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Is teaching people sign language a career?

I would love to learn and teach others #teaching
#deaf
#blind
#success

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Doc’s Answer

When considering sign language interpreter jobs Marie, you have the option of working for an agency or going freelance. Agencies will provide the convenience of steady employment and employment placement. Working as a freelancer will allow you to become more specialized, pursuing a particular field or topic of interest such as medical interpreting, and it will also allow more employment flexibility.

SIGN LANGUAGE CAREERS

One of the largest employers of sign language interpreters is the government. Sign language interpreter jobs in the government sector can include jobs in the courts, conveying the testimony of the deaf and hard of hearing to the courtroom, as well as jobs with law enforcement, and government agencies such as departments of health.

The education sector is another great resource for sign language interpreter jobs, and trained educators who can also understand and interpret sign language have access to a number of interesting positions.

SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER
Facilitate communication between people who are deaf or hard of hearing and people who can hear. Sign language interpreters must be fluent in English and in American Sign Language (ASL), which combines signing, finger spelling, and specific body language. ASL is a separate language from English and has its own grammar. A bachelor’s degree is typically needed to become an interpreter or translator along with proficiency in at least two languages, one of which is usually English.

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Special education teachers fulfill a high need area in the education system teaching students who have various types of disabilities. Areas that teachers can specialize in are working with children who are deaf, hearing challenged, or who have speech disorders. To become a special education teacher, you will need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in the area of special education. Sign language knowledge is a plus.

Other sign language interpreter jobs can be found in the entertainment sector, where interpreters are needed for guided tours, to assist people watching performances, and to interface with deaf and hard of hearing customers in locations ranging from museums to cruise ships.

Hope this was Helpful Marie
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Tsui Ying’s Answer

Hi Marie,

It certainly is a career. You would have to undertake a bachelor's degree in deaf education or American Sign Language (or equivalent depending on where you reside in the future). You will most likely need to take on postgraduate/ future education to secure a teaching degree. However, to level up, it is possible to do so by being a teaching assistant and seeing what further qualifications a company/school offers. I would suggest taking a look at these websites for more information. With that being said, YouTube has a plethora of videos covering basic systems of different sign languages for you to explore. I hope this has helped.

Tsui Ying recommends the following next steps:

Take a look at this: https://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Sign_Language_Teacher_Career_Guide.html
Here's another useful link: https://resilienteducator.com/teaching-careers/american-sign-language-teacher/
Have a glance at this link for British sign language: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/british-sign-language-teacher
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Linda’s Answer

Personally, I know there are schools for the deaf where teaching sign language is very important. I know there is one in Queens, New York called the Lexington School for the Deaf there they teach sign language. I am sure there are schools who can teach you how to do sign language even in Ohio. Why not search the internet and explore what schools are out there for you. Also if you are serious about teaching sign language, maybe you should volunteer and gain experience to see if this is something you really want. If it is then I say explore it.
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Patricia R’s Answer

Marie,
The responses you've already received are great, and I certainly don't want to repeat any of it, so here are a couple additional resources for you to follow up with:

1) Gallaudet University: https://www.gallaudet.edu

From their website: “Gallaudet University is the premier institution of learning, teaching and research for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.”

One of their goals is to facilitate the total integration of members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community into all aspects of society. Another is to facilitate the acceptance-and-use of ASL into all manner of public gatherings.

I’m sure their resource center and career-counseling center can provide an insider’s perspective and information about any questions you may have.

2) Free, online tutorial for American Sign Language

In many colleges and universities, ASL is considered a foreign (from English) language, and is offered as such. As the premier university for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, their information on this topic is the best.

This website, supported by GU, might also be helpful to you.
https://www.gallaudet.edu/asl-connect/asl-for-free
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Sirlei’s Answer

Hello Marie E.!

It absolutely is! I know from experience that there are professors in college who teach sign language. There are also individuals who are paid to make educational videos to further educate others. And, in case you haven't noticed, more and more, sign language experts are asked to join events, talks, and announcements to ensure the deaf are able to feel included in the event.


Sirlei recommends the following next steps:

For more info, visit the following: https://resilienteducator.com/teaching-careers/american-sign-language-teacher/#:~:text=If%20you%20enjoy%20helping%20people,the%20deaf%20in%20North%20America.
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