Dr. Martha Campbell, Dean, CL (727) 791-2507
The Sign Language Interpretation Program is designed to provide students with sign language skills, an understanding of deaf culture, knowledge of the interpreter’s role and skill development to prepare students for the profession of sign language interpreting. Professional interpreters provide a link between deaf and hearing individuals in a variety of situations, including educational, religious, medical and mental health settings. The passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has created an increase in part-time and full-time positions available for credentialed interpreters who have initiative and ability.
Students who successfully complete the program in interpreter training at St. Petersburg College will earn an Associate in Science degree. Graduates are encouraged to take the Florida Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Quality Assurance Screening for state qualification to obtain credentials necessary for employment. SPC is also an RID approved site for the national Certification Maintenance Program for certified interpreters to receive continuing education units.
In addition, the program, based at the Clearwater Campus, offers opportunities for student trainees to experience Deaf culture and a wide variety of sign language styles.
This program has been developed with guidelines from the following agencies: 1) Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 310, Silver Springs, MD 20910-3919, telephone (301) 608-0050; 2) National Association of the Deaf, American Sign Language Teachers’ Association, William Newell, Chairperson, National Technical Institute for the Deaf, P. O. Box 9887, Rochester, NY 14623, telephone (716) 475-6275 (V/TTY); 3) Conference of Interpreter Trainers, Myra Taft-Watson, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Department of Rehabilitation, 2801 South University Avenue, ADS 107, Little Rock, AK 72204-1099, telephone (501) 569-3169.
APPROVED REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS WITH CATALOG YEAR 20082 (0405) OR LATER
~ REFER TO CURRICULUM FILES FOR PREVIOUS CATALOG YEAR REQUIREMENTS ~ |