Resources regarding recent Presidential Executive Orders
Executive Orders and White House Information
What is an Executive Order and how is it different from a law?
– American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
– US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Executive Orders affecting charitable nonprofits
– National Council of Nonprofits
DEIA Offices, Programs and Initiatives
DEI in Government and Private Sector
Further Guidance Regarding Ending DEIA Offices, Programs and Initiatives
– Chief Human Capital Officers Council
Additional DEIA Guidance to Agencies
– Office of Personnel Management
A clarification MEMO from the federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM) clarifies that accommodating deaf people with sign language interpreting is
in the anti-DEIA executive orders.
The what and why of interpreting
The expectations and standards for you to know.
RID’s Standard Practice Papers (SPPs) articulate the consensus of the membership in outlining standard practices and positions on various interpreting roles and issues. You may print out the SPPs below and then make the number of copies needed.
An Overview of K-12 Educational Interpreting
Use of a Certified Deaf Interpreter
Interpreting in Mental Health Settings
Interpreting in Health Care Settings
Interpreting for Individuals who are Deaf-Blind
Professional Sign Language Interpreting Agencies
The Field of Interpreting – Opportunities and Growth
The field of interpretation is currently in an exciting period of growth as a career profession. As we work to eliminate the perception of interpretation as just a “job” that any individual with an interest can undertake, we are seeing the field gain momentum in reputation that encompasses quality and respect. With supply not meeting the current demand, interpreters have become an invaluable tool in communication access between Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
Interpreting is a human service-related field that is utilized in a myriad of different life situations, such as medical, mental health, law, education, etc. An interpreter, who must uphold the
, is a bilingual and bicultural professional working in a true profession and should be regarded as such.
Because interpreters are key to communication access, RID strives to maintain high
for members in various ways, including credentials, continuing education, and standard practice papers.
If you are thinking of interpreting as a career, we hope that this information will be helpful in your decision-making process. If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact
. Learn more about interpreting as a career in the section below
Why You Should Become a RID Certified Interpreter
Is the process of transmitting spoken English into American Sign Language (ASL) and/or gestures for communication between Deaf and hearing individuals;
Enhances the quality of interaction between the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities;
Serves as a tool in bridging communication gaps;
Is a profession that is highly dynamic and sophisticated;
Offers a career that allows one to grow with each knowledge building experience.
A committed individual to not only achieve certification but to also maintain and grow the skills needed
Physical stamina, endurance and the ability to emotionally handle an assignment and adhere to confidentiality
A great knowledge of the English language and the ability to speak clearly, be audibly heard and to portray the feelings and emotion of the speaker, whether voice or sign interpreting
An understanding that interpreting is a complex process that requires linguistic, cognitive and technical skills
Sign language interpreting is a rapidly expanding field. Schools, government agencies, hospitals, court systems and private businesses employ interpreters.  Interpreters work in a variety of settings including medical, legal, religious, mental health, rehabilitation, performing arts and business.
The interpreting field is experiencing an increase in demand for qualified interpreters. This is due, in part, with the advent of Video Relay Service (VRS) and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI). These services offer consumers access to real-time visual communication with the hearing community. As the methods of communication increase between the Deaf and hearing communities through technological advancements, we will also experience an increase in demand for the number of qualified interpreters to be utilized through these techniques.
Sign Language/spoken English interpreters are highly skilled professionals that facilitate communication between hearing individuals and the Deaf or hard-of-hearing. They are a crucial communication tool utilized by all people involved in a communication setting. Interpreters must be able to listen to another person’s words, inflections and intent and simultaneously render them into the visual language of signs using the mode of communication preferred by the deaf consumer. The interpreter must also be able to comprehend the signs, inflections and intent of the deaf consumer and simultaneously speak them in articulate, appropriate English. They must understand the cultures in which they work and apply that knowledge to promote effective cross-cultural communications.
Interpreting requires specialized expertise. While proficiency in English and in sign language is necessary, language skills alone are not sufficient for an individual to work as a professional interpreter. Becoming an interpreter
Is a complex process that requires a high degree of linguistic, cognitive and technical skills;
Takes a committed individual to not only achieve certification but to also maintain and grow the skills needed;
Requires physical stamina, endurance and the ability to emotionally handle an assignment and adhere to confidentiality;
Necessitates a great knowledge of the English language and the ability to speak clearly, be audibly heard and to portray the feelings and emotion of the speaker, whether they are voice or sign interpreting.
