A Deaf Interpreter (DI) is a specialist who provides cultural and linguist facilitation, teaming with the Sign Language Interpreter. The DI is fluent in visual and tactile communication modalities used by individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard-of-Hearing, Late Deafened and/or Deaf Plus. The DI comes with a distinct set of formative linguistic, cultural, and life experiences that enables nuanced comprehension influenced by region, culture, age, literacy, education, social economic status, as well as physical, cognitive, and mental health challenges.
These life experiences with professional training give the DI and unique skill set. DI have the ability to incorporate successful communication across all types of interpreted interactions, both routine and high risk scenarios.
Certified Deaf Interpreters have passed the written and performance aspect of testing through Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
Court Certified Deaf Interpreters have met the criteria established in WAC.