Communicative equality: Needs assessment of sign language interpreters in South Dakota

Item

Title
Communicative equality: Needs assessment of sign language interpreters in South Dakota
Creator
Cyndi Fisher
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies
Project Type
professional_project
Date
6/16/2018
Abstract
Data compiled for this research will be used as a pilot study to support further research needed to consider an interpreter education program in West River region of South Dakota. Surveys were distributed to businesses, individuals in the Deaf community, and interpreters who are registered in the state of South Dakota. Face-to-face interviews were scheduled with two owners of two interpreting agencies that schedule interpreter requests throughout South Dakota. Data collection hinted at the need for qualified interpreters in the state, with a more enhanced focus on the western region of the state. Survey results suggest that interpreters are needed; however, flaws occurred during the study, creating recommendations for further research to offer clarity and more detailed conclusions. The participants who responded to the interpreter surveys offered information on their educational backgrounds and ideas on what they wish had been part of their own interpreter education training. Interviews supported information gathered in surveys, offering their perspectives on the need for interpreters. With research compiled and data analyzed, data suggests a possible need for interpreters, a suggestion for further studies to develop a fuller understanding of the concept of a qualified interpreter, and how their quality is measured is applied in the recommendations. In addition, future studies are suggested that may lead to a more comprehensive proposal for an interpreter education program in the West River region of South Dakota.
Committee Member
Amanda R. Smith, Erine Trine, Marlee Dyce
Rights
Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above.
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Language
eng
Date Available
6/13/2018
Type
Text
Identifier
theses/48