Beth Ann Stewart Campbell,
Our First Nationally Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Certified Interpreter in Utah and the United States
Our First Nationally Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Certified 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 remarkable achievement, receive recognition for having achieved the distinction of becoming the first Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf certified interpreter in Utah and the United States in 1965, as a tribute to her pioneering interpreting work. On August 8, 2014, the UTRID banquet presented Beth Ann with the Kim Maibaum Lifetime Achievement Award. Beth Ann is a Utah native, a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), and a former director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf. She was recognized by the Utah interpreting and Deaf communities for her outstanding contributions. As a trailblazer, Beth Ann paved the way for many interpreters and opened doors for individuals who followed in her footsteps. We are grateful for her unwavering commitment and devotion to the Utah Deaf community. We have come a long way today because of the efforts of individuals like her.
Beth Ann Moon has been providing interpretation services for the Deaf community in Utah since 1963. She is the daughter of Deaf parents, Arnold and Zelma Moon. In 1965, she completed the Registry of Interpreters training session in Indiana and was the first person to pass the certification exam. This made her the first RID-certified interpreter in the country. Throughout her career, Beth Ann has worked in various settings, including community, hospital, and higher education. She was the first interpreter for the University of Utah, and she worked full-time for the Utah Division of Rehabilitation. Additionally, she volunteered to interpret the evening news on television from 1971 to 1980.
With Beth Ann's interpreting assistance, two local Deaf leaders, Dr. Robert Sanderson and W. David Mortenson, launched a campaign for better deaf education and community outreach needs. This initiative led to the establishment of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Beth Ann was among the first hearing members to serve on the Utah Association of the Deaf's board of directors. Additionally, Beth Ann was secretary for the first Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, 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 prior to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This law now requires interpreters in different settings to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities.
With Beth Ann's interpreting assistance, two local Deaf leaders, Dr. Robert Sanderson and W. David Mortenson, launched a campaign for better deaf education and community outreach needs. This initiative led to the establishment of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Beth Ann was among the first hearing members to serve on the Utah Association of the Deaf's board of directors. Additionally, Beth Ann was secretary for the first Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, 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 prior to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This law now requires interpreters in different settings to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities.
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
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
Throughout the history of deaf education, a significant dispute arose between the Utah Association for the Deaf, particularly Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a prominent Deaf leader in the Utah Deaf community, and Dr. Grant B. Bitter, a staunch oralist. Dr. Jay J. Campbell, who was Beth Ann's husband and the Deputy Superintendent of the Utah State Office of Education at the time, was also involved in this controversy. This conflict was a significant moment in the history of deaf education, and Dr. Campbell, who was a crucial ally of the Utah Deaf community, played a fascinating and vital role in it.
Enjoy!
Julie Hesterman Smith & Jodi Becker Kinner
Enjoy!
Julie Hesterman Smith & Jodi Becker Kinner
"Beth Ann Campbell, my long suffering
and patient interpreter and colleague,
a tenacious advocate for the deaf,
whowas always ready."
~Dr. Robert G. Sanderson~
and patient interpreter and colleague,
a tenacious advocate for the deaf,
whowas always ready."
~Dr. Robert G. Sanderson~