Looking Forward
Leaving on a Jet Plane: Supporting Interpreter Education in the United States & Singapore
Amanda Kennon
The Future of Legal Interpreting: At a Critical Crossroads— What Comes Next?
Sandra McClure
OUR TEAM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President | Dr. Jesús Rēmigiō, PsyD, MBA, CDI
Vice President | Shonna Magee, MRC, CI & CT, NIC Master, OTC
Secretary | Andrea K Smith, MA, CI & CT, NIC, SC:L
Treasurer | Kate O’Regan, MA, NIC
Member-at-Large | Mona Mehrpour, NIC
Deaf Member-at-Large | Glenna Cooper
Region I Representative | Christina Stevens, NIC
Region II Representative | M. Antwan Campbell, MPA, Ed:K-12
Region III Representative | Vacant
Region IV Representative | Jessica Eubank, NIC
Region V Representative | Rachel Kleist, CDI
HEADQUARTERS STAFF
Chief Executive Officer | Star Grieser, MS, CDI, ICE-CCP
Executive Assistant and Meeting Planner | Julie Greenfield
Director of Member Services | Ryan Butts
Member Services Manager | Kayla Marshall, M.Ed., NIC
Member Services Specialist | Vicky Whitty
CMP Manager | Ashley Holladay
CMP Specialist | Emily Stairs Abenchuchan, NIC
Certification Manager | Catie Colamonico
Certification Specialist | Jess Kaady
Communications Director | S. Jordan Wright, PhD
Communications Manager | Jenelle Bloom
Publications Coordinator | Brooke Roberts
EPS Manager | Tressela Bateson, MA
EPS Specialist | Martha Wolcott
Director of Government Affairs | Neal Tucker
Director of Finance and Accounting | Jennifer Apple
Finance and Accounting Manager | Kristyne Reeds
Staff Accountant | Bradley Johnson
Human Resources Manager | Cassie Robles Sol
CASLI Director of Testing | Sean Furman
CASLI Testing Manager | Amie Smith Santiago, MS, NIC
CASLI Testing Specalist | Melissa Kononenko
PRESIDENT’S REPORT LOOKING FORWARD
Dr. Jesús Rēmigiō, PsyD, MBA, CDI RID President
As we step into a new year, I am both reflective and forward-looking. Our profession is evolving, our communities are growing, and our responsibilities as leaders in this field continue to expand. Now more than ever, we must focus on strengthening our connections, refining our resources, and positioning RID to meet the needs of interpreters and the Deaf community with clarity and purpose.
One of our most immediate priorities is fostering engagement through open dialogue. RID is committed to creating opportunities for meaningful conversations with our members. This year, we will launch a series of town halls and community forums designed to provide a platform for discussion, collaboration, and shared problem-solving. These spaces will not only allow us to address pressing concerns but also ensure that our strategic direction is informed by the collective wisdom of our community.
Another key moment in our journey will be the 2025 RID National Conference. This conference is not just an event; it is an opportunity to gather, learn, and shape the future of our field. With the theme “Now What? En Avant! Onward!”, we will explore the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities that lie ahead. I encourage each of you to engage—whether by attending, presenting, or networking—so that we can harness the collective expertise of our community to drive progress.
Beyond the conference, we recognize that leadership must be continuous and intentional. To that end, we are investing in dedicated time for our Board to strategize and collaborate. This year, Board retreats will focus on strengthening governance, aligning our mission with tangible goals, and ensuring that RID remains a pillar of excellence and advocacy for the interpreting profession. These sessions will serve as a foundation for decision-making that is proactive, informed, and community-centered.
We are also focused on modernizing RID’s digital presence. Our website and social media channels are critical touchpoints for our members, and we are committed to making them more interactive, accessible, and informative. Work is already underway to enhance these platforms so they better serve as resources for professional development, engagement, and information sharing. Our goal is to create an online presence that reflects the dynamism and inclusivity of our community.
At the heart of all these initiatives is a fundamental commitment to communication access and unity. RID is not an island; we are part of a broader network of organizations that serve and support the Deaf and interpreting communities. Strengthening our relationships with sister organizations is a key priority, and we are actively working toward deeper collaborations that enhance our shared mission. When we stand together, we amplify our impact.
As we move forward, I encourage each of you to be active participants in this journey. Engage with us. Share your perspectives. Hold us accountable. Our collective efforts will shape the future of our profession, and together, we will continue to elevate the standard of excellence in interpreting.
The road ahead is filled with opportunity. Let’s move forward—together.
