What Is an ITP and Why Is It Important?
Written by Taylor Hull The role of an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter is complex and layered. It involves facilitating communication between consumers that do not speak the same language. It is the interpreter’s responsibility to have fluency in both ASL and English, as well as the ability to manage the cross-cultural flow of each conversation. To acquire these skills, individuals hoping to become ASL interpreters are encouraged to enroll in an Interpreting Training Program, commonly referred to as an ITP. The purpose of this program is to prepare students to interpret in a wide variety of settings, such as medical, legal, and political environments. During my time as an ITP student, I received instruction on various topics, such as English and ASL linguistics, ethical business practices, medical interpreting, and more. These classes laid a foundation for skills and strategies I currently use in the interpreting field. Many of these classes are taught by Deaf instructors wh...