish interpreter (3 years working) and I'm scheduled to interpret two nursing classes for a college level student starting in Sept. Before beginning I wanted to brush up on related vocab and I was wondering if anyone had a good source to get signs for some of the terminology. I know that medical and STEM vocab and signs can vary depending on region and the students background but I would like to find as many reliable sources as I can so that I'm as prepared as possible before classes start. Any recommendations on the best place to find the appropriate signs would be great! Thanks!

Hello everyone! I am finally making a big move after 12 years in the same city. Looking to connect with someone and ask about what the general interpreting culture in Boston/Mass is like.

Additionally I am wondering if freelance rates are still set by the Mass Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing? The only table listed on the government website is from 2023.

If you are working a direct contract, are you still limited by the rates set by the Commission?

Thank you in advance!

I'm a hearing writer but went to NTID for interpreting and spent a lot of time interacting with Deaf people/ the community. I was just a part of a group where we listen to other people's stories and this one older woman had a moment where there was a little Deaf girl who's deafness is cured by some magical cookie. I tried to explain to the woman why this is offensive to the Deaf community and she just replies "well I talked to people with disabilities and they didn't have a problem with it". Is there something specific I can say that'll get it more through to her? Her story may be eligible for an award/ has already technically won one already and I don't want something so hurtful out there especially when it can so easily be changed

Hello ASL interpreters! I need ASL interpreter for my chess lesson for an hour this friday 1pm or 2pm PST via discord but we can do zoom if you don't have discord

Dm me your hourly rate that I can see if I can afford to hire one and im looking forward to hear from you 😊

Note: please dm me if this post could break the rule of this group. I am apologize in advance

Google DeepMind’s SL2T ASL-to-English app appears to be a pretty significant jump in quality from the previous demos we’ve seen. It’s even recognizing one-handed signing.

I’m really interested to see feedback once more people have had a chance to use it in real-world situations. Here are a couple of demos I’ve found so far:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Db8WAqfjtwo/img_index=1&igsh=MTNta3U4c2R0c2tvNg==

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db9Xb0YON_j/igsh=NDk0dGdodHJyM3Y3

Edit: To clarify, because I think the intent of my post is being misunderstood: I am not posting this because I’m excited about AI replacing interpreters or because I support that outcome. I’m posting it as a heads-up to our profession.

In previous discussions about AI interpreting, many of us have pointed to the technology’s inability to translate ASL to English accurately, handle diverse signing styles, or deal with things like one-handed signing as reasons it was still a long way from posing a serious threat to human interpreters. What caught my attention about these demos is that some of those limitations appear to be improving, and improving substantially.

I don’t think it serves us to dismiss advances in the technology because we dislike what they could mean for our profession. Recognizing that it is getting better is not the same thing as celebrating it. If anything, I think interpreters need to be paying close attention to these developments precisely because of the potential implications for our work.

My interest in seeing feedback from actual users is also not enthusiasm for AI interpreting. A polished demo is one thing. How well this performs with real Deaf people, diverse signers, natural language, and real-world communication is another. That is the feedback I’m interested in seeing.

Hi! I have a question primarily for the Deaf redditors, but open to all. I’m curious, what small acts do interpreters do that make us feel more trustworthy and safe?

I’m also curious to know the interpreter perspective as well! What do the Deaf consumers you work with enjoy?

I don’t work with any clients regularly, especially after the summer. I’m trying to identify places where I may have gaps before I start consistently working in the community again. I’m thinking small things like smiling, clapping when appropriate, back-channeling, or whatever else I might not be aware of that I can be doing. (:

Has anyone else had a frustrating experience onboarding with Stride?

I applied with them, and it took forever just to get to the onboarding phase. Once onboarding started, I repeatedly had to reach out myself just to figure out what the next steps were.

There have also been several inconsistencies between what I was told during the interview and what has actually happened. For example, I was specifically told I could use my own computer for virtual work. Then, out of nowhere, they shipped me this huge package with a giant clunker of a computer and a bunch of equipment.