Region II Report
M. Antwan Campbell, MPA, Ed:K-12
Region II Representative
Region II is back in action while we are still recovering from severe weather from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the two recent snow events. Affiliate chapters in region II are working on establishing their own 501c3 Articles of Incorporation (AOI). We are busy providing several workshops and planning state conferences this year. Two special points of interest happening in Region II are the pipeline of interpreters specifically focusing on the BIPOC community and interpreters who work in rural areas within our region. Lastly, we are excited to see all of you at the RID Conference this summer and are anticipating more information being released soon. Meet you there!!
CEO’S REPORT EN AVANT! ONWARD!
Star Grieser, M.S.Ed., CDI, ICE-CCP, CAE CEO, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
I absolutely love the theme for our 2025 National Biennial Conference in Minneapolis: En Avant— Onward. It’s succinct, powerful, and exactly where we need to be headed.
Minneapolis, our host city, carries the motto “En Avant”— French for “onward.” It’s a fitting reflection of the journey we have been on since 2021 and continued in 2023.
In Baltimore, we asked a bold question: “Are You Ready?” Were we ready to face the challenges in our profession? Ready to have difficult conversations, rethink our roles, and push ourselves to grow? Ready to collaborate, heal, and step into a stronger future?
Our attendees answered with a resounding Yes!
In 2025, we ask the next big question: Now what?
We are navigating an era of unprecedented change. The political climate continues to threaten both our profession and the Deaf communities we serve. The interpreter shortage remains a pressing concern. The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the landscape of interpreting. How do we, as professionals, stay ahead of these shifts? How does RID, as an organization, pivot to meet these evolving demands with the resources we have today? How do we, as a collective network of language service providers, not only tackle these challenges but also seize opportunities to innovate, adapt, and elevate communication access for Deaf communities?
And, perhaps most importantly, what does all of this mean for RID’s identity?
For years, RID has grappled with a fundamental question: Are we primarily a professional membership organization dedicated to supporting interpreters? Or are we a certification body committed to upholding professional standards? Straddling both ideologies has created an ongoing internal tug-of-war, leading to disruptions that have slowed progress.
Despite this, to move forward, RID is undergoing a major structural shift—one that will finally provide a clear distinction between the professional membership society and the certification commission. This separation will allow each entity to focus on its core responsibilities without interference from the other. The membership society will be dedicated to supporting interpreters through education, advocacy, and community-building. The certification commission will focus solely on testing, credentialing, and maintaining professional standards—free from membership influence.
This decision comes after more than a decade of discussions and debate on whether the co-existing structures are sustainable. In assessing how best to restructure, in 2016, RID looked to create the Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation, LLC (CASLI), to manage testing. While CASLI initially operated under RID’s authority, it gradually became more autonomous, providing a model for certification-related activities.
Rather than converting RID entirely into a certifying body, the Board of Directors chose to maintain RID as a membership organization while establishing a clear separation for certification. Moving forward, the membership society will continue to provide professional development, continuing education, scholarships, advocacy, and industry events like conferences. RID will also oversee the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct and provide valuable resources for interpreters. Meanwhile, the certification commission will focus exclusively on testing, certification maintenance, and upholding credentialing standards, ensuring the integrity of the certification process.
This restructuring is not just an administrative shift—it is a transformative step toward strengthening the field of ASL-English interpreting. By clearly defining RID’s functions, we can operate more efficiently and ensure that both interpreters and the communities we serve benefit from strong professional standards and support.
To explore these questions and our path forward, the En Avant plenary sessions at our 2025 conference will provide a space for meaningful, solution-driven conversations. Over four mornings— Thursday through Sunday—each session will focus on a key theme. Invited speakers will set the stage for in-depth small-group discussions, guided by thought-provoking prompts. These conversations will go well beyond surface-level discussions, encouraging attendees to analyze challenges, brainstorm solutions, and reflect deeply on the future of our profession.
The conversation will not stop when the conference ends. The insights gathered during these sessions will be compiled and published, becoming a valuable resource for our members and broader communities.
RID is leveling up. After years of uncertainty, we are stepping forward—together. And now, as we embrace this next phase, we ask ourselves: Now what? Where do we go from here?
The answer is clear. Forward. We move forward. Join us. Let’s move forward—together.
The Future of Legal Interpreting:
At a Critical Crossroads—What Comes Next?
This article was created with insights and contributions from Star Grieser and Sean Furman.
