The History of Sign Language Interpreting: From Volunteers to Professionals
Sign language interpreting has transformed from an informal favor done by family members into a respected profession with rigorous certification, ethical standards, and legal protections. This evolution reflects broader changes in how society views Deaf individuals — from objects of charity to citizens with rights.
⚡ Key Milestones
- 1964 — Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) founded
- 1972 — First RID certification tests administered
- 1973 — Rehabilitation Act requires interpreters in federal programs
- 1990 — ADA passes, dramatically expanding interpreter requirements
- 2000s-present — VRI technology, state licensure, specialization
The Era of “Helpers” (Pre-1960s)
Before sign language interpreting became a profession, communication access for Deaf people depended on whoever happened to be available:
- Family members — Often children interpreting for Deaf parents
- Teachers — From schools for the Deaf
- Clergy — Ministers who signed for religious services
- Friends — Anyone who knew some signs
These “helpers” had no training, no standards, and no accountability. They often paraphrased rather than interpreted, made decisions on behalf of Deaf people, and had no obligation to confidentiality.
📖 The Dark Side of “Helping”
Well-meaning helpers often made choices that weren’t theirs to make. A family member might soften a doctor’s bad news. A teacher might tell a Deaf student what they “should” say in a meeting. The Deaf person had no way to know what was actually being communicated — and no recourse when helpers got it wrong.
The Birth of a Profession (1960s)
The 1960s brought dramatic change — not only for sign language interpreting but for disability rights broadly.
1964: RID is Founded
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) was established in 1964 at a workshop at Ball State Teachers College. This marked the official beginning of sign language interpreting as a profession.
Early goals included:
- Creating a registry of qualified interpreters
- Developing ethical standards
- Establishing professional identity separate from social work or teaching
- Advocating for interpreter services in education and employment
1965: National Interpreter Training Consortium
The U.S. government funded interpreter training programs, recognizing that Deaf individuals needed communication access to participate in vocational rehabilitation and education programs.
“The founding of RID represented a shift from viewing interpreting as charity work to recognizing it as a skilled profession requiring training, ethics, and accountability.”
— RID Historical Archives
Professionalization and Certification (1970s-1980s)
1972: First RID Certification Tests
RID began administering certification tests, creating a way to distinguish qualified interpreters from well-meaning but unskilled helpers. Early certifications included:
- CSC — Comprehensive Skills Certificate
- RSC — Reverse Skills Certificate (for Deaf interpreters)
- IC/TC — Interpretation Certificate / Transliteration Certificate
1973: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
This landmark law prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities in federal programs. For the first time, interpreter services became a legal requirement — not just a courtesy — in federally funded education, healthcare, and employment.
1979: RID Code of Professional Conduct
RID adopted a formal Code of Professional Conduct, establishing ethical guidelines including:
- Confidentiality — Interpreters must keep information private
- Impartiality — Interpreters don’t take sides or give advice
- Accuracy — Interpreters convey the message faithfully
- Professional boundaries — Interpreters maintain appropriate roles
This moved interpreting further from “helping” toward professional service delivery.
The ADA Era (1990-2000s)
1990: Americans with Disabilities Act Passes
The ADA transformed sign language interpreting from a niche service into a mainstream necessity. The law required:
- Hospitals and doctors to provide interpreters for Deaf patients
- Employers to provide interpreters for Deaf employees
- Businesses to ensure effective communication with Deaf customers
- Government agencies to provide access to all programs and services
Suddenly, demand for interpreters exploded. Organizations that had never thought about accessibility now needed interpreter services.
📈 ADA Impact on the Profession
- Interpreter training programs expanded nationwide
- Salaries increased as demand outpaced supply
- Specialized areas emerged (medical, legal, educational)
- Interpreter referral services became businesses
- Professional interpreter agencies like FIA were founded
1996: Telecommunications Act
Required Video Relay Services (VRS), which employ thousands of ASL interpreters to facilitate phone calls between Deaf and hearing people — creating a massive new employment sector.
The Modern Era (2000s-Present)
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)
Technology enabled interpreters to work remotely via video connection, expanding access dramatically:
- 24/7 availability — Interpreters accessible any time
- Rare language access — Connect with specialists anywhere
- Emergency coverage — No waiting for scheduled interpreters
- Cost efficiency — Pay per minute rather than 2-hour minimums
VRI didn’t replace on-site interpreters but complemented them — perfect for brief encounters while on-site remained best for complex situations.
State Licensure Movement
Many states now require sign language interpreters to hold state licenses or certifications, protecting consumers from unqualified practitioners. State requirements vary but often include:
- National certification (RID or equivalent)
- Background checks
- Continuing education requirements
- Ethics training
Specialization and Advanced Credentials
Modern interpreting recognizes that different settings require specialized knowledge:
| Specialization | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical Interpreting | Knowledge of medical terminology, procedures, HIPAA compliance |
| Legal Interpreting | Courtroom procedures, legal terminology, Miranda rights |
| Educational Interpreting | K-12 and higher education settings, IEP processes |
| Mental Health Interpreting | Therapy settings, psychiatric evaluation, crisis intervention |
| DeafBlind Interpreting | Tactile signing, Protactile ASL, sighted guide |
| Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDI) | Deaf interpreters who work with complex language needs |
Timeline: Key Dates in Interpreting History
- 1817 — American School for the Deaf founded; ASL begins developing
- 1880 — Milan Conference bans sign language in schools (dark period)
- 1960 — William Stokoe proves ASL is a true language
- 1964 — Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) founded
- 1972 — First RID certification exams
- 1973 — Section 504 requires interpreters in federal programs
- 1988 — Deaf President Now! protest at Gallaudet University
- 1990 — Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passes
- 1996 — Telecommunications Act mandates Video Relay Services
- 2000s — VRI technology expands interpreter access
- 2010s — State licensure laws spread
- 2017 — Frederick Interpreting Agency founded (Deaf-owned)
Where the Profession is Headed
Sign language interpreting continues to evolve:
- AI and machine translation — Emerging technology, but far from replacing human interpreters for ASL due to complexity
- Telehealth expansion — Virtual interpreting for remote medical appointments
- Higher standards — Continued push for bachelor’s or master’s degrees
- Deaf interpreters — Growing recognition of the value of Deaf-hearing interpreter teams
- Mental health focus — Increased attention to interpreter wellness and trauma-informed practice
Frequently Asked Questions
When did sign language interpreting become a profession?
The founding of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) in 1964 marked the formal beginning of sign language interpreting as a recognized profession with standards and certification.
Why was the ADA so important for interpreters?
The ADA (1990) made interpreter access a legal requirement across healthcare, employment, and business. This dramatically increased demand for interpreters and elevated the profession’s visibility and importance.
What’s the difference between “helpers” and professional interpreters?
Professional interpreters have training, certification, ethical standards, and accountability. “Helpers” (family members, friends) typically lack these qualifications and may make decisions for Deaf people rather than facilitating communication neutrally.
What is RID?
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf is the national professional organization for sign language interpreters in the United States. RID provides certification, ethical standards, and professional development.
About Frederick Interpreting Agency
Frederick Interpreting Agency was founded in 2017 as a Deaf-owned interpreting agency — continuing the tradition of Deaf community leadership in shaping how interpreting services are delivered.
We’re proud to be part of this profession’s history and committed to its continued evolution toward excellence, accessibility, and respect for the Deaf community.
Work with a Deaf-Owned Agency
Qualified interpreters. Ethical standards. Community values.
Related Articles
- What Is American Sign Language (ASL)?
- How Long Does It Take to Become an Interpreter?
- ADA Interpreter Requirements
Last updated: March 2026.