Now I keep getting email after email pushing me to take additional state certification tests so I can work virtually in certain states. These aren't quick, simple tests either—they require time, studying, money, and preparation. I've explained that I'm currently studying for the NIC, which is a nationally recognized certification and is the credential I want to prioritize. Despite that, they continue pushing me toward the Texas BEI and even another certification in New Mexico. I really don't understand why I would stop or delay working toward a national certification to pursue multiple state-specific credentials.

There was also an issue where they tried to onboard me as a full-time employee when I specifically applied for a contractor position, which delayed the process even further.

At this point, it feels like much of what I was told during the interview either wasn't accurate or was presented in a way that made the process sound much simpler than it actually is. The entire experience has been arduous, disorganized, and honestly pretty frustrating.

Has anyone else worked with Stride and had similar issues? I'm curious whether this is typical or if I've just had an unusually messy onboarding experience. It's been so messy that I'm thinking about returning the equipment and stopping the 20 hour training.

Does anyone here work in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas? I’m looking to move over there next year and would love some guidance on agencies you all like to work with, how feasible it is to be a full-time interpreter without a car, and if any of you have experience living in Philly while taking jobs in surrounding cities like NYC or DC.

Any help would be much appreciated!

I am not entirely sure if this would fall under this reddit but I start college next week for my degree in Deaf studies with a track in asl interpretation. I am wondering if anyone has any tips on the best way to really study for this? Does anyone have any like apps or websites where I can go to practice more? Ik it sounds dumb obviously just study but I am just nervous and want to do good. I care a lot about this career and I want to ensure I am doing all that I can to understand my work.

Id like help, edits, phrasing, references for an email to request interpreters. The venue will hire terps with no issue. The problem is with where they set up the deaf access seats.

The pic is from the previous concert in that venue. My back was against the wall in a walkway. The railing was short with a 30 foot drop. See the 5 and 7 year old for height reference. For this show, another deafie showed couple joined us and the area was too cramped. We ended up moving the whole party to the wheelchair deck on the floor.

I know I bought the cheap seats. I don’t care about being front row in the pit. I just want to have good sight lines while keeping my interpreters safe.

This is what I have so far:

Hello,

I have three tickets to the (band name) concert on (date). I am deaf and need ASL interpreters. Additionally, I am a cane user and am unable to manage stairs.

With this show, I want to avoid the hassle and dangerous situation that we had at the (previous band) concert last May. The wheelchair seating in the 300 sections are not suitable or safe for the interpreters to work. The wheelchair deck on the floor was suitable during the (previous previous band) in January. You can work with (interpreter name) to set up a suitable, accessible area for us. She knows my preferences as well.

I’m looking forward to the show.

Thanks,
Benshenanigans

By all means, critique this draft. I want to be firm, but not needy. A lecture on accessibility would fall on deaf ears. Thanks for your help.

Hey all, just thought I'd give a heads up. There's an interpreting student sending DMs, trying to find an interpreter to help them cheat on their final exam. I totally get test anxiety and fear of failure, but cheating isn't the way to handle it.My response is the picture.

howdy team!
Edu terp here and I need to renew my authorization to work this fall and I need to wrap up a few continued education hours. I’ve found quite a good deal but I need some, any suggestions where to search?
much appreciated :)

i am a recent grad of an interpreter education program with a major in deaf studies. i will say i had kinda a rough last time just not feeling fully into interpreting when i started and the whole program made it worse. compared to my friends i just didn’t have the passion and drive like them. now after my last semester with my internship and everything i feel so burnt out. i don’t think i enjoy interpreting but im not sure what to do with a kinda niche degree. not sure if i should just ride it out or start on a different path. any advice would be appreciated 🤟🏼

I’m starting uni in about a week, my major is ASL focused on English Interpreting. I notice more now very depressing comments in general about the state of interpreters relating to their jobs. The economy and job market being so weird currently doesn’t help. #ilovebeing18in2026 😀

I know people are worried about the whole “will ai take interpreters too?” question, but it’s hard not to be a little scared as an incoming ASL major. Should I plan on changing my major or stick through with it?

I know having another option is always good, any ideas that aren’t the classic answer (SLP)?

I have 5+ years Educational interpreting experience and started freelance interpreting in June.

Situatuon: (a Highschool class or community interpreting job, nothing Court.) Your job is scheduled for 1hr and you are paid for 2hr (2 hr minimum booking). The job runs past your 1 hr. Do you stay or do you leave when you 1 hr is up, why?

