Is the NCIEC responding to the increasing demands for more interpreters in Video Relay Services and the continuing shortage of interpreters available for local community services?
The NCIEC mission is to increase the number of qualified interpreters using identified effective practices. The NCIEC Interpreting via Video Work Team has raised awareness of the shortage of interpreters in both VRS and community work. Their findings and research are available in the recently released report Steps Toward Identifying Effective Practices in VRS Interpreting (NCIEC, 2009). Specific issues of VRS interpreting and community work may be found under the topic of “Impact on and interactions with the Deaf community.” The findings of this report will be shared with the nation’s Interpreter Education Programs with hopes that strategies for teaching more effective practices will result. In addition, the Discover Interpreting initiative is reaching out to the next generation of potential interpreters; introducing the field of sign interpretation to those entering college (Discoverinterpreting.com).
