Maine RID is an affiliate chapter of the Registry of Interpreters for the
Deaf, Inc (RID). We are a membership driven, non-profit organization
and function in accordance with the goals of RID Inc.
Our purpose is to:
Interpreting is essentially a tri-step process of receiving a message in one
language, grasping its meaning and intent, and delivering it into another
language. This is a simple definition of a complex process which requires a high
degree of linguistic, cognitive, and technical skills.
Rather than merely translating words or signs, a professional interpreter seeks
to achieve equivalence by conveying the spirit and intent of the message.
A professional signed language interpreter needs to be fluent in both American
Sign Language (ASL) and English so as to grasp and formulate thoughts in
both languages. Beyond linguistic fluency, additional training is required in the
interpreting skills that are critical to successful interpretation. Interpreters also
need to be able to adapt to a variety of communication styles, modalities, and
languages ranging from ASL to a more English-influenced form of signing.
Some interpreters receive additional training in specialized skills such as signed
or oral transliteration or interpreting for individuals who are both Deaf and
blind. All professional interpreters must abide by the RID Code of Professional
Conduct which sets the profession’s ethical standards.
Who needs an interpreter?
Anytime communication is necessary between people who do not share a
common language and culture a professional interpreter SHOULD BE USED.
Such situations include:
Who pays for an interpreter?
Federal and state laws mandate that private and public organizations,
businesses and other entities are responsible for providing reasonable
accommodations for Deaf and disabled persons to have equal access to
services and programs. Hospitals, public and private employers, school
districts, private businesses, public facilities, courts, among many others are
examples of entities responsible for the cost of such reasonable
accommodations.
How do I get an interpreter?
In Maine there are several referral agencies which will process requests for
interpreting services. These are also the agencies to contact if you would like to
interpret in the state of Maine. All agencies are listed in the Division of
Deafness Resource Guide.
How do I go about training to become an interpreter?
Prior to entering an interpreter training program, one should develop fluency in
both ASL and English. Individuals who don’t have ASL as a first language can
take anywhere from two to ten years to develop fluency, depending on their
training, extent of exposure to ASL and Deaf Culture, and experience.
Typically, interpreting degree candidates have passed two years of coursework
in ASL prior to being accepted into the interpreting skills courses. Most
graduates of interpreter training programs are ready for entry level work under
the guidance of a mentor.
Where can I get training to become an interpreter?
There are a number of interpreter training programs in New England. These
offer courses and degrees geared towards preparing the interpreter for
professional interpreting and National Certification. The interpreter training
program at the University of Southern Maine in Portland offers a BA degree in
Linguistics, with a track in ASL/English Interpreting. See our Links page for
more information about this program and others in the region.
What are the licensing requirements to work in Maine?
All interpreters who work in the state of Maine, whether certified or pre-certified,
must be licensed with the State of Maine. Information on how to become
licensed is available from the Office of Licensing and Registration.
How do I get certified?
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) has developed a certification
system which is a nationally recognized standard of minimum competence. The
RID offers both a generalist certificate as well as specialist certificates in Deaf
interpreting, legal interpreting, and oral transliteration. The RID site also has
information about its partnership with the Educational Interpreter Performance
Assessment, which is a certification system offered to interpreters working in k-
12 settings.
Deaf, Inc (RID). We are a membership driven, non-profit organization
and function in accordance with the goals of RID Inc.
Our purpose is to:
- • advance professional and ethical standards for interpreters
• provide and sponsor professional development opportunities for the
enhancement of interpreting skills
• promote the rights of interpreters, clients, and consumers
• educate the public on the provision of interpreter services and on the
ethical standards of the profession.
Interpreting is essentially a tri-step process of receiving a message in one
language, grasping its meaning and intent, and delivering it into another
language. This is a simple definition of a complex process which requires a high
degree of linguistic, cognitive, and technical skills.
Rather than merely translating words or signs, a professional interpreter seeks
to achieve equivalence by conveying the spirit and intent of the message.
A professional signed language interpreter needs to be fluent in both American
Sign Language (ASL) and English so as to grasp and formulate thoughts in
both languages. Beyond linguistic fluency, additional training is required in the
interpreting skills that are critical to successful interpretation. Interpreters also
need to be able to adapt to a variety of communication styles, modalities, and
languages ranging from ASL to a more English-influenced form of signing.
Some interpreters receive additional training in specialized skills such as signed
or oral transliteration or interpreting for individuals who are both Deaf and
blind. All professional interpreters must abide by the RID Code of Professional
Conduct which sets the profession’s ethical standards.
Who needs an interpreter?
Anytime communication is necessary between people who do not share a
common language and culture a professional interpreter SHOULD BE USED.
Such situations include:
- • staff meetings
• workshops & conferences
• specialized and in-service training
• new hire and on-the-job training
• mental health counseling and therapy
• government agency events and meetings
• educational settings: primary, secondary, and post-secondary
• medical settings
• legal and professional services
• consultation and mediation
• performing arts
• recreational, sporting, and special events
Who pays for an interpreter?
Federal and state laws mandate that private and public organizations,
businesses and other entities are responsible for providing reasonable
accommodations for Deaf and disabled persons to have equal access to
services and programs. Hospitals, public and private employers, school
districts, private businesses, public facilities, courts, among many others are
examples of entities responsible for the cost of such reasonable
accommodations.
How do I get an interpreter?
In Maine there are several referral agencies which will process requests for
interpreting services. These are also the agencies to contact if you would like to
interpret in the state of Maine. All agencies are listed in the Division of
Deafness Resource Guide.
How do I go about training to become an interpreter?
Prior to entering an interpreter training program, one should develop fluency in
both ASL and English. Individuals who don’t have ASL as a first language can
take anywhere from two to ten years to develop fluency, depending on their
training, extent of exposure to ASL and Deaf Culture, and experience.
Typically, interpreting degree candidates have passed two years of coursework
in ASL prior to being accepted into the interpreting skills courses. Most
graduates of interpreter training programs are ready for entry level work under
the guidance of a mentor.
Where can I get training to become an interpreter?
There are a number of interpreter training programs in New England. These
offer courses and degrees geared towards preparing the interpreter for
professional interpreting and National Certification. The interpreter training
program at the University of Southern Maine in Portland offers a BA degree in
Linguistics, with a track in ASL/English Interpreting. See our Links page for
more information about this program and others in the region.
What are the licensing requirements to work in Maine?
All interpreters who work in the state of Maine, whether certified or pre-certified,
must be licensed with the State of Maine. Information on how to become
licensed is available from the Office of Licensing and Registration.
How do I get certified?
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) has developed a certification
system which is a nationally recognized standard of minimum competence. The
RID offers both a generalist certificate as well as specialist certificates in Deaf
interpreting, legal interpreting, and oral transliteration. The RID site also has
information about its partnership with the Educational Interpreter Performance
Assessment, which is a certification system offered to interpreters working in k-
12 settings.
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