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires the provision of qualified interpreters in a variety of settings. It states that “To satisfy this requirement, the interpreter must have the proven ability to effectively communicate…”
One important measure of an interpreter’s proven ability is professional credentials. Credentials are obtained by taking and passing an assessment of your skills. RID provides testing for national certification.
All Types of Sign Language
Sign language is no more universal than spoken languages. American Sign Language (ASL) is the language used by a majority of people in the Deaf community in the United States, most of Canada (LSQ is used in Quebec), certain Caribbean countries and areas of Mexico. Other areas of the world use their own sign languages, such as England (British Sign Language) and Australia (Australian Sign Language).
American Sign Language (ASL) is a distinct visual-gestural-kinesthetic language. While it borrows elements from spoken English and old French sign language, it has unique grammatical, lexical and linguistic features of its own. It is not English on the hands.
Because ASL is not English, educators have developed a number of signed codes which use ASL vocabulary items, modify them to match English vocabulary, and put them together according to English grammatical rules. These codes have various names including Signed Exact English (SEE) and Manual Coded English (MCE). Additionally, when native speakers of English and native users of ASL try to communicate, the “language” that results is a mixture of both English and ASL vocabulary and grammar. This is referred to as PSE (Pidgin Signed English) or contact signing.
Whether you are a beginner, an advanced signer or a Child of a Deaf Adult (CODA), RID is here to help you understand what it takes to become a professional and qualified interpreter. Fascination with sign language and/or the desire to “help” are admirable, but these alone are not qualifications to be interpreting for persons who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Patience, persistence, dedication and professional training are just some of the few key elements that are crucial to becoming a successful interpreter.
Why You Should Become a RID Certified Interpreter
What Interpreting is and How to Get Started
the act of conveying meaning between people who use signed and/or spoken languages
Professional sign language interpreters develop interpreting skills through extensive training and practice over a long period of time. Before committing to this profession, it is imperative that you prepare yourself for the expectations, requirements and standards that will be asked of you.
Below are a few resources that will help guide you along the process:
Discover Interpreting was established from a grant issued by the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration, CFDA 84.160A and 84.160B, as a response to the ASL interpreter shortage. This is an excellent tool to help inspire individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the field of interpreting, close the “gap” between graduation and certification, and to increase the number of qualified interpreters.
The Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education
CCIE was established to promote professionalism in the field of sign language interpreter education through an accreditation process. This site provides a list of accredited programs to help you prepare to enter the field of interpreting.
Interpreter Training and Preparation Programs
These programs provide you with the education and knowledge base to develop the skills to become an interpreter.
*NEW* View an intensive spreadsheet of available 2 and 4 year ITP programs
(Resource made available by CCBC Program Assistant Jesse Hammons, CIT and CCBC)
RID’s Certification Programs measure your knowledge and skill level and provides you with the appropriate level credentials for your testing skills.
NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct
The NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct sets the standards to which all certified members of RID are expected to adhere.
RID’s Standard Practice Papers (SPPs) articulate the consensus of the membership in outlining standard practices and positions on various interpreting roles and issues. These SPPs are excellent resources to educate all interpreters as well as hearing and deaf clients, the general public, business contacts, school personnel, doctors and nurses, etc. See the section above for our SPPs.
RID Affiliate Chapters and Local Chapters
Your affiliate or local chapter can serve as an excellent source for guidance, mentorship and information.
ASL Fluency and Learning the Language
How long does it take to become fluent in Japanese, Russian or any other foreign language? Language fluency, be it spoken or visual, requires time, dedication, study, immersion in the language community, and constant practice. While you may have the potential to handle communication of simple concepts of daily life after just three classes, it will most likely take you years to be comfortably fluent in native conversations at normal rates discussing complex topics.
Sign language classes are offered throughout the community at schools and colleges, churches and recreation departments. Some of these are excellent, and some are very poor. The classes may be ASL, PSE, SEE or some mixture of all. Instructors may be experienced, professional educators, or people who have only taken a few classes themselves. Buyer beware!
Some things to consider or ask when choosing a class:
Is the instructor native or near-native fluent in American Sign Language (ASL)?