Sandra McClure (She/her), Ph.D., NIC, SC:L, ED: K-12
Sandra McClure (she/her), has been a professional American Sign Language (ASL)English interpreter with specialty certifications in legal interpreting and K-12 education since 2009. She is also an educator and mentor. Sandra earned her PhD in Interpretation and Translation Studies at Gallaudet University and her dissertation focused on ASL-English Interpreters’ Preparation Practices in Legal Settings: Perspectives of Professionalism. She holds a Master of Science in ASL-English Interpreting: Interpreting Pedagogy from the University of North Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Northern Arizona University. Additionally, she has three Associate degrees which include interpreter training and criminal justice. Additionally Sandra currently serves as the co-vice chair for the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Legal Interpreters Member Section (LIMS) and previously served as the chair and Region II representative.
From 1998 to 2016, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) conferred a Specialist Certification in Legal interpreting (SC:L). Holders of this specialist certification demonstrated specialized knowledge of legal settings and greater familiarity with language used in the legal system. These individuals have been recommended for a broad range of assignments in the legal setting and serve a critical role of facilitating communication for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing individuals within the legal system. Since 2016, the exams for the SC:L have been under moratorium and RID has since not conferred any new SC:L to RID members. With no new credentialing pathway in place, the field has seen a steady decline in the number of certified legal interpreters.
Challenges with SC:L interpreters
Since the moratorium of the SC:L, the number of certified legal interpreters has declined annually. In 2017, there were 342 SC:L interpreters, dropping to 333 in 2019, 304 in 2022, and 294 in 2024. Currently only 289 interpreters hold the SC:L, and not all interpreters have indicated on their RID membership form that they are available for freelance work. With an average annual decrease of SC:L interpreters at 2.08%, this trend highlights the urgent need to address the shrinking pool of certified legal interpreters.
Historically, legal interpreting primarily focused on courtroom proceedings; however, the demand for qualified interpreters has expanded significantly. Interpreters play a critical role in law enforcement interactions, including police interrogations, forensic interviews, and criminal investigations. Interpreters are also needed for trials, hearings, and attorney-client meetings across various legal fields such as family law, immigration, and criminal defense. Beyond traditional legal proceedings, interpreters are needed in administrative and legislative hearings, as well as court-ordered pro-
grams like mediation and rehabilitation services. Additionally, Deaf professionals working in the legal system, including attorneys, paralegals, and forensic specialists, rely on qualified interpreters to ensure effective communication in their professional roles.
Historically, to be eligible for the SC:L, interpreters were required to hold generalist national certification, such as the Certificate of Interpretation (CI), Certificate of Transliteration (CT), National Interpreter Certification (NIC), or Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) certification. In addition, candidates had to complete a specified number of hours of formal legal training, ranging from 30 to 70 hours depending on their qualifications. Eligibility was divided into four categories, each requiring documentation of legal interpreting experience, mentorship, or training.
• Category 1: Required a minimum of 30 hours of formal legal training and 50 hours of legal interpreting experience, mentorship, or internship. A bachelor’s degree in any field or an associate degree in interpreting was strongly recommended.
• Category 2: Required 50 hours of formal legal training and 75 hours of legal interpreting experience, mentorship, or internship. Candidates needed at least an associate degree in any field.
• Category 3: Required 70 hours of formal legal training and 100 hours of legal interpreting experience, mentorship, or internship.
• Category 4: Allowed interpreters who already held the SC:L to retest if needed.
These requirements ensured that candidates demonstrated both academic and practical experience before sitting for the two-part SC:L exam, which included a written knowledge test and a performance-based assessment. Those who obtained the SC:L demonstrated specialized knowledge of legal settings, court processes, police procedures, and legal terminology
At the time, the SC:L established set standards for specialized professional practice through a fair, valid, and reliable credentialing process. Its purpose was to:
• Provide employers of legal interpreters with the means of verifying the interpreters’ knowledge and skills for interpreting in high stakes situations.
• Provide a measure for those employers who do not hire SC:L interpreters a way of evaluating whether they are meeting consumer needs
• Offer protection for the consumers involved, risk mitigation for both the Deaf consumer and the courts, and
• Verify that the interpreter has participated in a given amount of training and mentorship/internship within the legal or court setting.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps and Update
The shortage of SC:L interpreters not only affects the availability of qualified interpreters for legal settings, but also has a significant impact on the Deaf community. As the pool of SC:L holders dwindles, the gap between the need for specialized legal interpreters and their availability grows, which jeopardizes the rights and fair treatment of Deaf individuals in the legal system. Recognizing this urgent need, in 2019, the RID Board of Directors, created the Legal Credentialing Task Force (LCTF) to investigate future options for legal credentialing given after the moratorium on the SC:L moratorium examination. In 2022, the LCTF submitted recommendations to the RID Board of Directors for the reimplementation of the SC:L testing program using either traditional summative assessments (standardized testing), formative assessments (portfolio) or a hybrid of both. According to the Task Force, there is a critical need for reinstatement or developing a similar legal-related certification for the profession.
