Missouri Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
~ Authored by Amy Miller
My Summer Epiphany
As sign language interpreters it is important to think outside of the work we do in our local communities, our states, and even our nation. This summer I had an epiphany at RID’s national conference. It was the opening session of the conference and various organizations were making salutations and well wishes for the conference. My epiphany was when WASLI (World Association of Sign Language Interpreters) gave theirs. They referenced the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and how the rest of the world looks to us for guidance. RID serves as a gauge for what communication access looks like and for what being a professional interpreter looks like. What better way to give back to the international Deaf community than to be part of a role model organization for those around the world who don’t have representation!
Missouri Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and Beyond
A few years ago, I was blessed to have an experience as an interpreter for a group of international students (some of you reading this were there, too!). Those students taught me what it meant to communicate, to reflect with empathy, and to truly embrace cultures outside of my own. Many of them weren’t allowed to drive, or work, or simply go on a walk for pleasure on their own in their home country. It’s a staggering thought, isn’t it? Here we are in 2017 and Deaf cultures around the world are still oppressed beyond what we can imagine. However, interestingly, several of the students had heard of RID and wanted their country to adopt a similar system. I found that amazing!
Shameless Plug
RID certification has its perks. It can take you to other states to work at conferences or cruises or tours; it’s really up to you. I’m sure with enough tenacity (AKA committee work), RID could open doors for you internationally. It’s a wonderful way to collaborate with peers from other areas of the country and to make professional connections that create unique opportunities specific to sign language interpreting. And, most importantly, Missouri Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (MO-RID) is specifically interested in collaborating with the Deaf community – without them, we’re nothing.
Take Our Survey
MO-RID wants to invest in your career as an interpreter. We want to know how we can best serve you. Would you like to see more training for seasoned interpreters? How about legal training? Please take a minute and go to our website to fill out our survey so that our Professional Development committee can put together a plan to better serve you. We look forward to hearing from you!
Additional Resources:
Requirements for Sign Language Interpreters
Photo Credit:
https://pixabay.com/en/handshake-regard-cooperate-connect-2009195/