Fluency in the language could be evidenced by RID certification or NAD or state Quality Assurance (QA) ratings in interpreting, or by an advanced or superior rating on the SCPI (Sign Communication Proficiency Interview). Be wary of instructors who just recently took classes themselves.
Is the instructor involved in the Deaf community and with professional organizations?
It is very beneficial if the instructors have formally studied the language and the teaching profession. Credentials to look for include membership in the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) and/or the Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT) as well as organizations such as RID, NAD and Black Deaf Advocates (BDA).
What do you know about the organization offering the class?
What is the history and reputation of the organization with regard to sign language education? Does the organization provide you with additional materials on sign language? Are you provided with information on what is happening in the Deaf community? Does the organization provide you guidance regarding your next steps once you learn the basics?
Does the Deaf community support this class and organization?
People who are native ASL signers and involved in the Deaf community see “graduates” from various classes. Seek their guidance on which classes they recommend?
What has become of previous graduates of the class?
What have they accomplished since they finished their studies? Has the class been helpful? Do they feel they learned what they needed?
An interpreter program is a formalized education program with a dedicated curriculum that is offered through a college, university or technical school that prepares students for a career in the field of interpreting. There are college and university programs around the country. A majority offer associate degrees in interpreting, but the number of bachelor programs is increasing. Additionally, a handful of schools offer master degrees in interpreting.
For a list of available programs
. Please note that this may not be a complete, up-to-date list. To confirm that the program is accredited, you can visit
. Please contact your local college, university or technical school to see what programs they may offer, if any. Also, contact your
for more information on interpreting programs in your area.
Beginning July 1, 2012, exam candidates will be required to hold a degree (any major) or submit an approved
.  recorded in their RID account. While you may receive a degree in any field, one may find the background, skills development and theory learned in a recognized interpreter program are extremely beneficial in getting your national certification.
Most interpreter education programs provide you with the knowledge and skills to begin pursuing an interpreting career as well as a foundation to begin preparing for certification. Completion of a program is more like a driver’s permit that lets you operate in certain protected situations. Continued practice, participation in workshops and training experiences, and work with mentors will help prepare you to earn your certification. And certification opens many doors to a successful career for you in the interpreting profession.
To be a successful interpreter, you need a wide range of general knowledge. A degree is an important way to gain that knowledge. The higher the degree, the more diverse and complete your general knowledge will be. In many interpreting jobs in school systems, your salary is partly based on your degree. Interpreting is a very complex task and requires a high degree of fluency in two languages. Will you be able to master the language and the interpreting task during the length of the program you are considering?
In general, the more education a person can get, the better they will do. But, the quality of the education is important as well. Here are some questions to consider when choosing a program:
Is the program up-to-date and well respected by the Deaf and interpreting communities?
Are its faculty members affiliated with and actively involved in professional organizations?
What kind of credentials do they have?
Are the program graduates working in the field and getting their credentials?
What kinds of resources are available to students and faculty?
There is a strong need for qualified interpreters with credentials as we are currently experiencing a period in the interpreting field where supply is not keeping up with demand. The greatest demand for interpreters is in medium-to-large cities. The more mobile you are, the more likely you are to find an interpreting job.
Interpreters typically fall in one of three categories:
Agency interpreter, meaning that you are employed by an agency that provides you job assignments.
Free-lance interpreter, meaning that you are responsible for finding and maintaining your own client base
Contracted interpreter, meaning that you take on aspects of both the agency interpreter and the freelance interpreter. You provide services to an interpreter services agency or to other agencies in accordance with the terms and conditions of a particular contract or contracts. You are not an employee of the interpreter services agency or any other agencies for which they provide services
You don’t have to wait until you are a practicing interpreter to become a RID member. Join today and enhance your networking opportunities within the field of professional interpreting.
If you already interpret out in the community but are not yet RID certified, you qualify to join as an Associate member. If you are a student in an Interpreter Training Program, you can join as a Student member.
If you are neither of the above yet still want to reap the
of membership, then join as a Supporting member.
The more unified we become as an overall profession, the greater our voice and the more impact we will have.
Educational Interpreters have always been an important part of the mission and programs of RID. For many years, RID has received feedback from educational interpreters that they were overlooked as a population by the majority of publications,
articles, conferences and workshops that we provide.
