The document discusses the transition of the sign language interpreting industry from an 'onsite era' to a 'virtual presence era' influenced by technological advancements since the 1990s. It highlights the need for interpreters to adapt to new values and practices, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology and collaboration to elevate their role and maintain industry relationships. Additionally, it outlines potential challenges and opportunities for the future of interpreters, stressing the significance of certification and the necessity for leadership in navigating this evolving landscape.

1. ON-SITE INTERPRETERS FACE EXTINCTION
EXTINCTION
Something has changed.
Legislative laws and technology development of the 90’s caused a ground swell to the sign language interpreter industry and
identity, rooted in “onsite era” values.. The interpreting industry now operates under new values, a “virtual presence era”. What
does this shift means for sign language interpreters and the industry? How do we evolve, and what happens if we don’t?

2. Interpreter Timeline
Created by: Doug Stringham http://doug.stringham.net/uvuasl/3310/ch2_interprettimeline.pdf

3. Internet Timeline

4. EVOLUTION OF ON-SITE INTERPRETER ERA
TO VIRTUAL PRESENCE ERA
• 1981 IBM PC/Windows
• 1990 Internet Public. Rapid Development and Usage of Technology.
• 1994 Netscape
Influence and Impact
•2002 FCC Sponsors VRS
•VRS Companies Innovate
Technology Meets Interpreting.
On-Site •Rehab Act 1973.
Virtual
Era •IDEA 1997. Enacting Federal Laws Presence Era
•ADA 1990
•1964 RID Founded.
•Certification Professional Interpreter Defined
•Standard Practices
1964 1990 2000 2005 2010

5. Defining Values and Traps
On-Site. Virtual. Traps.
Relational. Artist. Transactional. Outsourced
Professional Services Production Model
Model Digitized
Quality = Certified Quality = Qualified
Automated
Specialty Skillsets 1 Skill Fits All
(Legal, Medical, etc)
Success through Success through
reciprocity statistical performance
Value Negotiation Non-negotiable rate

6. THE NEXT 50 YEARS – BECOME UNTOUCHABLE
ELEVATE BEYOND DIGITAL ERA TRAPS:
OUTSOURCED, DIGITIZED, AUTOMATED
Leverage Technology.
Create Learning
Synthesize Culture. Use technology to
Leadership. amplify the voice of
Participate in sharing the interpreter.
Identify interpreters knowledge between Organizations that
with leadership talent boomer interpreters represent
infuse them with and millennial interpreters will need
industry’s legacy and interpreters. Value to embrace web3.0
Collaboration with
ignite passion in the experienced mentors realities by seeing
Partners.
organization by and add value to their themselves as a
empowering them work. media and content
Synergy with
with growth marketer. As a tool to
government,
objectives. building unity
consumer, employer
, identity and
partners creates value
Protect Value of relationships.
to the industry. Does
Certification. Broadcast cheaply, by
the interpreting
organizing a suite of
industry have direct
Without certification access points..
relationships with
we have nothing.
State, Deaf
organization heads?