ASL Interpreting: Pathways and Perspectives

In September 2023, SFHC alumna Sarah Maricle (graduating class of ‘21) gave a presentation at Honors Colloquium titled “ASL Interpreting: Pathways and Perspectives.”

Sarah received her B.A. in Communicative Sciences and Deaf Studies - Interpreting Option from Fresno State and now works as an EIPA certified Educational American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter for the Clovis Unified School District.

In her presentation, Sarah aimed to enhance the working relationship between ASL Interpreters and other professionals by providing a broad overview of the key components of the ASL Interpreting profession. While partially geared toward prospective future ASL Interpreters, the majority of the presentation was aimed at informing future professionals in any discipline — educational, medical, legal, religious, business, performance, etc. — on how to work with ASL Interpreters and Deaf clientele. Sarah also discussed the relationship between the Deaf community, American Sign Language, ASL Interpreters, and the hearing world.

Sarah reflected on her experience, saying:

“It was quite nostalgic (and a bit intimidating) to be back in Colloquium as an alumnus. The most valuable part of the lecture series, in my perspective, was the exposure of a variety of topics to the scholars. During my time in the Smittcamp Family Honors College, I was the first and only American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting major, and had thus resigned to the fact that my profession was too niche to be featured. 

“Throughout my journey as a student to an Interpreter, I was frequently asked questions about ASL Interpreting and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community. Always eager to clear up misconceptions, I was more than happy to give explanations to those curious. In becoming a professional, I soon learned that it is quite common to exchange stories with Interpreter colleagues of the outlandish situations and remarks we have encountered, be it from years past or mere hours prior. We often discuss the best ways to "ease" hearing folks into working with an Interpreter for the first time, providing enough information to ensure successful communication without overwhelming them.

“When I discovered that there was another ASL Interpreter major in the Honors Program, I reached out to Dr. Attar, who graciously gave me the opportunity to present at Colloquium. After years of clarifying the role of an Interpreter, it was thrilling to provide a room full of future professionals the essentials of how to work alongside DHH populations and ASL Interpreters. Despite there only being a few students who may share similar professional aspirations, it is my hope that all audience members left with a better understanding of equal access for communication and how to treat communication partners, regardless of modality, with dignity.”