Realizing that RID would have a greater voice and a larger volume of impact if we embraced other populations in the interpreting profession, we have taken great strides to become more inclusive to the educational interpreter and wholeheartedly welcome you into RID’s membership.
From the fall of 2006 to the summer of 2016, RID recognized individuals who passed the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) written and performance tests at the level of 4.0 or higher as certified members of the association.
Overview of K-12 Educational Interpreting Standard Practice Paper
The Educational Interpreter Resources Toolkit, which was prepared by the 2007 – 2009 Educational Interpreting Committee (EIC), serves as an excellent resource tool to assist educational interpreters in the work they do.
This Resources Toolkit may serve as your ‘Home Base’ in discovering tools that can assist you in getting valuable information for the work you do serving students in the educational setting, K-12.
Educational Interpreter Resources Toolkit (full document)
Section I: Laws & Policy Supporting Deaf Education
Section II: Database & Tools for Finding Additional Resources
Section IV: Books, Journals & Articles of Interest
Section V: State Specific Educational Interpreting Guidelines
Section VI: Resources to Share with School Personnel
Section VII: Resources to Share with Students & Parents
The Educational Interpreter Committee (EIC), in collaboration with the Interpreters in Educational and Instructional Settings (IEIS) member section conducted two surveys during their 2007-2009 term; a survey of both RID affiliate chapter presidents and interpreters working in educational settings. The purpose of the surveys were, respectively speaking, to: learn what affiliate chapter presidents know about and were doing for educational interpreters and to discover what educational interpreters know about and found value in RID affiliate chapters.
For detailed information about the books, reference materials and publications we offer to interpreters, please visit our online store. Some of the titles of relevant publications to the educational interpreter include:
“Educational Interpreting: A Collection of Articles From VIEWS”  by various authors and “Encounters With Reality: 1001 Interpreter Scenarios” by Brenda Cartwright
The scholarship program is undergoing some changes and updates to better serve our membership. Once it is ready, we will make an announcement. Thank you for your support and patience!
RID Scholarships and Awards program
recognizes our colleagues who have made a significant impact on our lives, careers, and the interpreting profession. These awards serve as a small tribute to their sustained contributions to the profession.
We all have someone who has impacted our lives in one way or another, whether a mentor who has provided the necessary guidance and advice, a friend who demonstrates true commitment, a teacher who pushes us to reach our potential or a colleague who inspires us and sets new standards for success.
The recipients of these awards are the individuals who have gone the extra mile for the profession; have served as role models, teachers, trainers, mentors, or colleagues; or have just been there as a support and confidante. They have achieved personal success and have now dedicated themselves to the betterment of the profession as a whole. In short, they are inspiring motivators for all of us.
– CIT is the professional organization of interpreter educators. This site also provides information about the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education, the accreditation body for interpreting programs.
– Mana a Mano is a national organization of interpreters who work in Spanish-influenced setting.
National Alliance of Black Interpreters, Inc. – NAOBI is the national association that supports sign language interpreters from the African diaspora.
Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada
– AVLIC is RID’s counterpart in Canada – it is the only certifying body for ASL-English interpreters in Canada.  AVLIC was established in 1979 and has several Affiliate Chapters across the country.
European Forum of Sign Language Interpreters
– EFSLI is a membership organization of sign language interpreters from both in and out of the European Union.
Sign Language Interpreters Association of New Zealand
– SLIAZ is a national professional association which represents and advances the profession by informing members and consumers and promoting high standards of practice and integrity in the field.
World Association of Sign Language Interpreters
– WASLI was established 23 July 2003 during the 14th World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf in Montreal Canada with the aim to advance the profession of sign language interpreting worldwide.
– SignLanguage offers a unique reference point on sign language and communication basics. This Web site has brought together expert information and a look at British Sign Language (BSL) along with the histories.
World Association of Sign Language Interpreters
– WASLI was established 23 July 2003 during the 14th World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf in Montreal Canada with the aim to advance the profession of sign language interpreting worldwide.
RID’s Standard Practice Papers (SPPs) articulate the consensus of the membership in outlining standard practices and positions on various interpreting roles and issues. You may print out the SPPs below and then make the number of copies needed.
An Overview of K-12 Educational Interpreting (2010)
Qualified educational interpreters/transliterators are a critical part of the educational day for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. This paper addresses the legal requirements, roles and duties of the educational interpreter, including qualifications, and guidelines for districts when hiring an educational interpreter.
