Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Holds the Distinction of Being the First
Nationally Certified Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Interpreter in Utah and the United States
Nationally Certified Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Interpreter in Utah and the United States
Author’s Note
My colleague, Julie Hesterman Smith, an interpreter, knew Beth Ann Stewart Campbell through a family friend. We proposed that she, through her remarkable achievement, receive recognition for having achieved the distinction of becoming the first nationally certified Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) interpreter in Utah and the United States in 1965. This is a significant milestone in the history of interpreting, and we believe it is a fitting tribute to her pioneering work.
On August 8, 2014, UTRID presented Beth Ann with the Kim Maibaum Lifetime Achievement Award. She is a Utah native, a Child of Deaf Adult (CODA), and a former director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf. Her outstanding contributions were recognized by the Utah interpreting and Deaf communities. As a trailblazer, Beth Ann not only paved the way for numerous interpreters but also opened doors for those who followed in her footsteps, significantly shaping the Utah interpreting community. Her unwavering dedication to this community greatly inspires us. Individuals like her have helped us get to where we are today.
It is a tremendous honor to have the privilege of meeting Beth Ann and getting to know her. Thank you, Beth Ann, for all you have done for our community!
Jodi Christel Becker
On August 8, 2014, UTRID presented Beth Ann with the Kim Maibaum Lifetime Achievement Award. She is a Utah native, a Child of Deaf Adult (CODA), and a former director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf. Her outstanding contributions were recognized by the Utah interpreting and Deaf communities. As a trailblazer, Beth Ann not only paved the way for numerous interpreters but also opened doors for those who followed in her footsteps, significantly shaping the Utah interpreting community. Her unwavering dedication to this community greatly inspires us. Individuals like her have helped us get to where we are today.
It is a tremendous honor to have the privilege of meeting Beth Ann and getting to know her. Thank you, Beth Ann, for all you have done for our community!
Jodi Christel Becker
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, the nation's first interpreter, receives the Kim Maibaum Lifetime Achievement Award during the UTRID banquet on August 8, 2014. She is standing next to Courtney LaDue, President of UTRID
The Story of Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Becoming
the First Nationally Certified Registry of
Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Interpreter
in Utah and the United States
the First Nationally Certified Registry of
Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Interpreter
in Utah and the United States
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, the daughter of Deaf parents Arnold Henry Moon and Zelma Leona Lundquist, has been providing interpreting services to the Deaf community in Utah since 1963. Her achievement as the first nationally certified Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, also known as "RID" interpreter in Utah and the United States, has had a profound impact on the Utah Deaf community. Inspired by Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, president of the National Association of the Deaf and one of the first participants of the newly formed Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf in 1964, Beth Ann, a Utah native and Child of Deaf Adult, known as CODA, took the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf certification exam. As a result, in 1965, she became the first nationally certified RID interpreter in Utah and the United States, a remarkable milestone that paved the way for the interpreting profession. Notably, Beth Ann earned her first certification a year following the official recognition of the National Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf, established in 1964, and six years prior to its incorporation in 1972. Here's her story.
In 1965, Beth Ann Stewart Campbell made history as the first nationally certified Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) interpreter in Utah and the United States, laying the groundwork for the interpreting profession. The RID, founded in 1964, is a professional organization that promotes the profession of interpreting and transliterating American Sign Language and English. Her journey, marked by courage and determination, began in 1963 when her first husband, Wayne Stewart, a police officer, asked for her help in interpreting for a Colorado-based Deaf man who was experiencing mistreatment at the Salt Lake City Police Department. Beth Ann, feeling unsure about her skills, contacted several interpreters for assistance with interpreting. However, because they were already working, they were unavailable. One of her friends, who was an interpreter, encouraged Beth Ann to lend a hand. Despite feeling scared, Beth Ann bravely went to the police station. There, she found the Deaf man chained up and terrified. The police station left her alone with him, and soon, they were able to communicate effectively so that she could help him. Eventually, they placed him on a bus back to Colorado (Campbell, UAD Bulletin, April 1992; Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Interview, YouTube, October 15, 2010). It was her first time interpreting outside her home.
