The Complete Practical Manual for the Interpreting Profession

This all-in-one guide covers the gamut of issues related to interpreting and offers resources that can help you succeed in an interpreting career.

Discover the secrets of how to:
• Prepare for difficult assignments
• Find jobs that are right for you
• Set appropriate boundaries on the job
• Network successfully within the field
• Work effectively with other interpreters

PLUS, find valuable tips on:
• Getting hired
• Assignment intaking
• Setting your fee schedule
• Invoicing your clients
• Filing taxes

3rd Edition
In addition to all the great information found in previous editions, THE HANDBOOK has been updated and expanded to include these new topics: Portfolios, Professional Agreements, Contracts, Legal Empowerment, Mentoring, - AND MUCH MORE!

FOREWORD
As a working interpreter and interpreter instructor, I am pleased to be invited to write the foreword to this manual. We have a plethora of sign language books but a lack of books that focus on the essential ancillary information for the sign language interpreter.

This handbook addresses the necessary preparation new and seasoned interpreters must follow to have success in this profession. This approach assumes a practitioner has the Sign and English ability to interpret and just needs assistance with all the nuts and bolts that make this such a great task. This manual will suggest answers to every query and in such a palatable manner that leaves the final action in the hands of an educated interpreter.

Carry this HANDBOOK with you. Read, reread, and digest every page and allow Linda Humphreys’ positive attitude toward this very democratic task to influence you as you set off on your assignments.

   Virginia Hughes, MCSC, SC:L

INTRODUCTION
I graduated as a member of the second “hearing” class to be awarded an undergraduate degree from Gallaudet University. Although I was taught many things during my time at Gallaudet, after my graduation, on my own as a freelance interpreter, I realized that there was a deficit in my education. I was taught the “how-tos” of interpreting. I was not, however, exposed to other aspects of the interpreting profession such preparation techniques for specific assignments, operation of a small business, organizational skills and maximizing availability and productivity.

This is a workbook designed for people who are curious about the actual experiences of a sign language interpreter, for the “Interpreting 101” student, and for those new to the profession. It is also a valuable resource for career counselors, vocational rehabilitation counselors, advocates and agencies that serve the D/deaf and hire sign language interpreters, or anyone associated with a related field. THE PROFESSIONAL SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER’S HANDBOOK provides awareness of and exposure to the non-manual aspects of the sign language interpreting profession. Here you will find a compilation of information and resources that are significant and useful. My experiences as a government interpreter, staff interpreter for an advocacy/interpreting agency, video interpreter and independent contractor will benefit you. Everything, except the “how-to” sign aspects of sign language interpreting is included.

This book has six parts. PART ONE is an introduction to the field. PART TWO is “nuts and bolts” i.e., how to get started and how to get yourself out there. PART THREE explains what you may find “out there” by describing the kinds of work we do, where we do it, what interpreter attributes best suit the specific kind of work, and what we can do to better prepare ourselves. PARTS FOUR and FIVE are discourses on various topics, including professional issues and working with other interpreters. Personal anecdotes are used to illustrate concepts and practices. Here you will see just how difficult some of the non-manual aspects of interpreting can be. You can learn from my experiences. Additionally there are APPENDIX and RESOURCES sections which offer extensive support information related to the field of sign language interpreting.

My hope is that this book will lead to greater awareness of and respect for interpreting and for those we call the “professional sign language interpreter.” Use it to prepare yourself for a fulfilling and challenging career.

This book is my contribution to the field of sign language interpreting. At times it deals with difficult issues. This is my attempt to help you deal with these issues and how they relate to us as interpreters. The text was written to encourage stimulating dialogue, questioning, and thinking. I challenge you to learn by exposing yourself to different perspectives. Challenge yourself to think anew, or perhaps, to discover certain information for the first time. Use this book as a tool to become proactive rather than reactive; take action.

I intend to make a positive contribution to the field of sign language interpreting. If, through this book, I have made life a bit easier for even one interpreter, then I have accomplished my goal.

    Linda Humphreys, M.A., CSC, CI and CT, OTC, SC:L

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BEEN THERE!  DONE THAT!  INTERPRETED IT!  WROTE ABOUT IT!
Linda Humphreys, M.A., CSC, CI and CI, OTC, SC:L, is a graduate of Gallaudet University and has been a full-time professional interpreter for 30 years. She has a wide range of experience including interpreting for the federal government, for advocacy/interpreting agencies, and as an independent contractor with a successful national practice. Ms. Humphreys is president of Sign Language Interpreting Media (SLIM). She is a widely respected consultant who contributes to leading professional publications and is a popular national and international presenter.


DISCLAIMER
Information regarding agencies and programs, approved CMP and ACET sponsors, and Interpreter Training Programs (ITPs) change quite frequently. While glad to provide such information, the author assumes no responsibility for inaccuracies or changes.

Please CLICK HERE to submit updated information

Please fax updated information to: (310) 861-5959

Check www.InterpretersInfo.com periodically for updates.