Video remote interpreting (VRI) is a fee-based interpreting service conveyed via videoconferencing where at least one person, typically the interpreter, is at a separate location. As a fee based service, VRI may be arranged through service contracts, rate plans based on per minute or per hour fees, or charges based on individual usage.
Use of a Certified Deaf Interpreter (1997)
A Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) is an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing and has been certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf as an interpreter. In addition to excellent general communication skills and general interpreter training, the CDI may also have specialized training and/or experience in use of gesture, mime, props, drawings and other tools to enhance communication.
Interpreting in Legal Settings (2007)
Legal interpreting encompasses a range of settings in which the deaf person interacts with various parts of the justice system. Legal interpreting naturally includes court interpreting; however, a legal interpreter’s work is not restricted to the courtroom.
Interpreting in Mental Health Settings (2007)
This Standard Practice Paper addresses the unique challenges faced by interpreters working in mental health settings and the skill set needed to successfully meet those challenges.
Interpreting in Religious Settings (2007)
Religious interpreting occurs in settings which are spiritual in nature. These settings can include worship services, religious education, workshops, conferences, retreats, confession, scripture study, youth activities, counseling, tours and pilgrimages, weddings, funerals and other special ceremonies.
Video Relay Service Interpreting (2007)
Video relay service (VRS) is a free telephone relay service using video technology to allow deaf and hard of hearing persons to make and receive phone calls using American Sign Language (ASL). VRS, as an industry, has grown exponentially since its inception in 2000 as an offshoot of traditional Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) or text-based relay services.
Interpreting in Health Care Settings (2007)
Effective communication between consumers who are deaf and health care providers is essential. When the consumers and health care providers do not share a common language, a qualified sign language interpreter can facilitate communication. A consumer who is deaf could be the patient, a relative or companion who is involved in the patient’s health care.
Between 1990 and 2007, Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs) increased an unbelievable 80 percent. The New York Times called RSI “the epidemic of the 90s and beyond.” More than 9.5 million U.S. workers were stricken with RSI in the last year alone including journalists, computer users, cashiers, surgeons, assembly line workers, meat processors and, of course, interpreters, to name a few.
Coordinating Interpreters for Conferences (2007)
The purpose of this paper is to provide you, the conference interpreter coordinator(s), with information that will support your work ensuring conference communication access for deaf, hard of hearing and/or Deaf-blind participants. The links you will find throughout this text will supplement, further explain and/or provide samples of tools you may use or modify for your work.
Team interpreting is the utilization of two or more interpreters who support each other to meet the needs of a particular communication situation. Depending on both the needs of the participants and agreement between the interpreters, responsibilities of the individual team members can be rotated and feedback may be exchanged.
Interpreters work in a variety of settings and situations; some are employees of institutions, agencies and companies, and some are self-employed. Interpreters who are self-employed are less likely to encounter situations in which non-interpreting duties are expected of them.
Interpreting for Individuals who are Deaf-Blind (2007)
The spectrum of consumers who utilize Deaf-Blind interpreting services consists of individuals with differing degrees of vision loss and hearing loss. The amount and type of vision and hearing a person has determines the type of interpreting that will be most effective for that individual.
Oral transliterators, also called oral interpreters, facilitate spoken communication between individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and individuals who are not. Individuals who are “oralists” use speech and speechreading as their primary mode of communication and may or may not know or use manual communication modes or sign language.
Professional Sign Language Interpreting (2007)
Sign language interpreting makes communication possible between people who are deaf or hard of hearing and people who can hear. Interpreting is a complex process that requires a high degree of linguistic, cognitive and technical skills in both English and American Sign Language (ASL).
Business Practices: Billing Considerations (2007)
RID does not dictate or restrict business practices. It does however, expect interpreters to conduct business in a manner consistent with the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct. There are regional differences in billing practices for interpreting services.
RID believes that the mentoring relationship is of benefit to consumers of interpreting services as well as to those in the interpreting profession. Each mentoring situation is unique depending upon the individuals involved and the goals of the relationship.
Interpreting for the performing arts spans the full spectrum of genres from Shakespeare to new works, including but not limited to children’s theatre, musical theatre, literary readings, concerts, traditional and non-traditional narratives. This type of interpreting happens on traditional stages for local companies, for touring shows, in alternative spaces, museums and galleries, and in educational settings, to name a few.
