Organizations for American Sign Language Interpreters

These organizations are helpful because they offer sign language interpreters the chance to belong to a group and not feel isolated in their work. Freelance interpreters and translators often work alone and rarely interact with others in their profession.

An organization for American sign language interpreters (or other sign language interpreters) can provide a venue for interpreters to interact with each other. In addition, these organizations often give sign language interpreters tips and techniques on where to find jobs, where to get more education, and what kind of sign language conferences to attend.

So, on to the list:

• RID - The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf is an organization dedicated to helping professional interpreters for the deaf. It was founded in 1964 and offers different types of services such as certification, conferences, etc.
• ASLI - The Association of Sign Language Interpreters is an organization for interpreters based in the UK. While not an organization for American sign language interpreters, it does offer member services to those interested in British sign language interpreting.
• ASLIA - The Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association is an interpreter organization that has been in existence for about twenty years, advocating for the Australian interpretation industry.
• SASLI - The Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters is an organization for promoting British sign language in Scotland.
• SLIANZ - The Sign Language Interpreters Association of New Zealand is an association for the interpretation profession in New Zealand. They offer advice on interpreter training, outreach, a registry of interpreters, and information on conferences about interpretation.
• WASLI - The World Association of Sign Language Interpreters began in 2003 as an organization dedicated to the interpreting profession worldwide, with training, research, and mentoring.

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