Abstract

Since the 1990’s there has been an ever increasing number of Deaf people seeking higher education and pursuing a wide variety of professions and careers that enhance their life experiences. The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields have seen an influx of Deaf people interested in engaging in education and life-long careers in these fields and their respective disciplines. One of the reasons behind this growing interest by Deaf people is the National Science Foundation’s commitment to expanding the participation of underrepresented groups in STEM (NSF, 2012). Many Deaf students in higher education and Deaf professionals engaging in STEM careers and professions report a lack of qualified signed language interpreters available to access communication events that are necessary to become successful in these fields and disciplines. ix In the field of signed language interpreting worldwide there has been no research conducted on interpreters and the interpreting process in STEM. There abound many anecdotal experiences by Deaf professionals and signed language interpreters alike regarding the challenges of working and interpreting in STEM. One consequence of not having qualified signed language interpreters in STEM is that the professional development of Deaf students and Deaf professionals who choose to study and build careers in these fields is hampered. In this exploratory study, competencies specific to interpreting in various aspects of the STEM fields and disciplines, as identified by the Deaf consumers who engage interpreting services, will be identified and described.

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Citation: Grooms, Christopher, “Interpreter Competencies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics as Identified by Deaf Professionals” (2015). Master’s Theses. Paper 18.

Brandon Arthur

Brandon Arthur is a lover of life and considers himself very fortunate. He is the Founder of Street Leverage and is a passionate social entrepreneur within the field of sign language interpreting. Brandon is a nationally certified interpreter and has worked on both the practicing and business sides of the field for the past 20 years. He earned a B.S. degree in Psychology and a Minor in Business from George Mason University. His father is Deaf and his mother is a sign language interpreter. Brandon is a devoted father and husband and enjoys the sport of triathlon.

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