Professional Sign Language Interpreting Agencies (2014)
This paper considers “interpreting agency” to include both non-profit and for-profit entities, as well as those individuals and groups who coordinate sign language interpreting services in larger organizations such as school disability services coordinators, etc.
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID), the national professional association of sign language interpreters in the United States, created this Professional Practice Paper (P3) to introduce the work of Deaf interpreters (DIs) as a generalist practitioner. Historically, Deaf individuals have provided ad hoc interpreting services within the Deaf communities. Although RID began credentialing Deaf individuals in 1972, a severe shortage of certified DIs continues today.
RID’s position on important issues.
RID/NAIE Joint Position Statement on Perez v. Sturgis County Schools System
The Supreme Court of the United States issued a unanimous opinion on the matter of Perez v. Sturgis County School System on March 21, 2023.
We, The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), recognize the unique skills and abilities necessary to effectively interpret press conferences and emergency notifications.
In order to promote excellence in interpreting, all interpreters should demonstrate skill, knowledge, and ability through the attainment of certification.
Misrepresentation of Certifications and Credentials
The official RID certifications are listed on this webpage:
.  Anything other than those listed are not recognized by RID as valid credentials or certifications.
How to provide and what to look for
Understanding what it is and why people need it.
Why Use RID Certified Interpreters
Why should my interpreter be certified by and/ or a member of RID?
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. is the sole nationally-recognized certifying body of professional American Sign Language interpreters and transliterators. All members of RID, certified or not, are expected to comply with the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct
and are subject to our Ethical Practices System
where a consumer or colleague may file a grievance against any member who does not comply with the CPC.
Please view the PDF here to read more about why you should use a RID certified interpreter.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
defines “qualified interpreter” in its Title III regulation as:
“an interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.”
This definition continues to cause a great deal of confusion among consumers, service providers and professional interpreters. While the definition empowers deaf and hearing consumers to demand satisfaction, it provides no assistance to hiring entities (who are mandated by ADA to provide interpreter services) in determining who is “qualified” BEFORE services are provided. This is a critical point. Without the tools or mechanisms to identify who has attained some level of competency, hiring entities are at a loss on how to satisfy the mandates of ADA in locating/providing “qualified” interpreter services.
Code of Professional Conduct (CPC)
A code of professional conduct is a necessary component to any profession to maintain standards for the individuals within that profession to adhere. It brings about accountability, responsibility and trust to the individuals that the profession serves.
Originally, RID, along with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), co-authored the ethical code of conduct for interpreters. At the core of this code of conduct are the seven tenets, which are followed by guiding principles and illustrations.
The tenets are to be viewed holistically and as a guide to complete professional behavior. When in doubt, one should refer to the explicit language of the tenet.
Interpreters adhere to standards of confidential communication.
Interpreters possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific interpreting situation.
Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting situation.
Interpreters demonstrate respect for consumers.
Interpreters demonstrate respect for colleagues, interns, and students of the profession.
Interpreters maintain ethical business practices.
Interpreters engage in professional development.
Click here to access the full version of the
RID Code of Professional Conduct
Código de Conducta Profesional de la NAD-RID en Español
The 2022 ASL version of the CPC was filmed and produced by
Attempting to take over where the ADA leaves off with this definition, RID, in its role as the national association representing the profession, strives to maintain high standards for its members – above and beyond that required by the ADA. This elevates the interpreter holding RID credentials and sets the bar for interpreting services throughout the profession.
Possessing RID certification is a highly valued asset for an interpreter and helps you to stand above the rest. For the betterment of the profession and the service to the consumer, RID has a tri-fold approach to the standards it maintains for its membership:
strive to maintain strict adherence to nationally recognized, testing industry standards of validity, reliability, equity and legal defensibility.
is an avenue through which the continued skill development of certified interpreters/transliterators is monitored and nourished
Code of Professional Conduct (CPC)
are two vehicles which provide guidance and enforcement to professionalism and conduct. The EPS provides an opportunity for consumers to address concerns or file complaints regarding the quality of interpreter/transliterator services, and the CPC sets the standards to which all individuals holding RID certification are expected to adhere.
Learn more about RID’s Standard Practice Papers>>
The Growth of the Profession
The growth and maturation of the profession has also created a movement in many states to consider state licensure requirements for its interpreters. Many states have passed the necessary legislation for this requirement.
