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The Future of Legal ASL-English Interpreters in Washington State: Building a Pathway
Introduction
A statewide legal interpreter (SC:L) shortage has been developing since the sunset of RID’s SC:L test in December 2015. Since then, WA has not sanctioned a replacement qualification exam or an onboarding process for legal interpreters. There are 319 RID-certified SLIs in WA state, including 17 SC:L interpreters (16 hearing, one Deaf).
In the Spring of 2023, ODHH contracted to survey the WA state ASL interpreter population, intending to build a pathway toward reducing the shortage of legally qualified interpreters; 111 SLIs, or 34% of interpreters residing in WA, responded.
The survey sought to identify barriers to pursuing legal interpreting among Deaf and non-deaf sign language interpreters (SLIs) in WA state. Furthermore, questions regarding whether the respondents’ identified barriers were mitigated or removed and how many would proceed with legal interpretation preparation. Finally, questions regarding longevity sought to quantify how long generalist interpreters, SC:L interpreters, and legally qualified interpreters envision working in the field.
Results
Seventy-seven non-deaf generalists responded and stated that barriers included fear of the responsibility associated with being a legal interpreter, lack of training and mentoring, fear of personal liability, training costs, and not knowing how to get started.
Fifty-one non-deaf respondents and one Deaf respondent expressed interest in pursuing the necessary steps if associated barriers could be removed or mitigated. Most of this group are considered mid-career interpreters who anticipate working beyond the next 11-15 years. The data suggests a backlog of interpreters is ready for induction, yet there is no means to achieve such an induction.
In contrast, one-third of the SC:L respondents look to retire within the next 0-5 years, shrinking the number of working non-Deaf SC:Ls to 11 by 2029. Additionally, WA state-qualified legal interpreters (all hearing) reflected a similar percentage as their SC:Ls colleagues; they are poised to retire in the next 0-5 years leaving four active qualified legal interpreters by 2029. This data suggests that current SC:Ls are beginning to age out, leaving an increasing gap in qualified interpreters to take their place.
Recommendations
There is an apparent bottleneck of mid-career SLIs who wish to pursue legal interpreting if appropriate conditions and pathways are in place. Training and mentoring are only one component; a formal sanctifying means as a qualified legal interpreter is another. Respondents’ suggestions include securing BEI’s Court Interpreter Certificate test to administer within WA
state or developing a portfolio and induction process sanctioned by stakeholder entities. These suggestions require an amendment to the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
Extensive survey results presented to the Administrative Office of the Courts’ Interpreter Commission on December 8, 2023, are available at the link below.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Laurie R. Reinhardt, CSC, NIC-A, SC:L
Accessibility
We are committed to making this event or service accessible and inclusive for everyone. If you need any accommodations: ASL interpretation, CART services for on-site or virtual meetings, support service provider, Assistive Communication Technology such as FM systems or Portable Loop Systems, or anything else, please let us know. You can contact us at odhh@dshs.wa.gov with your specific requests. We will do our best to meet your needs and ensure your participation.
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