At first glance, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs) may appear similar. In reality, their roles are distinct, and knowing the difference is essential for anyone working in language services. This article explains what sets these two types of sign language interpreters apart and when each interpreter is needed.
What is an ASL Interpreter?
An ASL interpreter is a trained professional who facilitates communication between Deaf and hearing individuals using ASL and spoken English. ASL interpreters are typically hearing individuals who have achieved a high level of fluency in ASL and a deep understanding of Deaf culture.
What is a Certified Deaf Interpreter?
A Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) is a Deaf or Hard of hearing professional with specialized training in interpretation and cultural mediation. CDIs often work with hearing ASL interpreters to ensure messages are conveyed clearly, particularly when a Deaf client uses non-standard ASL or has limited language access. Their unique cultural and linguistic experience helps bridge communication gaps in settings where ASL alone may not be enough to achieve full understanding.
Janet Schwall, a Certified Deaf Interpreter at Communicare LLC, shared, “It’s not just about interpreting words; it’s about making sure communication is accessible, respectful, and accurate for everyone involved.”
Comparing ASL and Certified Deaf Interpreters
ASL interpreters and CDIs often work in the same settings and with the same clients but have different specializations and experiences. Here are a few key differences between them:
Personal and Lived Experiences
The first major difference is that ASL interpreters are typically hearing individuals, whereas CDIs are born deaf or hard of hearing. ASL interpreters undergo extensive training to deliver top-notch interpreter services to the Deaf community.
CDIs, while going through similar, specialized training and certification exams, can also “bring lived experience from the Deaf community, understand the nuances of Deaf culture, and can recognize communication styles, values, and expressions that a hearing interpreter might overlook,” according to Janet Schwall.
Second Language vs. Native Language
While many ASL interpreters are native signers, for some, American Sign Language is a second language learned through training and experience. CDIs, in contrast, are native users of sign language who bring a lived, intuitive command of its structure and expression.
Linguistic & Cultural Expertise
Drawing on their lived experience, CDIs can fluidly adapt their communication approach – incorporating varied signing styles, gestures, and visual-spatial strategies – to match each Deaf individual’s unique language profile and communication preferences.
Janet Schwall shared that “many Deaf individuals have diverse language backgrounds, educational experiences, or ways of expressing themselves, and a CDI can naturally accommodate those variations.” She further added that “working as a CDI also means empowering Deaf consumers and patients and ensuring their voices and perspectives are represented clearly and authentically.”
Services Offered
CDIs do not provide the same language services as ASL interpreters. A CDI is an expert in signed language, but they cannot interpret spoken language like ASL interpreters can. As a result, ASL interpreters and CDIs often work in tandem through relay interpreting to produce more accurate interpretations.
The ASL interpreter will often interpret spoken language into ASL for the CDI, who then interprets it for the deaf individual. In turn, the deaf person will sign to the CDI, who interprets it into ASL for the ASL interpreter, who then interprets it into the spoken language.
Why Interpreter Certification Matters
Certification proves an interpreter’s competence and credibility. It shows they’ve met recognized educational and ethical standards and are prepared to handle complex communication needs.
Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs) must meet specific requirements, including professional experience and national exams. ASL interpreters typically complete formal training programs or degrees in interpreting or Deaf studies.
The Certified Deaf Interpreter Shortage
The shortage of CDIs is especially serious, but it’s part of a larger problem. Across the country, there aren’t enough qualified interpreters to meet the growing demand.
Both ASL interpreters and CDIs are hard to find because entering the field takes years of education, training, and certification. The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) lists only about 10,000 certified interpreters across the U.S. and Canada. That number falls far short of what’s needed to serve the more than 500,000 individuals who rely on ASL to communicate.
Varying state licensing rules, additional compliance requirements, and a long training pipeline make it difficult to expand the workforce. As a result, finding qualified interpreters for in-person or remote settings remains a challenge in healthcare, legal, and educational environments.
How VRS and VRI Expand Access
Advances in video and interpreting technology have made ASL interpreting more accessible than ever.
Video Relay Service (VRS) is an FCC-regulated telecommunications service that enables Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals to make phone calls through a video interpreter. The ASL user signs via video to a qualified interpreter, who voices the message to the hearing caller over a standard phone line and signs back the response.
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), by contrast, connects participants via secure video for real-time interpreting in meetings, appointments, or other settings where an in-person interpreter isn’t available.
Read our blog to explore the differences between VRS and VRI.
Cost of ASL Interpreting Services
Curious to know how much an ASL or Certified Deaf Interpreter will cost you? Schedule a free consultation today.
