FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS SIGN LANGAUGE UNIVERSAL?
Sign language is no more universal than spoken languages. American Sign Language is the language used by the majority of people in the Deaf community in the United States and most of Canada (QSL is spoken in Quebec). Certain Caribbean countries and areas of Mexico also use ASL.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME FLUENT IN ASL?
Language fluency, be it spoken or visual, requires time, study, immersion in the community, and practice – lots of practice!! After taking several classes you may find you are able to handle communication of simple concepts. To be comfortably fluent in native conversations, conducted at normal rates, discussing complex, or abstract topics, may take years. There is no definitive time-line within which you can master a language. But the key lies in practicing with Deaf people!!
I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN NON-COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES IN ASL, OR I ALREADY HAVE SIGN EXPERIENCE, CAN I BE EXEMPTED FROM SOME CLASSES?
If a person has previously taken ASL classes and/or grew up “signing” it is recommended they take the Department challenge examination. Once the examination is scored and you meet with the Department Chairperson a recommendation will be made. If you are placed in ASL II or ASL III and want to obtain the AAS degree you will be required to take additional classes to fulfill the credit hour requirement.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME AN INTERPRETER?
The program offered here at SAC requires 7-semesters of full-time education. However, proficiency will depend on the individual’s ability to acquire a second language, and then to learn the interpreting process. There is considerably more involved than learning to sign! This program is based on a Spiraling Curriculum which means that classes are structured to ensure students receive scaffold and deliberately sequenced instruction. By spiraling strategies, we can ensure that core strategies are covered several times at a developmentally appropriate level. This dictates that classes may not be taken out of order – hence the time spam of 7 full semesters.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DEAF SUPPORT SPECIALIST (DSS) AND AN INTERPRETER?
A Deaf Support Specialist is required to become proficient enough with ASL to communicate effectively and possess a strong command of the language. They are not required to master the interpreting process. They often function in the work place as an , advocate, service provider or job coach offering support and guidance to the Deaf Consumer. An Interpreter, however, acts as a cultural and linguistic mediator between the Deaf and Hearing consumer, and does not become involved, per se, in the dynamics of the interaction itself.
CAN I TRANSFER MY ASSOCIATES DEGREE TO A FOUR YEAR SCHOOL?
Yes, however, most of the technical courses offered within the IT curriculum will not transfer towards a traditional Bachelor degree program. Should you decide to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences these classes are more likely to be accepted. Obviously checking with the 4-year institute is recommended, but at this time University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&M University, Kingsville at San Antonio, Texas State and Wayland Baptist University all offer BAAS programs.
WHAT ARE THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR AN INTERPRETER?
Sign Language interpreting is a rapidly expanding field, and there is a strong need for qualified interpreters with credentials. Traditionally many interpreters found work within the education system, either K-12 or the post-secondary setting and with the recent legislative change requiring educational interpreters to hold certification the need for certified interpreters continues to grow. Some interpreters work for non-profit, or privately owned agencies where they find themselves working in a variety of situations throughout any given day, including, but not limited to, community, medical, legal, and governmental agency settings. Video Relay Interpreting is another option for sign language interpreters who hold advanced levels of certification.
WHAT IS MEANT BY CREDENTIALS, OR QUALIFIED?
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires the provision of ‘qualified’ interpreters in a variety of settings. One important measure of an interpreter’s qualifications is professional credentials. These are obtained by taking and passing an assessment test of your skills. The National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) provides such testing on a national level. It consists of a written examination to test knowledge of Deaf culture, history and interpreting protocol; a performance evaluation to test interpreting skills; and an interview discussion pertaining to ethical dilemmas. The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services also offer the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) certification system. The purpose of the BEI interpreter testing and certification process is to ensure that individuals working in Texas as certified American Sign Language (ASL) and/or English interpreters and transliterators meet the minimum proficiency standards established by the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) for successfully discharging the responsibilities of a state-certified interpreter. To this end, the BEI has developed a two part certification test.
WHAT ARE THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR A DEAF SUPPORT SPECIALIST?
Deaf Support Specialists function as paraprofessionals within the work place, and can also function in various vocational rehabilitation roles such as job coaches and regional specialists. They are often involved working with people who face additional challenges in conjunction with their Deafness.
