While the history of Sign Language tells that it took a long time for it to be recognised as an official language in most countries, in recent years, more people than ever before have taken up Sign Language courses.
Now, sign language jobs are considered to be among the fastest-growing professions in the world.
Most people do not realise that Sign Language presents many opportunities in diverse fields of business and that there are many interpreter jobs to be filled. In fact, Sign Language jobs are in high demand as commercial, governmental and social sectors realise that it is important to provide equal communication to the Deaf community.
If you have been thinking about working in this field, then make sure you take the right Sign Language courses and get qualified.
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What Sign Language Jobs Are Available?
When it comes to the variety of interpreter jobs out there, you might be surprised.
From lip readers to note-takers there is a lot more on offer than standard interpreter positions. So what’s your first step? Learn to sign!
Some of the Sign Language jobs available around the globe include:
- Interpreter jobs – individuals in these positions have in-depth knowledge in one or more languages and are able to interpret from Sign Language to the other language or languages in which they are experts.
- Lipspeakers – lip readers silently speak words to Deaf lip readers by using precise lip movements. The use of facial expressions and body language can also go a long way in communicating their messages.
- Sign Language teacher – Sign Language courses need both educational and Sign Language experts who can teach students to sign.
- Teaching for the Deaf – in this role, general educators who know Sign Language teach ordinary subjects to the Deaf.
- Deaf blind interpreter – Sign Language jobs can be used to help interpret communication for both deaf and blind individuals.
- Note taker – this is someone who is able to take handwritten notes for a deaf person to take away for reference and review.
Can Sign Language Jobs Result in a Career?
It is absolutely possible to make a living from Sign Language jobs. It is a fast-growing profession that offers many different ways for working as a translator or interpreter. If interpreter jobs appeal to you, then you may want to consider translating speeches at conferences or public gatherings.
Besides opportunities like that, many universities, schools, technical fields and business settings offer Sign Language jobs too. In addition, your Sign Language courses could take you into a career in theatre or television productions where interpreters translate for Deaf viewers.
There are also opportunities in legal, mental and medical fields but bear in mind that further training and certifications will be required to make this possible.
Besides the many benefits offered by Sign Language courses and your good communication skills, there are no formal qualifications required to work in the Sign Language profession.
To qualify for Sign Language jobs or even advanced Sign Language interpreter courses you should have the following:
- A good command of both spoken and written English.
- Good listening skills.
- The ability to read lips.
- Sound knowledge of the target language.
- Fluency in the target language.
- Experience working in business environments.
Salaries for Sign Language interpreter jobs depend on the positions and experience and, like most other careers, the more qualified you are; the better your remuneration will be. This is why the more Sign Language interpreter courses that you can put on your CV, the better.
Having the right Sign Language courses behind you could help you land a role interpreting for sports events, meetings, conferences, court hearings, universities and schools, hospitals, prisons, clinics and other institutions.
Another option is to take Sign Language courses to follow a freelance career, especially if you are a subject-matter expert in a particular field.
One way to start would be to volunteer in clubs or centres frequented by Deaf community members so that you can gain relevant training and experience before moving to paid positions.
You could also start out as an apprentice to someone who has extensive Sign Language interpretation experience.
There is no doubt, a career in signing is filled with opportunities and will sometimes even offer you the chance to travel the world.
Finding Sign Language Interpreter Jobs
So you have decided that you want a job as a Sign Language interpreter, but where to start? Let's find out ...
You could find your way into signing through relevant Sign Language interpreter courses or gain experience in a trainee programme.
Similar to most job searches, the place to look for interpreter jobs is online and there are many websites that offer opportunities for those who want to enter that field.
It is also common for freelancers to work through agencies which may kick off word-of-mouth enquiries from customers who will recommend you. To set yourself apart, having additional insight into the challenges and needs of the Deaf are useful qualities to have.
International Sign Language jobs are listed on popular job seeker websites all over the world.
In South Africa, there are website job sites that could aid you in your search.
- Indeed
- Pnet
Some websites offer searchable databases of vacancies while others will allow you to upload your CV and create your unique profile.
Remember that finding a job is a job so be sure to keep returning to these websites to check for current vacancies and available roles.
Another helpful resource for finding the right Sign Language job is through the power of social media.
You could also try dropping in on the right establishments and leaving your CV. A good first impression can go a long to show your enthusiasm and willingness to put in the effort.
Jobs for the Deaf
Being deaf should never stop anyone from being employed and fortunately, there are many excellent job search websites specifically aimed at the Deaf community.
Of course, there are some jobs where employees are required to have good hearing for safety reasons. Fortunately, these exceptions are minimal compared to the wide range of jobs that have no such restrictions.
When it comes to any health and safety concerns with regard to deaf employees, most can be easily remedied with a few adjustments by employers, who legally have to ensure that all employees are safe. This can be achieved through the use of technology that is able to alert deaf individuals with a flashing fire alarm or emergency alert that is sent to their phone.
Sometimes, employers will require that a health and fitness assessment is done to ensure that everyone, not only deaf employees, are safe in the workplace.
In addition to the South African sites already mentioned where people from the deaf community can find work, some others for those who want to travel and work internationally include:
- Deafunity.com - This platform, which has been around since 1996, provides information about the Sign Language industry but also lists vacancies. It is simple to navigate using the site's filters for location, language and additional skills required.
- ASLInterpreters.com - This website, which dates back to 2005 is trusted by big companies and organisations that supply experienced interpreters.
- Interpreters International Association (IAI) - This website lists over 200 companies all across the globe that offer Sign Language interpreter jobs. It also provides information about the qualifications which are required for each position.
- British Sign Language Interpreting Service (BSLIS) – This platform is the largest provider of sign language jobs in the UK.
In addition, if you are looking to use Sign Language jobs as an opportunity to travel, you could check out these sites too.
- singlang.org
- interpretersource.com
- interpals.com
- signlanguagejobs.co.uk
- translatingcareer.com
Finally, there are many employment and support avenues for the Deaf community and now you know where to look.
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Join the Superprof community and share your knowledge with inquiring and motivated students.
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