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Interpreting for people who are Deaf-Blind can be a challenging and rewarding specialization in the field of interpreting, and requires additional training. Understanding various conditions of deaf-blindness, such as Retinitis Pigmentosa or Ushers Syndrome, and the results of these conditions, such as tunnel vision, blurry vision, or total blindness, is part of the expanded knowledge base that an interpreter must possess to work with this population. It is also important to understand the various strategies that Deaf-Blind people use to communicate, such as tactile signing, close vision signing, tracking, or print-on-palm.

When interpreting for a person who is Deaf-Blind, the interpreters not only conveys the message between the people involved in the communication, but must also convey additional environmental information that a sighted, hearing person would receive. Additionally, the interpreter’s job duties may be expanded to include notetaking, sight translation of printed materials, guiding the Deaf-Blind person, or arranging the physical environment.

Deaf and Hearing interpreters who work with people who are Deaf-Blind work in teams allowing for collegial, supportive interactions. Every interaction is different because each Deaf-Blind person’s communication needs are different, leading to continual learning and growth for the interpreters. Working with people who are Deaf-Blind can be challenging and rewarding. Is this a specialization for you?