Valeria Savalos: A Trailblazing Interpreter for the Deaf Community

Valeria Savalos, born in 1936 in Mexico City, became a renowned interpreter for the deaf community, leaving an indelible mark on the field of communication accessibility.

Early Life and Education:
Valeria's journey began in Mexico, where she was exposed to sign language from a young age. Her mother, who was deaf, taught her the basics, sparking her passion for the language.

In 1966, Valeria moved to the United States and attended Gallaudet University, the world's premier university for deaf and hard of hearing students. There, she honed her interpreting skills and developed a deep understanding of the deaf culture.

Professional Career:
After graduating from Gallaudet, Valeria embarked on a distinguished career as an interpreter. She quickly gained recognition for her exceptional accuracy, sensitivity, and ability to convey complex concepts in a clear and concise manner.

One of her most notable achievements was her work at the United Nations, where she served as an interpreter for the Deaf Delegates of Mexico. She also worked extensively with the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement, advocating for the rights of deaf people.

Contributions to the Deaf Community:
Valeria Savalos made significant contributions to the deaf community throughout her career.

• She mentored and trained hundreds of aspiring interpreters, helping to raise the standards of the profession.
• She co-founded the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), an organization that sets ethical and professional standards for interpreters.
• She established the International Association of Conference Interpreters (IACI), which focuses on providing quality sign language interpreting in international settings.

Legacy and Impact:
Valeria Savalos' legacy lives on today. Her work paved the way for increased access and inclusion for deaf people in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and healthcare.

Her unwavering commitment to accuracy and professionalism has set a high benchmark for interpreters and helped to establish sign language as a legitimate and respected language.

Valeria's impact on the deaf community is immeasurable. She broke down communication barriers, empowered deaf individuals, and raised awareness about the importance of accessibility for all.

Strategies for Effective Sign Language Interpreting:

As a sign language interpreter, it is crucial to strive for accuracy, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity. Here are some effective strategies to enhance your interpreting skills:

1. Master Sign Language
Becoming fluent in sign language is paramount. Practice regularly and engage with deaf individuals to improve your comprehension and expressiveness.

2. Understand Deaf Culture
Immerse yourself in deaf culture to gain a deeper understanding of the values, beliefs, and communication norms of the community. Respect the diverse perspectives and experiences within the deaf population.

3. Prioritize Accuracy
Accuracy is non-negotiable in sign language interpreting. Ensure that your interpretations are faithful to the original message, conveying both the content and the subtle nuances.

4. Maintain Neutrality
As an interpreter, you serve as a neutral conduit between two parties. Avoid imposing your personal biases or opinions on the communication exchange.

5. Demonstrate Professionalism
Maintain a professional demeanor, dress appropriately, and arrive punctually for assignments. Respect the confidentiality of the information you interpret and adhere to ethical guidelines.

How to Become a Sign Language Interpreter:

Pursuing a career as a sign language interpreter requires a combination of education, training, and experience. Here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree in sign language interpreting, linguistics, or a related field is typically required for entry-level positions.

2. Complete Interpreter Training
Specialized interpreter training programs are available at various institutions. These programs provide comprehensive instruction in interpreting techniques, deaf culture, and ethics.

3. Pass Certification Exam
Most states and countries require interpreters to pass a certification exam to validate their skills and knowledge.

4. Gain Experience
Practical experience is crucial for developing proficiency in interpreting. Volunteer or intern in settings where you can work with deaf individuals and hone your skills.

5. Continuous Education
The field of sign language interpreting is constantly evolving. Engage in ongoing professional development to stay abreast of new regulations, techniques, and advancements in the deaf community.

Why Sign Language Interpreting Matters:

Access to Information: Sign language interpreting provides deaf individuals with equal access to information and communication. It empowers them to engage fully in educational, professional, and social settings.

Inclusion and Participation: Skilled interpreters facilitate meaningful communication between deaf people and hearing individuals, fostering inclusivity and breaking down communication barriers.

Respect for Deaf Culture: Sign language interpreting recognizes and respects the unique language and culture of the deaf community. It promotes cultural understanding and reduces social isolation.

Benefits of Sign Language Interpreting:

Improved Communication: Accurate and professional sign language interpreting enhances communication between deaf and hearing individuals, reducing misunderstandings and promoting clear dialogue.

Increased Opportunities: Interpreters bridge the communication gap, allowing deaf people to access employment, education, healthcare, and a wide range of activities that they might otherwise be excluded from.

Empowerment: Sign language interpreting empowers deaf individuals by giving them a voice and enabling them to participate fully in society. It fosters self-confidence and promotes social inclusion.

Call to Action:

Join the Force: Consider pursuing a career in sign language interpreting to make a meaningful impact on the lives of deaf people.

Support Interpreter Training: Advocate for increased funding and resources for interpreter training programs to ensure a skilled and ethical workforce.

Champion Accessibility: Promote the use of sign language interpreting in all settings to guarantee equal access and inclusion for deaf individuals.

Together, we can create a truly inclusive society where communication barriers are broken down, and every individual can reach their full potential.

Useful Tables:

Table 1: Growth of Sign Language Interpreting Professionals

Table 2: Importance of Sign Language Interpreting in Education

Table 3: Economic Value of Sign Language Interpreting