Beth Ann's remarkable achievement of becoming the first nationally certified interpreter in 1965 also began with Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a prominent figure in the Utah Deaf community and the president of the National Association of the Deaf from 1964 to 1968. He participated as a consultant in a workshop on 'Interpreting for the Deaf' in Muncie, Indiana, in 1964. After the workshop, he wrote a letter to Deaf parents, urging them to inform their "Child of Deaf Adults" (CODA) children about an upcoming interpreting conference (UAD Bulletin, Spring 1964). During an interpreting workshop at Salt Lake Community College on October 15, 2010, Beth Ann shared that her mother showed her the flyer about a conference for children of Deaf adults. They were looking to recruit and train interpreters in Utah. Her mother convinced Beth Ann, who had six children at the time, to attend the conference.
During the conference, Beth Ann witnessed an interpreter at work for the first time. Even though she had been using sign language her whole life, this experience helped her understand the difference between communication and interpreting. This event was eye-opening for her. She never thought she would one day become an interpreter. Her life changed forever when Bob Sanderson called Beth Ann, who was on the conference participant list, and asked her to interpret for him at the court. She agreed and went (Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Interview, YouTube, October 15, 2010; Beth Ann Campbell, personal communication, September 18, 2012). After this experience, Beth Ann devoted her life with unwavering commitment and passion to interpreting and advocating for the Deaf community in Utah. She has dedicated her career to working with Deaf individuals and providing interpretation services in various settings, such as the legislature, court, mental health, medical, and higher education. Beth Ann was the first interpreter at the University of Utah. She also worked full-time for the Utah Division of Rehabilitation and volunteered to interpret the evening news on television from 1971 to 1980.
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, president of the National Association of the Deaf, inspired Beth Ann to pursue certification as an interpreter. He also played a significant role in motivating and supporting Beth Ann in pursuing certification as an interpreter. He encouraged her to take the national certification exam at the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf in Illinois in 1965. While people from various states traveled to Illinois for the exam, Beth Ann was the only one from Utah to participate (Campbell, UAD Bulletin, April 1992; Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Interview, YouTube, October 15, 2010; Beth Ann Campbell, personal communication, September 18, 2012).
Beth Ann's achievement of becoming the first certified interpreter was not just a personal success but a significant milestone for the Deaf community and the interpreting profession. In the March 1992 UAD Bulletin, Beth Ann's second husband, Dr. Jay J. Campbell, explained that the selection and certification of interpreters were part of a nationwide training process. He went on to explain how Beth Ann became the first one to take the certification test. The program required each participant to take a test. The testing order was determined by drawing straws, which was a nerve-wracking experience. Being the first to take the test meant setting the standard for all future interpreters. During the drawing process, the woman sitting next to Beth Ann was picked first, and Beth Ann was tested last. The woman said she didn't want to be the first to take the test, and Beth Ann, understanding the significance of this opportunity and the responsibility that came with it, responded by saying she didn't want to be the last one. After exchanging numbers, Beth Ann, with unwavering determination, took the test first and passed it, becoming the first nationally certified interpreter in Utah and the United States (Campbell, UAD Bulletin, March 1992; Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Interview, YouTube, October 15, 2010). Since earning her certification in 1965, Beth Ann has been a trailblazer in the field of interpreting. Her certification was a groundbreaking achievement, a testament to her courage, determination, and respect in this field. It also paved the way for future interpreters, raising awareness of the importance of interpreting in the Utah Deaf community.
Beth Ann made significant contributions to the profession and had been a strong advocate for the Utah Deaf community. Her dedication and achievements have earned her not just respect but also deep admiration and appreciation. Utah is fortunate to have her as the first certified interpreter in the United States. Additionally, her achievement has paved the way for many others in the field and opened doors for future interpreters. Her achievements have significantly improved the quality of life for the Utah Deaf community, ensuring their voices were heard and understood.