RID and the Center for Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI) are currently exploring the feasibility of reinstating the SC:L or developing a similar legal-related certification and are optimistic about the path ahead. While RID and CASLI have the platforms and systems in place to operationalize a specialist certification program, a key factor in moving forward is securing financial resources—both for exam development and long-term sustainability. The first step in the process is the Job Task Analysis (JTA). The Job Task Analysis (JTA) is where Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) come together to identify the specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) required for legal and courtroom interpreting. Once established, these KSAs will be validated through a survey distributed to the American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting community and key stakeholders, including employers and consumers of legal interpreting services. We are very excited about this initiative and look forward to delineating the incredibly important and niche work of ASL-English interpreters in legal and courtroom settings! The goal is to create a strong, psychometrically valid, sustainable credentialing program that will serve to uphold standards for expertise, professionalism, ethical decision making, and for consumer protection and education.
The next issue concerns the financial resources before we are able to progress with exam development. As of recently, the CASLI Board of Managers has shown their support for this effort by allocating $60,000 toward the initial phase. It is estimated that an additional $500,000-$750,000 will be required to support the full development and implementation of a new SC:L or similar legal-related certification or assessment to ensure access to qualified legal interpreters. RID and CASLI view this as an opportunity to collaborate with stakeholders to explore viable options.
This JTA signals RID’s and CASLI’s commitment to the needs of our consumers, members, legal professionals, and the public. This is a pivotal moment for legal interpreting, and we invite collaboration from stakeholders across the field. Stay tuned for an upcoming call for SMEs and a community survey to follow. Additionally, we will be seeking support for fundraising efforts to ensure the successful development and implementation of this initiative. If you know of sources for funding, please reach out to us at CEO@RID.org, Testing@CASLI.org and SCL@CASLI.org. We look forward to updating you throughout this exciting process!
RID’s purpose is to serve equally our members, profession, and the public by promoting and advocating for qualified and effective interpreters in all spaces where intersectional diverse Deaf lives are impacted.
Diversity Statement
RID understands the necessity of multicultural awareness and sensitivity. Therefore, as an organization, we are committed to diversity both within the organization and within the profession of sign language interpreting.
Our commitment to diversity reflects and stems from our understanding of present and future needs of both our organization and the profession. We recognize that in order to provide the best service as the national certifying body among signed and spoken language interpreters, we must draw from the widest variety of society with regards to diversity in order to provide support, equality of treatment, and respect among interpreters within the RID organization.
Therefore, RID defines diversity as differences which are appreciated, sought, and shaped in the form of the following categories: gender identity or expression, racial identity, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, Deaf or hard of hearing status, disability status, age, geographic locale (rural vs. urban), sign language interpreting experience, certification status and level, and language bases (e.g., those who are native to or have acquired ASL and English, those who utilize a signed system, among those using spoken or signed languages) within both the profession of sign language interpreting and the RID organization.
To that end, we strive for diversity in every area of RID and its Headquarters. We know that the differences that exist among people represent a 21st century population and provide for innumerable resources within the sign language interpreting field.
MOur Mission
RID is the national certifying body of sign language interpreters and is a professional organization that fosters the growth of the profession and the professional growth of interpreting.
VOur Vision
We envision qualified interpreters as partners in universal communication access and forwardthinking, effective communication solutions while honoring intersectional diverse spaces.
VOur Values
The values statement encompasses what values are at the “heart” or center of our work. RID values:
• the intersectionality and diversity of the communities we serve
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging (DEIAB)
• the professional contribution of volunteer leadership
• the adaptability, advancement and relevance of the interpreting profession
• ethical practices in the field of sign language interpreting, and embraces the principle of “do no harm”
• advocacy for the right to accessible, effective communication
ETHICAL PRACTICES SYSTEM (EPS) SELF-DISCLOSURE POLICY
The ASL translation is provided by Rosemary Wanis, CDI and Star Grieser, M.S.Ed.,
CDI, ICE-CCP, CAE
Our legal counsel specializes in nonprofit organizations law, and representing associations and certification organizations, particularly in matters relating to member policies, ethics codes, and disciplinary matters. “It’s been my privilege to work with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf for several years, including on its work in updating its Ethical Practices System (EPS). RID asked me to address some of the principles that underlie its revised EPS policy. Although I am an attorney, I am not counsel for RID members or certificants individually. I am not providing legal advice in these remarks, only information on behalf of RID. Any individual seeking legal advice should be sure to consult with their own legal counsel” Julia Judish, JD.