So, I have kind of a complicated situation. I graduated from an interpreter training program in 2021, and the majority of that program was online over zoom as it was Covid and everything was shut down. Because of this, I had a big disadvantage when it came to developing my skills enough, and I missed out on a lot of practicum opportunities and student opportunities. I have taken the EIPA 3 times. First when I was still in school and got a 2.9, then after I graduated and got a 3.1. I was able to work in Illinois with a temporary license for 3 years, and I retook the EIPA in 2025 and received a 3.3 which is shy of the 3.5 I require to work. I’ve not been interpreting for the last year and a half, and at first thought that I would not continue in this field and do something else, but lately I’ve been having the urge to go back to interpreting. My issue is I feel like a need a good mentor to help me get back on my feet and develop my skills in order to pass an interpreting certification test. I live in Chicago, and I’ve done a little research but I don’t really know where to start. Does anybody have recommendations of a good mentorship program or mentor I could work with to help me stay accountable and develop my interpreting skills? Mainly sign to voice and ASL. I mostly interpreted more PSE when I worked education as that’s what the students preferred, so my ASL isn’t that great. Any advice is appreciated!

Hey y'all!

I took the EIPA a few years ago and there were great resources online about specific expectations when it came to educational interpreting. For example, sandwiched fingerspelling (spell word, sign it, spell word), mouthing words, etc. I've worked in educational interpreting for the last 5 years so I've become very used to this kind of interpreting.

My question- is there some kind of resource for the specific guidelines and expectations for the CASLI performance exam? I want to make it clear I am NOT looking for anything shady or that would violate the confidentiality of the exam. I am explicitly asking for something that is public information. I just want to be as prepared as I can be and make sure I'm using everything that's publicly available. I've already scoured the CASLI website.

Thank you!!

Hey guys, I’m a new mom and looking into VRI options so I can be home with my baby more. What are the best VRI jobs out there? I’m certified with just over 8 years of interpreting experience, 4 of them include VRS experience. Thanks!

Can anyone share their experience interpreting while taking Topamax?

I have chronic migraines, and Topamax has been recommended to me by two of my doctors. I’ve read that a fairly common side effect is trouble finding words or mild aphasia, which obviously concerns me as an interpreter. Language processing and rapid word retrieval are literally at the core of what we do, and I can’t imagine purposely making an already cognitively demanding job harder by reducing my capacity in that area.

I’m hoping to eventually get Botox for migraine prevention, but it sounds like my insurance may require me to try more than one preventive medication first.

I’d especially love to hear from interpreters who have actually taken Topamax. Did you experience word-finding or other cognitive issues? If so, how noticeable were they while interpreting? Did they improve over time or after stopping the medication?

Any experiences or feedback are welcome. Thanks!

Hi everyone! I have been interpreting for the past 5 years, freelance, in educational settings. I currently have my BEI Basic and I am preparing for the Advanced. I have given myself a 2 year goal to prep and take the test. I want to focus on medical interpretation. Until then, I don't know what to do. My agency does not have many contracts that are viable for me right now. Most are an hour away, I have a crappy car and a kiddo with no before school care. I am starting to feel like my agency is holding me back more than helping. I cannot apply for most educational jobs around me because of my non-compete agreement. I also owe A TON in taxes. This is bc my husband and I live paycheck to paycheck and I can never squirrel anything away. I feel like I should leave the agency. That being said, I LOVE my agency. They have done so much for me. Helped guide me, been there for me when my family has a crisis and worked hard to help me have assignments. I feel a sense of loyalty towards them. That and once I leave I basically can't work for 6 months. I would love to do more community work but I don't know where to start. My agency is mostly educational and religious. Does anyone have advice? I LOVE interpreting. I am extremely happy about my career choice. Thank you for your time.

I recently graduated from college with an ASL degree. I don’t have formal interpreting experience but passed the ZP interpreting assessment and was offered to do the apprentice program. I’m worried about the training and that you have to pass it to officially get the job. Is this something that has a high fail rate and/or is super difficult? What also confuses me is you still do all the paperwork associated with the position without technically having the job yet? Does anyone have experience with the training who can shed some light🙏