American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are crucial in Mississippi to ensure full access and equity for the Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing community. According to the National Census of the Deaf Population, there’s approximately a 50:1 ratio of Deaf or hard‑of‑hearing ASL users to certified interpreters. This shortage deeply affects access to education, healthcare, legal representation, and emergency services.
What can you do to help the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community? Be their voice! Become an ASL interpreter today!
Interpreting Resources
ODHH Registered Interpreter List
April 15, 2024, Governor Tate Reeves signed Senate Bill 2339 into law, directing the State Board of Education to develop a curriculum related to the study of American Sign Language. Click HERE for news story.
Senate Bill 2339
ODHH: Mississippi Interpreter Test Update PDF
Testing Systems
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI)
Educational Interpreter Performance Appraisal (EIPA)
Mississippi Colleges
Hinds Community College - 2 year ASL Interpreter Program
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College - 2 year ASL Interpreter Program
The University Of Mississippi - Minor in ASL Interpreting