Every association and certification organization needs to decide on the appropriate scope for its ethics codes and disciplinary policies. Credentials in some fields are primarily regarded by the public as indicating a level of technical knowledge, not an endorsement of the character of the credentialed individual. Other credentials, however, are issued in trust based professions such as therapists, medical providers, personal accountants, and sign language interpreters.
As a private organization, RID has the right to define who it endorses by conferring membership or certification on that individual, and also what the membership or certification means. RID certifications provide a level of credibility for interpreters and signal to customers and the public that the interpreter has met the baseline standard of effectiveness, quality, and also trustworthiness. Because of the nature of the interpreters role, interpreters are often made aware of information about their customers that their customers regard as highly sensitive, personal, or confidential.
Relying on interpreters places customers in a vulnerable position. For this reason, the RID Board decided that it was important to update the EPS policy to address not only conduct within the scope of a particular interpreter assignment, but also conduct that might jeopardize trust in the profession or raise substantial questions as to an individual’s fitness to work as an interpreter.
RID members and certificants must demonstrate a commitment to ethical conduct to remain certified.
Misconduct that results in criminal convictions or adverse licensure actions can be extremely serious and can indicate that an interpreter is not suitable to be placed in a position of trust, even if the offense occurred outside the context of an interpreter assignment. Offenses of this nature include, but are not limited to, convictions involving crimes of a sexual nature, stalking or harassment, actual or threatened violence, certain drug offenses reflecting active abuse of drugs, or fraud. On
the other hand, not all criminal convictions or licensing actions should disqualify an individual from serving as an interpreter. Some convictions are for criminal offenses that don’t cast doubt on an individual’s reliability or character, or the individual may have rehabilitated themselves. But it is also impossible to create a definitive list of all relevant criminal convictions.
RID is a national organization. States have different criminal codes with different elements for the offenses and different standards for when an offense is a misdemeanor or a felony. For this reason, RID’s new EPS system requires members, certificants, and candidates only to disclose and provide information about criminal convictions and adverse licensing actions. The policy also asks for disclosure of civil proceedings and government investigations, but only if they are related to the interpreters’ business or professional activities. For example, a sexual harassment judgment against an interpreter for harassing a client would be relevant for RID to consider. Note that all of these categories - criminal convictions, licensing actions, and civil judgments - have in common that they occur in contexts where the interpreter will have had full due process.
Once a member, certificant, or candidate discloses this information, RID will make an individualized, fact-based determination about whether the underlying conduct is relevant to RID. By adding this process to the EPS, RID is bolstering the public’s trust in interpreters, and is therefore also enhancing the value of RID membership and certification for interpreters.
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The overall goal of the Ethical Practices System (EPS) reform is to protect the public, consumers, and uphold trust within the interpreting profession.
I will explain the process involved regarding the new policy.
During membership renewal, you will be asked four questions. These questions require you to answer and cannot be skipped. These four questions are designed to ensure all of our interpreters meet the highest professional and ethical standards. The four questions are as follows.
• Question 1 - Have you ever been convicted of a crime in any location, including under military or international law? This includes felonies or misdemeanors that have not been expunged and that you have not already reported to RID. A conviction includes pleading guilty, no contest, or nolo contendere.
• Question 2 - Do you currently have any pending criminal charges or legal complaints against you? This includes felony or misdemeanor charges, indictments, or cases where the court has delayed a decision. You do not need to report arrests that did not lead to charges. Do not include charges previously reported to RID unless there are new developments.
• Question 3 - Have you been or are you currently under investigation or disciplinary action by any government agency, state or local registration system, licensing board, regulatory body, or professional organization? This includes any complaints or disciplinary matters within the past 10 years, unless you have already reported them to RID and there are no new developments.
• Question 4 - Are you involved in any pending legal cases, government investigations, or have you received any legal judgments related to your interpreting business or professional activi-
ties? This includes civil lawsuits or complaints. Do not include cases you have already reported to RID unless there are new updates.
If you answer yes to any of those questions, EPS staff will initiate an information gathering process. You will be sent an email with instructions to share further information regarding your history. The EPS will ask for information such as location, any courts, specific charges or convictions, deposition and or sentences, current status of sentence(s), employers at time of convictions or disciplinary actions, any facts you consider relevant to the convictions or disciplinary actions. The EPS will request copies of court orders showing the terms of any sentence(s) and documents showing completion of those terms if applicable. We also ask that you provide us with a short statement addressing your fitness for certification. The email will include a form and a link to upload your answers and documentation.
