A number of Deaf organisations (Action on Hearing Loss), ASLI (Association of Sign (full story)

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Chair of the Deaf Interpreters' Network, Clare Canton.

Welcome to Deaf Interpreters Network, a place for budding and experienced Deaf interpreters to come together and share their experiences.

DIN believes that the profession of Deaf interpreting belongs firmly within the BSL and English interpreting profession.

We hope that together, we will be able to develop good working practice, develop opportunities and influence the stakeholders to work with Deaf Interpreters to improve the quality of BSL and English (as well as other sign languages) interpreting.

Why DIN?

There is no national forum for Deaf interpreters to meet and promote the development of this profession.

There are barriers faced by Deaf interpreters:

1. Deaf people are excluded from being able to achieve the criteria for NVQ interpreter assessment.

2. Until recently, there are very few BSL/English interpreting courses accessible to Deaf people (this is now changing).

3. Hearing and Deaf people are unsure of the difference between a 'Deaf interpreter' (an inter-lingual role) and a Deaf Intermediate / Advocate (an intra-lingual role).

What is a Deaf interpreter?

Here are some key principles:

1. Deaf interpreters work between two or more languages (as do interpreter between spoken languages)

2. A Deaf interpreter should be trained in two languages and the process of interpreting - as expected from standard interpreting courses.

3. Deaf interpreters can work from text to sign and vice versa; sign to Deafblind manual and vice versa; and from one sign language to another and vice versa.

4. Deaf interpreting should not be confused with other roles (which are not inter-lingual). Many situations are best served by a Deaf bilingual professional where the clients needs can be supported and advocated in the same language (with a hearing interpreter).

Future developments of DIN:

DIN has been a task group for the past 3 years. It plans to see the establishment of elected representatives:

1. A new membership category to be created and named "DIN affiliate". This membership will be open to Deaf people who are interested in pursuing their training as a Deaf interpreter.
2. Three representatives are elected to three positions, chair and two reps.
3. DIN is represented in task groups and NEC to contribute to the ASLI developments.

DIN would like to see:

1. same courses is aim and same qualifications is aim.
2. APDP courses to actively include Deaf interpreters.
3. Deaf interpreters who meet the minimum criteria for BSL/English interpreting within ASLI will be eligible to become a Licensed interpreter member of ASLI (AGM 2005).

How can you join with DIN:
To join DIN, you must first join ASLI as an individual affiliate.
Please make a note on the application form that you wish to participate in DIN. You will then be invited to join the Deaf Interpreters Network's egroup.

If you wish to find out more, please contact:

Clare Canton