In 1965, Beth Ann Stewart Campbell made history as the first nationally certified Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) interpreter in Utah and the United States, laying the groundwork for the interpreting profession. The RID, founded in 1964, is a professional organization that promotes the profession of interpreting and transliterating American Sign Language and English. Her journey, marked by courage and determination, began in 1963 when her first husband, Wayne Stewart, a police officer, asked for her help in interpreting for a Colorado-based Deaf man who was experiencing mistreatment at the Salt Lake City Police Department. Beth Ann, feeling unsure about her skills, contacted several interpreters for assistance with interpreting. However, because they were already working, they were unavailable. One of her friends, who was an interpreter, encouraged Beth Ann to lend a hand. Despite feeling scared, Beth Ann bravely went to the police station. There, she found the Deaf man chained up and terrified. The police station left her alone with him, and soon, they were able to communicate effectively so that she could help him. Eventually, they placed him on a bus back to Colorado (Campbell, UAD Bulletin, April 1992; Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Interview, YouTube, October 15, 2010). It was her first time interpreting outside her home.
Beth Ann's remarkable achievement of becoming the first nationally certified interpreter in 1965 also began with Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a prominent figure in the Utah Deaf community and the president of the National Association of the Deaf from 1964 to 1968. He participated as a consultant in a workshop on 'Interpreting for the Deaf' in Muncie, Indiana, in 1964. After the workshop, he wrote a letter to Deaf parents, urging them to inform their "Child of Deaf Adults" (CODA) children about an upcoming interpreting conference (UAD Bulletin, Spring 1964). During an interpreting workshop at Salt Lake Community College on October 15, 2010, Beth Ann shared that her mother showed her the flyer about a conference for children of Deaf adults. They were looking to recruit and train interpreters in Utah. Her mother convinced Beth Ann, who had six children at the time, to attend the conference.
During the conference, Beth Ann witnessed an interpreter at work for the first time. Even though she had been using sign language her whole life, this experience helped her understand the difference between communication and interpreting. This event was eye-opening for her. She never thought she would one day become an interpreter. Her life changed forever when Bob Sanderson called Beth Ann, who was on the conference participant list, and asked her to interpret for him at the court. She agreed and went (Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Interview, YouTube, October 15, 2010; Beth Ann Campbell, personal communication, September 18, 2012). After this experience, Beth Ann devoted her life with unwavering commitment and passion to interpreting and advocating for the Deaf community in Utah. She has dedicated her career to working with Deaf individuals and providing interpretation services in various settings, such as the legislature, court, mental health, medical, and higher education. Beth Ann was the first interpreter at the University of Utah. She also worked full-time for the Utah Division of Rehabilitation and volunteered to interpret the evening news on television from 1971 to 1980.
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, president of the National Association of the Deaf, inspired Beth Ann to pursue certification as an interpreter. He also played a significant role in motivating and supporting Beth Ann in pursuing certification as an interpreter. He encouraged her to take the national certification exam at the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf in Illinois in 1965. While people from various states traveled to Illinois for the exam, Beth Ann was the only one from Utah to participate (Campbell, UAD Bulletin, April 1992; Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Interview, YouTube, October 15, 2010; Beth Ann Campbell, personal communication, September 18, 2012).
Beth Ann's achievement of becoming the first certified interpreter was not just a personal success but a significant milestone for the Deaf community and the interpreting profession. In the March 1992 UAD Bulletin, Beth Ann's second husband, Dr. Jay J. Campbell, explained that the selection and certification of interpreters were part of a nationwide training process. He went on to explain how Beth Ann became the first one to take the certification test. The program required each participant to take a test. The testing order was determined by drawing straws, which was a nerve-wracking experience. Being the first to take the test meant setting the standard for all future interpreters. During the drawing process, the woman sitting next to Beth Ann was picked first, and Beth Ann was tested last. The woman said she didn't want to be the first to take the test, and Beth Ann, understanding the significance of this opportunity and the responsibility that came with it, responded by saying she didn't want to be the last one. After exchanging numbers, Beth Ann, with unwavering determination, took the test first and passed it, becoming the first nationally certified interpreter in Utah and the United States (Campbell, UAD Bulletin, March 1992; Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Interview, YouTube, October 15, 2010). Since earning her certification in 1965, Beth Ann has been a trailblazer in the field of interpreting. Her certification was a groundbreaking achievement, a testament to her courage, determination, and respect in this field. It also paved the way for future interpreters, raising awareness of the importance of interpreting in the Utah Deaf community.