After the EPS receives all information requested, they will perform an individualized review. The EPS will consider:
• The seriousness of the crime
• Whether it relates to the performance of the duties as an interpreter
• How much time has elapsed since the crime or adverse action was committed
• If the crime or adverse action involved violence to or abuse of another person or involved a minor or individual of diminished capacity
• Whether the applicant is a repeat offender or subject to repeated disciplinary actions
EPS staff will confer with legal counsel for support and guidance when necessary. The EPS will make a determination if this information is or is not relevant to holding RID certification. If the determination is adverse and affects your certification status, you will be notified and will have an opportunity to request a review (second opinion) from our Review Board. The Review Board’s decision is final.
Where are these records stored? These records are stored in a separate database, not the same database used for membership profiles and records. This database is only accessible to EPS Staff and legal consultants. This is a secure platform used by CPAs, legal and healthcare entities to ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
Regarding privacy concerns. RID is collecting this information for our certificants; however, our privacy policy dictates the majority of criminal convictions are a matter of public record. If the EPS determines that a certain disclosure affects the interpreter’s suitability to practice and imposes sanctions, which are either upheld during an appeal or no appeal was filed, the EPS will publish the final decision. Publications do not disclose details of disclosures such as specific convictions or other adverse actions (i.e. similarly to how we publish violations of EPS Policy and/or the CPC).
If you would like to ask questions or want more information, please email EPSComments@rid.org We value you, our members, and we appreciate your commitment to upholding the standard of professionalism, integrity, and ethics for our Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and diverse ASL-using communities that we serve.
Leaving on a Jet Plane: Supporting Interpreter Education in the United States & Singapore
Amanda Kennon, MA, NIC
Amanda Kennon, MA, NIC is a freelance ASL-English interpreter from West Chester, PA who specializes in government, business, non-profit, Tech, and education settings (K-12, postsecondary, and adult education). She received her B.A. in Interpreting and ASL/ Deaf Studies from Maryville College and her M.A. in. Interdisciplinary Studies: Individualized Studies: Ethics and Interpreting from George Mason University, completing her Capstone Project, “Ethics & Professional Identity: A Proposed Curriculum for Students in Interpreter Education Programs.” In addition to her interpreting work, Amanda is a mentor and presenter whose special interests include professionalism, reflective practice, and ethical decision-making. Notably, Amanda and Dr. Laura Polhemus have presented about neurodiversity at the 2023 RID National Conference and 2024 Conference of Interpreter Trainers. In addition to their ongoing research, their “Beyond the Spectrum: Exploring Neurodiversity in the Interpreting Profession” can be found on Facebook and Instagram, @SLIneurodiversity.
Purchases from their Bonfire Store will support their work in Singapore: https://www.bonfire.com/store/slineurodiversity/
To look forward, I must first look back. For my interpreter training, I had the privilege of attending Maryville College, a liberal arts institution that is passionate about experiential learning and global citizenship. They instilled in me the motto of their founder, the Rev. Isaac Anderson, “Do good on the largest possible scale.” Although I graduated almost two decades ago, I continue to be shaped by my education personally and professionally. However, I never imagined that I would be supporting interpreter education in the United States and Singapore.
Long-time friend and colleague, Dr. Laura Polhemus, is an Assistant Professor and Interpreter Program Director at Bethel University (Indiana) and I have mentored several of her students. Her innovative seminar course, ASL 360: Singapore Interpreter Training, provides a unique opportunity for students, Abby Taylor, Amber Ballard, Melody Seager, and Shalyn Rathbun. Rebecca Buchan, alumna Mikaela Jordan, and I will also be joining the endeavor to lend our support and expertise as working interpreters, mentors, and interpreter educators. The purpose of the trip is to provide an experiential learning opportunity for interpreting students, as well as, address a critical need in the Singaporean Interpreting Community.
Historically, in the United States, interpreter students have had little opportunity to be exposed to global Deaf communities or international interpreting. Increasing their Extralinguistic Knowledge (ELK) and worldview will better prepare students to work with a variety of Deaf communities and cultural backgrounds (Giles, 1995). Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) interpreters likewise provide services for diverse communities; however, they receive very little formal training or support. There is currently no assessment or certification system nor code of professional conduct. In addition, the Singapore Association for the Deaf has a small pool of staff and community interpreters.
