Will you be communicating with someone who uses American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary language? Don’t know ASL? No problem; that’s where a professional ASL-English interpreter can facilitate communication between those who do not share the same language. Interpreters take the meaning from one language and render it into the appropriate grammatical structure and cultural framework of another language, and vice versa. This is typically done simultaneously with a few seconds to process the interpretation.
All interpreters working with the SMU Interpreting Services are members of the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI), the only national association for ASL-English interpreters, which offers the only national certification for ASL-English interpreters and a Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct that all members must adhere to. Interpreting Services also requires interpreters to follow the SMU Interpreting Services Terms of Service.
A quick guide to the interpreting team can be found here: The Interpreting Team (opens in new window)
An overview of Deaf Space can be found here.
Working with ASL-English interpreting services may be a new experience for you. Here are an array of information sheets to guide you through some commonly encountered situations. While not an exhaustive list, and some situations will require specific service needs, the documents aim to start the conversation on how to incorporate interpreting services effectively.
Academic Settings
Media
(television & radio)
Spoken Language Dominated Spaces, Working with Interpreters - Information Sheet (opens in new window)
Media_Recorded - Working with Interpreters (opens in new window)
Signed Language Led Spaces, Working with Interpreters - Information Sheet (opens in new window)
Media_Live - Working with Interpreters (opens in new window)
Event Planning
General Information
Virtual Space, Working with Interpreters - Information Sheet (opens in new window)
Providing Interpreting Services - Information Sheet (opens in new window)
For Students
Observing
Working with Interpreters: For Defense Students (opens in new window)
Classroom Observations - Observers (opens in new window)
Working with Interpreters: For Defense Supervisors (opens in new window)
Classroom Obervations: SMU Students & Staff (opens in new window)
Working with Interpreters: For Defense Chairs (opens in new window)
Observers in Virtual Environment - Observers (opens in new window)
Observers in Virtual Environment - Participants (opens in new window)
If you would like to book ASL-English interpreting services please contact the Manager of Interpreting Services at:
ashley.n.campbell@smu.ca or 902-496-8761
Please include the date, time, location, and purpose of the meeting or event requiring interpreting services in the initial email.
If your request is for an event not related to SMU, please take a look at the following information sheet.
Working with Interpreters Tip Sheet - Requesting external interpreting services (opens in new window)
If you have any questions about booking interpreting services please contact us!