In addition to an increased number of state licensure laws, there has also been a steady increase in the number of interpreter training/preparation programs (ITPs) available as well as professional training opportunities, such as workshops and conferences, offered at the local, state, regional and national level.
With these advancements, “standards” or the “norm” for interpreters 15 years ago are really no longer relevant today.
All professions go through maturation phases. In nursing, there are delineated differences between an orderly, nurse’s aide, LVN and RN; in law, the same holds true between a legal secretary, a paralegal and an attorney. In many professions, such as nursing and law, states have implemented clear-cut requirements and standards for that profession including timelines and an organizational structure for when and how these requirements would be met.
We are at a point in the interpreting profession to not only witness but impact the progress and journey down this path.
RID’s Standard Practice Papers (SPPs) articulate the consensus of the membership in outlining standard practices and positions on various interpreting roles and issues. You may print out the SPPs below and then make the number of copies needed.
An Overview of K-12 Educational Interpreting
Use of a Certified Deaf Interpreter
Interpreting in Mental Health Settings
Interpreting in Health Care Settings
Interpreting for Individuals who are Deaf-Blind
Professional Sign Language Interpreting Agencies
The more unified we become as an overall profession, the greater our voice and the more impact we will have.
Educational Interpreters have always been an important part of the mission and programs of RID. For many years, RID has received feedback from educational interpreters that they were overlooked as a population by the majority of publications,
articles, conferences and workshops that we provide.
Realizing that RID would have a greater voice and a larger volume of impact if we embraced other populations in the interpreting profession, we have taken great strides to become more inclusive to the educational interpreter and wholeheartedly welcome you into RID’s membership.
From the fall of 2006 to the summer of 2016, RID recognized individuals who passed the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) written and performance tests at the level of 4.0 or higher as certified members of the association.
Overview of K-12 Educational Interpreting Standard Practice Paper
The Educational Interpreter Resources Toolkit, which was prepared by the 2007 – 2009 Educational Interpreting Committee (EIC), serves as an excellent resource tool to assist educational interpreters in the work they do.
This Resources Toolkit may serve as your ‘Home Base’ in discovering tools that can assist you in getting valuable information for the work you do serving students in the educational setting, K-12.
Educational Interpreter Resources Toolkit (full document)
Section I: Laws & Policy Supporting Deaf Education
Section II: Database & Tools for Finding Additional Resources
Section IV: Books, Journals & Articles of Interest
Section V: State Specific Educational Interpreting Guidelines
Section VI: Resources to Share with School Personnel
Section VII: Resources to Share with Students & Parents
The Educational Interpreter Committee (EIC), in collaboration with the Interpreters in Educational and Instructional Settings (IEIS) member section conducted two surveys during their 2007-2009 term; a survey of both RID affiliate chapter presidents and interpreters working in educational settings. The purpose of the surveys were, respectively speaking, to: learn what affiliate chapter presidents know about and were doing for educational interpreters and to discover what educational interpreters know about and found value in RID affiliate chapters.
For detailed information about the books, reference materials and publications we offer to interpreters, please visit our online store. Some of the titles of relevant publications to the educational interpreter include:
“Educational Interpreting: A Collection of Articles From VIEWS”  by various authors and “Encounters With Reality: 1001 Interpreter Scenarios” by Brenda Cartwright
Don’t be overwhelmed by the process of hiring an interpreter! Let RID help!
As the hiring entity, you have the option to hire individuals directly or through an interpreter service agency. To begin your search, go to our searchable database and search by city and/or state. Not all interpreters and/or agencies are RID members and, as a result, may not be listed. If you have difficulty finding a resource in your area,
Use this search tool to find contact information for a specific member, verify an RID member’s certification(s) and search for freelance interpreters using specific credentials for your assignment. For example, if you need a certified member who has their legal certification in your city, this is the search tool to use.
Use this search tool to find local interpreter referral agencies for upcoming assignments you have. This is also a great tool to hire an agency for a contract. When working with an agency, you do not directly contact interpreters. Instead, the agency does the work for you and matches a working interpreter to your specific assignment.
As a non-profit membership association, RID and its affiliate chapters are not allowed by federal law to give advice as to salary and/or hourly rates. Rates for interpreters are market driven, vary greatly by region, and are negotiated between the individual or agency and the hirer.