Our group is thrilled and honored to be working closely with Deaf academic Phoebe Tay. Since January, we have been learning about Singaporean culture, Deaf community, and development of Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) from hearing and Deaf presenters over Zoom. In contrast to the fairly monolingual United States, in Singapore, English is widely used along with Malay, Tamil, and Singaporean Mandarin. Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) is a mix of Shanghainese Sign Language (SSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and local signs with Signing Exact English (SEE) influence. As the Bethel University students are at different stages of their ASL development and interpreting program, Rebbeca, Mikeala, and I provided interpreting support. Working between English, ASL, and SgSL was career first for all of us and a valuable learning experience for interpreters and students alike.
We will develop training materials during the Spring Semester, then travel to Singapore in July. These trainings will be provided free of charge to the SgSL-English interpreters during five evening and one full-day sessions. In accordance with the best practices of the international interpreting community, our presentations will be signed; we will use ASL and include SgSL signs to the best of our ability. We will also provide English interpretation which will not only ensure full access for newer interpreters, but also give Bethel University students interpreting experience with the support of certified interpreters.
During the initial planning stages, Dr. Polhemus and Ms. Tay surveyed Singaporean interpreters and identified the following topics for the training:
● Interpreting from spoken to signed language
● Interpreting from a signed to spoken language
● Dialogic interpreting
● Sign language skills
● Deaf Community Allyship
However, as we engaged with guest presenters, our understanding of the community’s needs has evolved. For example, with the launch of Video Relay Services (VRS) in December, one of the presenters requested an additional session focused on VRS interpreting strategies. We also received feedback about ethical decision-making and plan to dedicate additional time to that topic.
While in Singapore, we will also participate in Deaf community events and explore Singapore’s rich history and culture, including the neighborhoods of Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam, and Katong-Joo Chiat. We are also planning a special day trip to Johor Bahru, home of the fourth Signing Starbucks in Malaysia (Starbucks Corporation, 2025).
When I asked the students what they are looking forward to, I received the following responses:
I am excited to learn more about the Deaf community and how interpreting works in another country! I know there are tons and tons of sign languages and Deaf communities around the world, but it’s hard to find resources to learn about them. With this Singapore study abroad, I am learning all about the history, politics, and current events of SgSL, interpreters, and the Deaf community. We learn this from Singaporean presenters, which is amazing. I am thrilled to be able to apply what I’ve learned and to continue learning when we visit!
-Melody Seager, Sophomore
Singapore for me is an opportunity for growth. Growth for myself, for interpreters, and for the Deaf community. I’m looking forward to being a part of this amazing journey with my team in such a beautiful place! I’ve never been to this part of the world, so I can’t wait to experience all Singapore has to offer. I’m also looking forward to seeing all my team and the interpreters there can learn from each other to facilitate a better future for the Deaf community as a whole. This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am blessed to be a part of it!
-Amber Ballard, Junior
While I am a bit nervous about the eighteen-hour non-stop flight and time away from my family, I am looking forward to expanding my horizons personally and professionally. Like many interpreters, I love being a part of the global Deaf community and being exposed to different languages and cultures. I am elated to be a part of this unique experience that combines my love of interpreting, mentoring, and teaching with my love for travel. My greatest hope is that this will be a positive experience for all involved and the beginning of a long-lasting partnership.
If you are interested in supporting this project, please contact Dr. Laura Polhemus at laura.polhemus@betheluniversity.edu.
References:
Gile, D. (1995). Basic concepts and models for interpreter and translator training. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
Starbucks Corporation. (2025). Starbucks Malaysia celebrates 26th anniversary with opening of its fourth store. https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2025/starbucks-malaysia- celebrates26th-anniversary-with-the-opening-of-its-fourth-signing-store/
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PUBLISH YOUR WORK IN VIEWS 2025
Calling all authors! Do you have insights, anecdotes, research, or training on topics related to ASL Interpreting? We want to work with you!
After receiving your submission, the VIEWS Board of Editors will review the article and provide feedback. You will collaborate with the VIEWS Editor-inChief to address the feedback and ask any questions during the review process. Once the English version of the article is finalized, you will submit your ASL version, and we will handle the rest!
