Module 1: Introduction
Rural Interpreting
There is not enough literature nor discussions on rural interpreting which is the reason why the IRIS Project came to fruition. It was recognized that there was a dire need for support for rural interpreters.
This self-directed module is unique. Rather than supplying you with knowledge-based and skill-based topics, you will work together as a collegial community in exploring the experiences of rural interpreters and how to leverage resources for deaf and interpreter communities in these areas.
Found within this module are two papers: a master’s thesis and a doctoral dissertation that discuss the challenges of rural work. These resources are a great beginning in the discussion of rural interpreters’ work. They also serve as starting points in our conversations about the work of rural interpreters. It is our hope that you, as participants in this IRIS Project self-directed module, will educate the sign language interpreting profession in the United States on what it means to be a rural interpreter.