Beth Ann made significant contributions to the profession and had been a strong advocate for the Utah Deaf community. Her dedication and achievements have earned her not just respect but also deep admiration and appreciation. Utah is fortunate to have her as the first certified interpreter in the United States. Additionally, her achievement has paved the way for many others in the field and opened doors for future interpreters. Her achievements have significantly improved the quality of life for the Utah Deaf community, ensuring their voices were heard and understood.
Marjorie, Arnold, Zelma and Beth Ann Moon. This photo was taken in 1972
With Beth Ann's interpreting assistance, two local Deaf leaders, Dr. Robert Sanderson and W. David Mortenson, launched a campaign to improve deaf education and community outreach. This effort resulted in the establishment of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Beth Ann was not only a pioneer in the interpreting profession but also a dedicated advocate for the Deaf community in Utah. She was among the first hearing members to serve on the board of directors of the Utah Association for the Deaf. Additionally, Beth Ann was the secretary for the first Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, which was established in 1968. From 1985 to 1989, Beth Ann served as the director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf. It's worth noting that she accomplished all of these notable achievements at a time when the rights of individuals with disabilities were not as recognized as they are today. This was before the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which now requires interpreters in different settings to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities. This historical context underscores the challenges she overcame and the pioneering nature of her work.
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell and Courtney LaDue, President of UTRID, presents her with an award
More information about
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell can be found below
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell can be found below
Biographies of Prominent Utah Interpreters: http://www.utahdeafhistory.com/biographies-of-prominent-utah-interpreters.html
The History of Interpreting Services in Utah: https://www.utahdeafhistory.com/the-history-of-interpreting-services-in-utah.html
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HHj_8Uoe74
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNuLO-YpN1Q
The History of Interpreting Services in Utah: https://www.utahdeafhistory.com/the-history-of-interpreting-services-in-utah.html
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HHj_8Uoe74
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNuLO-YpN1Q
Dr. Jay J. Campbell, a Crucial Ally
of the Utah Deaf community
of the Utah Deaf community
Throughout Deaf education history, there was a significant dispute between the Utah Association for the Deaf, led by Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a prominent member of the Utah Deaf community and avid supporter of sign language and state schools for the deaf, and Dr. Grant B. Bitter, who advocated for oral and mainstream education. Dr. Jay J. Campbell, husband of sign language interpreter Beth Ann Stewart Campbell and Deputy Superintendent of the Utah State Office of Education at the time, played a unique and crucial role in this controversy. This conflict was a turning point in the history of Deaf education, and Dr. Campbell, a crucial ally of the Utah Deaf community, left an enduring impact.
Thank you, Dr. Campbell, for your unwavering support and dedication to our community. Your contributions have been invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for all that you have done.
Jodi Christel Becker
Thank you, Dr. Campbell, for your unwavering support and dedication to our community. Your contributions have been invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for all that you have done.
Jodi Christel Becker
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell and Jay J. Campbell. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell
"Beth Ann Campbell, my long suffering
and patient interpreter and colleague,
a tenacious advocate for the deaf,
who was always ready."
~Dr. Robert G. Sanderson~
and patient interpreter and colleague,
a tenacious advocate for the deaf,
who was always ready."
~Dr. Robert G. Sanderson~
Dr. Jay J. Campbell & Beth Ann Stewart Campbell