RID and its affiliate chapters also do not give advice as to accessibility issues, such as the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). You should directly contact the
U.S. Department of Justice and the ADA Office
or other government agencies that oversee access. For an additional informational resource, please look at this National Association of the Deaf web page on
American Sign Language Related Graphics
– Provides short video clips showing how to sign words in ASL
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information
– Contains information and helpful resources pertaining to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
– Information from the U.S. Department of Justice about the ADA and tax benefits for small and large businesses, as well as IRS information.
CART Services (Communication Access Realtime Translation)
– Sponsored by the National Court Reporters Association, this site has general information about CART, how to find a provider and what to expect. In addition, the site discusses different setting where CART is used.
American Association of the Deaf-Blind
– AADB is a national consumer organization of, by and for deaf-blind Americans and their supporters. Deaf-blind includes all types and degrees of dual vision and hearing loss.
Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology
– COAT is a coalition of over 300 national, regional, state, and community-based disability organizations, including RID. COAT advocates for legislative and regulatory safeguards that will ensure full access by people with disabilities to evolving high speed broadband, wireless and other Internet Protocol (IP) technologies.
National Association of the Deaf
– NAD’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve the rights and quality of life of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America.
National Association of State Agencies of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
– NASADHH functions as the national voice of state agencies serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing people and promote the implementation of best practices in the provision of services.
– IDC is a non-profit organization of Deaf and Hard of Hearing American Indians whose goals are similar to many Native American organizations. IDC promotes the interests of its members by fostering and enhancing their cultural, historical and linguistic tribal traditions.
– The NADC provides cultural awareness and advocacy for the interests of the Asian Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.
– NBDA’s mission is to promote leadership development, economic and educational opportunities, social equality, and to safeguard the general health and welfare of Black deaf and hard of hearing people.
World Federation of the Deaf
– WFD is an international non-governmental organization representing approximately 70 million deaf people worldwide. Most important among WFD priorities are deaf people in developing countries; the right to sign language; and equal opportunity in all spheres of life, including access to education and information.
– NDRN is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. Collectively, the P&A/CAP network is the largest provider of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States.
Disabled People’s Association – Singapore
– DPA is a non-profit, cross-disability organization whose mission is to be the voice of people with disabilities, helping them achieve full participation and equal status in the society through independent living.
Information and Resources on Deafness
ADA Hospitality: A Guide to Planning Accessible Meetings
– The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center and TransCen, Inc. sponsored the publication in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the transformational Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Helping you navigate, plan, and create accessible meetings, events, and conferences that serve all your guests’ needs.
Described and Captioned Media Program
– The DCMP’s mission is to provide all persons who are deaf or hard of hearing awareness of and equal access to communication and learning through the use of captioned educational media and supportive collateral materials. The DCMP also acts as a captioning information and training center.
– The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center provides a variety of information and resources on deafness.
– Resources and help for deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing women trying to leave abusive relationships.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
– One of the National Institutes of Health, the NIDCD works to improve the lives of people who have communication disorders. This website focuses on medical information and research.
Services for Deaf and DeafBlind women
– ADWAS provides comprehensive services to Deaf and Deaf-Blind victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking. ADWAS believes that violence is a learned behavior and envisions a world where violence is not tolerated.
Addiction Treatment for Individuals Deaf and Blind
– Addiction can be a harrowing experience for anyone. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired can especially find this experience daunting, as they’re faced with not only overcoming an addiction, but attempting to find a treatment program that recognizes and respects their unique challenges.
Archdiocese of Washington-Center for Deaf Ministry
– Interpreters who work in Catholic churches will be interpreting a very different liturgy coming in Advent of this year. The language used will be much more of a challenge to interpret. The National Catholic Office of the Deaf has provided this resource.
We bring you qualified interpreters for your business
Count on our members to foster greater awareness of sign language interpreting as a professional career, and practice professionalism in their work.
Through RID’s Ethical Practices System, ensure that there is an efficient, effective, and sustainable way to maintain ethical interpreters.
Following a CPC is monumental, and knowing that interpreters have a duty to protect their consumer. Consumers and the public can trust RID certification.
Making a commitment to do right in your work is the tip of the iceberg. Action is key, and interprets commit to their practice.