Sign Language / Interpreter FAQ
I want to work with the deaf. What can I do with a
degree in Sign language & interpreting?
Since 1978 Sign Language/ Interpreter Training Program
graduates of LCC have found employment in various sectors of
both private and public enterprise as well as local and
state government. Positions include those working with
vocational rehabilitation, community service agencies, local
school districts, gerontology, the Peace Corps, self
employment as freelance interpreters, social service
agencies, communication facilities, college and
universities.
Is there a demand for interpreters?
Recent changes within the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have
increased opportunities and accommodations for deaf and heard of hearing people
in the workplace. These changes reflect significantly on those who work with the
Deaf community. Thus, there is a greater need for interpreters. For more
information on the ADA , please call: 1-800-ADA-WORK.
Do I need a degree to be an interpreter?
PA 204 of 2007, the Deaf Person's Interpreter Act, requires interpreters to
be state- or nationally-credentialed. Students are advised to obtain a
Certificate/Associate of Applied Arts degree offering a knowledge base important
to the interpreting process. Persons who wish to work in the public schools may
be required to have a minimum level on the Educational Interpreter Performance
Assessment (EIPA) in the performance examination. The written examination for
the EIPA may also be required. For information on the Michigan proctor for the
EIPA examination you can go to the
Michigan Department of Education Low-Incidence Outreach Office
Will I be professionally certified when I finish the program?
The Sign Language Certificate of Achievement from Lansing Community College
attests that an individual has completed a planned program of study for Sign
Language and Interpretation but is not a professional certification. State
certification, the Michigan Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (MIBEI) is
available from the Division on Deafness and Hard of Hearing (DODHH). Registry of
Interpreters for the Deaf coordinates the National Interpreter Certification
(NIC). Graduates of the Sign Language/Interpreter Program and current LCC
students are encouraged to contact the DODHH and RID for information on the
certification in effect from those entities.
What is the Quality Assurance (QA) certification?
Michigan's QA screening exam consists of a written exam and an interactive
process whereby interpreters' skills are considered and rated. The purpose of
the QA process is to encourage and promote interpreters to improve their skills
and ultimately attain national RID certification. For more information on QA
contact the Division of Deafness (517) 334-7363.
What is the RID?
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf is a national organization of
interpreters which supports Sign language interpreting and is concerned with
conditions affecting employed interpreters. This is the national resource for
you to contact regarding additional information on interpreter certification.
For more information about RID you may contact them at (301) 608-0050.
What is the Michigan Board for Evaluation of Interpreters?
Michigan's MI-BEI examination consists of the Written English
Proficiency Examination and three different levels of interactive performance
tests whereby interpreter skills are considered and rated. For information on
the BEI-MI contact the DODHH at 877-499-6232.
For more information see Related Links.
Communication, Media and the Arts Department
Gannon Bldg, Room 131
Phone: (517) 483-1546
Additional contact information »