ASLdeafined Blog » american sign language learning

Common Myths About Deaf People

Ways to Practice Your ASL

Daily Practice Ideas Practice With Others Classroom or Study-Based Practice Creative Practice Technology-Based Practice

Causes of Deafness

I. Genetic Causes These are inherited or caused by genetic mutations, either present at birth or progressive over time. II. Acquired Causes These are due to factors after conception and can occur prenatally, perinatally, or postnatally. A. Prenatal (before birth) B. Perinatal (during birth) C. Postnatal (after birth) III. Unknown or Idiopathic Causes In some cases, no identifiable […]

Story of Thomas Gallaudet Meeting Laurent Clerc

The Story of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc: The Birth of American Sign Language and America’s First Deaf School In the early 1800s, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet was a young American minister from Connecticut who became deeply interested in Deaf education. His curiosity was sparked by a little Deaf girl named Alice Cogswell, the daughter of a neighbor. […]

Salary Comparison Between State-certified and Nationally Certified Sign Language Interpreters

Salary Comparison: State-Certified vs. Nationally Certified ASL Interpreters Certification Level Average Annual Salary Hourly Rate Typical Work Settings State-Certified Interpreter $35,000 – $55,000 $18 – $30/hr K-12 education, local community events, basic medical or social services Nationally Certified Interpreter (RID) $60,000 – $90,000+ $30 – $60+/hr Legal, medical, postsecondary education, government contracts, high-stakes interpreting State-Certified […]

Becoming a Sign Language Interpreter: State vs. National Level

STATE-LEVEL INTERPRETER REQUIREMENTS Each state sets its own requirements for sign language interpreters, which may vary widely. However, common expectations include: Typical State-Level Requirements: Pros of State Certification: Limitations: NATIONAL-LEVEL INTERPRETER REQUIREMENTS National certification is typically obtained through RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf), the recognized professional body in the U.S. Typical National-Level Requirements (RID Certification): […]

BRANCHING OUT TO LIBRARIES

ASLdeafined had fun at the Michigan Library Association conference in Port Huron last week! We look forward to hearing from some of the wonderful professionals we connected with to help us reach the goal of improving communication one sign at a time. It was also a pleasure to get to know our fellow exhibitors. It’s […]