WHO ACCEPTS THE ASL CLASSES AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE?
It is crucial that you check with the educational institution you intend to pursue your 4-year degree with, and ascertain which classes will transfer and which will not. Currently UTSA, Texas State, UT Austin, and Texas Tech all accept ASL as a foreign language.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SLNG AND SGNL CLASSES?
It is important to understand that regardless of the label both of these classes will offer the same course content, will be taught by the same instructor, and will be held at the same date and time. However, SLNG courses are listed in the state Workforce Education Course Manual and are designed for those students wanting to pursue a degree in Interpreting or Deaf Support. SGNL courses are listed in the state Academic Course Guide Manual and are designed for those students planning to have ASL courses satisfy the foreign language requirement of a four year institution.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE QUALITIES AND/OR SKILLS NEEDED FOR INTERPRETING?
It is imperative to have a strong command of both ASL and English in order to work effectively between them. In addition an Interpreter should have
- A non-judgmental attitude
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Flexibility
- Diplomacy
- Objectivity
- Self-discipline
- Strong auditory and visual skills
- Good memory
ARE THERE ANY LEARNING DIFFERENCES THAT COULD PREVENT ME FROM SUCEEDING IN THIS FIELD?
Obviously speech, hearing, or visual problems could interfere with your ability to function effectively in this field, as would dyslexia, limited fine motor skills or limited cognitive functioning. It is important to think about the roles and responsibilities of an Interpreter and ask yourself if you posses the necessary traits.
I AM LOSING MY HEARING, CAN I TAKE SIGN CLASSES?
Of course, but it is worth bearing in mind that while signing will help you communicate within the Deaf Community, it will not allow you to communicate with the vast majority of your hearing peers. Your family, friends, and co-workers would do well to learn ASL along with you!
I LEARNED SIGNED ENGLISH IN HIGH SCHOOL, CAN I TAKE ASL CLASSES?
Absolutely, but understand that the two are not the same. Signed English is a manual representation of spoken English and, as such, is not a true language. ASL, however, is a bona-fide language, and has grammar, structure and linguistic rules that govern it as do all other languages. Please meet with the department chair or a faculty member for more information regarding your signing experiences.
DO I NEED TO MEET WITH AN ADVISOR EVERY SEMESTER?
Yes. We endeavor to ensure that you work through the program in a manner that best utilizes your time and affords you the greatest benefits, without taking any erroneous classes that are not required. Our program is designed as a Spiraling Curriculum; therefore classes cannot be taken out of order. To be sure you meet all the necessary requirements for graduation we have made consultation with an advisor mandatory.
WILL I BE A CERTIFIED INTERPRETER WHEN I GRADUATE?
The program is designed to prepare you to take the Basic, or entry level, Board for Evaluation of Interpreters test for certification. Graduation from the program is dependent on passing this state examination.
SHOULD I TAKE ALL MY GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES BEFORE I BEGIN TAKING ASL?
We recommend that you take an ASL class every semester in order to develop your sign skills, but also to avoid delaying your graduation. The ASL classes must be taken in order, one after another, and as such, several classes cannot be taken together in one semester. Each semester you do not register for an ASL course you delay your graduation by a semester.
WHAT PRE-REQUISITES ARE REQUIRED FOR A STUDENT TO ENTER THE PROGRAM?
None. But it should be noted that college level reading and writing skills are required for many of the courses.
I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU HAVE AN ASL LAB, IS THAT OPEN TO COMMUNITY INTERPRETERS?
Yes, our first priority is always the SAC students but we welcome interpreters to come in and take advantage of our great facility.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TAKING BEGINNING ASL CLASSES THROUGH CONTINUING EDUCATION OR FOR COLLEGE CREDIT?
If you take the courses through the continuing education department you do not need to apply to the college, provide transcripts from previous schools, take placement tests, provide SAT scores, or show proof of immunization. You also do not have to pay out-of-state tuition and activity fees. However, while continuing education students receive a grade for the course, the course will not appear on any college transcripts. Continuing education classes may be converted for college credit in the future. Financial aid is available for continuing education classes on a very limited basis.
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