Newly Certified Interpreters
Region I
Amelia Wisniewski-Barker, NIC
Jaclyn Bristel, NIC
Joshua Duty, NIC
Emily Gerstein, NIC
Lauren Hayden, NIC
Jaclyn Kelly, NIC
Elisabeth Sheber, NIC
Amanda Stein, NIC
Region II
Faith Sanders, NIC
Alexis Armstrong, NIC
Theresa Croney, NIC
Briana Davis, NIC
Mary Esposito, NIC
Wendy Graham, NIC
Jessica Gyamfi, NIC
Paul Harrelson, NIC
Amy McDonald, NIC
Bridget Monahan, NIC
Region
Diana Boussom, Amara Bowermaster, Lacy Bryant Burkett, Madison Cortes, Christine Hajduk, Elizabeth Hermodson-Olsen, Myles Hudkins, Caden Marshall, Liza McNamara, Julie Miller, NIC
Janice Nierstedt-Keegan, NIC
Blake Sansonese, NIC
Pearl Shullenbarger, NIC
James Skjeveland, NIC
Elizabeth Weldon, NIC
Aimee Shepherd, Cassidy Umana,
Interpreters
Region IV
Boussom, NIC
Bowermaster, NIC
Burkett, NIC
Cortes, NIC
Hajduk, NIC
Hermodson-Olsen, NIC
Hudkins, NIC
Marshall, NIC
McNamara, NIC
NIC
Shepherd, NIC
Umana, NIC
DeAnna Almanzar, NIC
Roy Barron, CDI
Hannah Bayer, NIC
Byron Caldwell, NIC
Robin Heiken, NIC
Katrina Horrell-Schmitz, CDI
Melissa Leslie-Urist, NIC
Samantha Mrazek, NIC
Region V
Cindy Boscow, NIC
Mariam Bott, NIC
Paige Brackner, NIC
Brian Campbell, NIC
Raina Diallo, NIC
Adele Fass, CDI
Jake Fathy, NIC
Jordan Gardner, NIC
Andrea Hamilton, NIC
Jessica Lewis, NIC
Makayla Linn, NIC
Katharine Lubeck, NIC
Kaela McCorkle, NIC
Jessica Raschke, NIC
Katie Smith, NIC
Ryan Taylor, NIC
Certification Maintenance Program
FY2025 Revocations for revocations that occurred due to non-payment of Certified membership dues and failure to meet the CEU requirements for a certification cycle found here.
Revocations due to EPS violations found here.
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Membership CPC & EPS
Maintain current RID membership by paying annual RID Certified Member dues.
Meet the CEU requirements:
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• Up to 2.0 General Studies CEUs can count toward the certification maintenance requirement.
Adhere to the RID Code of Professional Conduct and EPS Policy.
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About VIEWS
VIEWS, RID’s digital publication, is dedicated to the interpreting profession. As a part of RID’s strategic goals, we focus on providing interpreters with the educational tools they need to excel in their profession. VIEWS aims to inspire thoughtful discussions among practitioners by providing information about research and insight into various specialty fields in the interpreting profession. With the establishment of the VIEWS Board of Editors, the featured content in this publication is peer-reviewed and standardized according to our bilingual review process. VIEWS utilizes a bilingual framework to facilitate knowledge sharing among all parties in an extremely diverse profession. As an organization, we value the experiences and expertise of interpreters from every cultural, linguistic, and educational background. We aim to explore the interpreters’ role within this demanding social and political environment by promoting content with complex layers of experience and meaning.
Submissions
VIEWS publishes articles on matters of interest and concern to the membership. Submissions that are essentially interpersonal exchanges, editorials or statements of opinion are not appropriate as articles and may remain unpublished, run as a letter to the editor, position paper, or column. Submissions that are simply the description of programs and services in the community with no discussion may be redirected to the advertising department. Articles should be 2,000 words or fewer. If you require more space, the article may be broken into multiple parts and released over consecutive issues. Unsigned articles will not be published. RID reserves the right to limit the quantity and frequency of articles published in VIEWS written by a single author(s). Receipt by RID of a submission does not guarantee its publication. RID reserves the right to edit, excerpt or refuse to publish any submission. Publication of an advertisement does not constitute RID’s endorsement or approval of the advertiser, nor does RID guarantee the accuracy of information given in an advertisement. Advertising specifications can be found at https://rid.org/ about/advertising/, or by contacting advertising@rid.org
Please submit your piece using the submission form found here
All submission and permission inquiries should be directed here
Copyright
VIEWS is published quarterly by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. Statements of fact or opinion are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not necessarily represent the opinion of RID. The author(s), not RID, is responsible for the content of submissions published in VIEWS.
Statement of Ownership
VIEWS (ISSN 0277-7088) is published quarterly by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. Materials may not be reproduced or reprinted in whole or in part without written permission. Contact publications@rid.org for permission inquiries and requests.
VIEWS’ electronic subscription is a membership benefit and is covered in the cost of RID membership dues.
VIEWS Board of Editors:
Brooke Roberts, VIEWS Editor-in-Chief
Elisa Maroney, PhD, CI & CT, NIC, Ed:K-12
Stephen Fitzmaurice, Ph.D., NIC:A, CI/CT, NAD 4, Ed:K-12
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