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Interpreting: Browse our resources below. Photo: a woman is interpreting at a classroom.

Interpreting

Interpreters who work with deaf and hard of hearing students are trained professionals who translate spoken language into a visual language or communication mode. They should possess the ability to deliver information between hearing persons and deaf or hard of hearing persons in a way that can receive and express information clearly. There are two main groups of interpreters: general interpreting and educational interpreting.

Educational Interpreters

Educational interpreters  work with deaf and hard of hearing students and educational staff who are also deaf or hard of hearing in K-12 school settings. They facilitate communication between the deaf or hard of hearing student(s), the instructor, staff members, and hearing students. Educational interpreters are an accommodation, determined by the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team.

Training and certification requirements to become an educational interpreter for deaf and hard of hearing students vary by state. In Texas, educational interpreters must hold either a BEI or RID certification. However, the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Diagnostic Center offers a diagnostic tool for those wanting feedback on interpreting skills.

General Interpreters

General interpreters for deaf and hard-of-hearing people usually work in professional, community or higher education settings. Interpreters can obtain different levels of certification and different types of specialization. All interpreters are required to adhere to a national and/or state code of ethics, established by a recognized licensing agency. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out Classroom Interpreting, EIPA's website.
To become an interpreter in Texas, interested applicants must pass assessments administered by the Board for Evaluations of Interpreters (BEI).
Begin by learning American sign language. You may be able to locate sign language classes at your local community college or university. Some other resources are:
  • The BEI Interpreter Registry provides listings of certified Texas interpreters. Search results may include the names, certification levels, and cities of BEI certified interpreters. 
 
 
 
  • The Last Resort Communication Services can connect you with interpreters in situations in which the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other access mandates do not apply.
Yes, certification maintenance is listed on the BEI webpage.
 
The National Association of Interpreters in Education (NAIE) is a members-only organization of interpreters that advocates and provides resources to support professional excellence and quality interpreting.
Yes, BEI maintains the Code of Professional Conduct and requires certified Texas interpreters to adhere to it.
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