History of Interpreting
Service in Utah
Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
2013
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
2013
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson
Prior to the late 1950’s and 1960’s, there were no sign language classes or interpreter preparation programs (Humphrey & Alcorn, 2001). It was common for Children of Deaf Adults, known as CODAs, to serve out of the goodness of their hearts as interpreters for the Utah Deaf community in their occasional events, appointments, meetings, church activities, and more. Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, a Utah native, CODA, and former director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf, noted that for years, the interpreters, particularly CODAs, volunteered to interpret for deaf people until the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) was formed in 1965 (Stewart, UAD Bulletin, June 1973). During the 1960s and 1970s revolutionary period, some minority groups across the nation attempted to get social equality in society at large. It was a critical time to expand the field of sign language interpreting (Humphrey & Alcorn, 2001). With the impact of the RID climate change, particularly the Code of Ethics (now called the Code of Professional Conduct), the role of interpreters eventually changed from “helper” to professionals.
Besides CODA interpreters, the Utah Deaf community also leaned heavily on hard of hearing people who learned their language before utilizing hearing aids, and those who had lost their hearing later had acquired good oral speech. In Utah by 1961, the percentage of those who became Deaf later started to decrease while the percentage of those who were born deaf started to increase. In addition, the proportion of Deaf with multiple disabilities was increasing (UAD Bulletin, Spring 1961, p. 2). This impacted the need of interpreting service among the members of the Utah Deaf community. They could no longer depend on those hard of hearing individuals to interpret whenever needed. It was obviously time to form the RID organization to meet their interpreting needs.
A Workshop on Interpreting for the Deaf
On June 14-17, 1964, Ball State Teachers College (Ball State University) in Muncie, Indiana formed an “Interpreting for the Deaf” workshop to bring a more formal and structured foundation to the training of interpreters and to upgrade services as well as support offered to deaf population. Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a representative of the Utah Association for the Deaf and president of the National Association of the Deaf was appointed to attend this workshop as a consultant (UAD Bulletin, Spring 1964; Storrer, UAD Bulletin, May 2008).
A National Registry to Interpreters of the Deaf Established
One year later in 1965, the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) was established after being pushed on several fronts. Discussions had pointed to the need for the development of a model state law, which would make provision for interpreters to assist the deaf population. At the time, many states had such laws giving the deaf a constitutional right to have an interpreter available in court. The Deaf community felt this was important whenever a Deaf person’s life, liberty, property, health or pursuit of normal living was in jeopardy. Hence, guidelines were set up to make routine the appointment of an interpreter to assist Deaf people who may have to appear in court, in order that legal rights may be safeguarded (UAD Bulletin, Spring 1965). In 1972, the RID became an incorporated organization. Soon thereafter, especially when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990, the interpreting services became a rapidly expanding field. Schools, postsecondary institutes, government agencies, hospitals, court/legal systems and private business employ interpreters.
Beth Ann Campbell by Robert L. Bonnell
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Becomes the First RID Certified Interpreter
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, a Utah native, CODA, and former director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf had the distinction of being the first nationally certified interpreter in the United States and the story of how this happened is interesting (Campbell, UAD Bulletin, April 1992). While she was trained to be a professional certified interpreter working with Dr. Sanderson, she was sent to a National Registry to Interpreters of the Deaf training program in Indiana in 1965 (Beth Ann Campbell, personal communication, September 18, 2012). Beth Ann's husband, Dr. Jay J. Campbell, a former Deputy Superintendent of Utah State Office of Education and an ally to the Utah Deaf community, shared that part of the training was to select and certify interpreters on a national basis. All the participants were tested and were asked to draw straws to determine the order to be tested. Beth Ann was selected to be the last one to be tested and the lady next to her drew first. She turned to Beth Ann and said: "I don’t want to be first." Beth Ann replied: "I don’t want to be last.” They just exchanged numbers and Beth Ann ended up being tested first. It then happened that she became the first one tested and the first one who passed the examination. She then became the first nationally certified professional interpreter (Campbell, UAD Bulletin, April 1992). From then on, Beth Ann was a pioneer in the interpreting field.
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, a Utah native, CODA, and former director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf had the distinction of being the first nationally certified interpreter in the United States and the story of how this happened is interesting (Campbell, UAD Bulletin, April 1992). While she was trained to be a professional certified interpreter working with Dr. Sanderson, she was sent to a National Registry to Interpreters of the Deaf training program in Indiana in 1965 (Beth Ann Campbell, personal communication, September 18, 2012). Beth Ann's husband, Dr. Jay J. Campbell, a former Deputy Superintendent of Utah State Office of Education and an ally to the Utah Deaf community, shared that part of the training was to select and certify interpreters on a national basis. All the participants were tested and were asked to draw straws to determine the order to be tested. Beth Ann was selected to be the last one to be tested and the lady next to her drew first. She turned to Beth Ann and said: "I don’t want to be first." Beth Ann replied: "I don’t want to be last.” They just exchanged numbers and Beth Ann ended up being tested first. It then happened that she became the first one tested and the first one who passed the examination. She then became the first nationally certified professional interpreter (Campbell, UAD Bulletin, April 1992). From then on, Beth Ann was a pioneer in the interpreting field.
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell interprets for deaf TV viewers as Newscaster (UAD Bulletin, February 1972). She gave her time without pay serving as the interpreter down in the right-hand corner of the TV screen on Channel 4 for the news broadcast (Campbell, UAD Bulletin, March 1992).
Gene Stewart
Organization of Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
On October 5, 1968, the Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (URID) was organized and became an affiliate chapter of the national organization, National Registry of Interpreter for the Deaf. This first chapter meeting of the URID was held at the Ramada Inn in Salt Lake City, Utah to create a constitution as well as bylaws and to elect a slate of officers to serve in the URID (UAD Bulletin, Fall 1968). Present at the meeting were 41 deaf and hearing persons, including Albert Pimentel, Executive Director of the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, from Washington, D.C.
Officers elected were as follow: Gene Stewart, president; Madelaine Burton, first vice president; Edith Wheeler (deaf) second vice president; Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, secretary; Dennis Platt (deaf), treasurer; Jonathan Freston, board member; Ned Wheeler (deaf), 6 year trustee; Lloyd Perkins (deaf), 2 year trustee.
Officers elected were as follow:
Gene Stewart, President
The following photos are from the UAD Bulletin,Winter 1970.
On October 5, 1968, the Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (URID) was organized and became an affiliate chapter of the national organization, National Registry of Interpreter for the Deaf. This first chapter meeting of the URID was held at the Ramada Inn in Salt Lake City, Utah to create a constitution as well as bylaws and to elect a slate of officers to serve in the URID (UAD Bulletin, Fall 1968). Present at the meeting were 41 deaf and hearing persons, including Albert Pimentel, Executive Director of the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, from Washington, D.C.
Officers elected were as follow: Gene Stewart, president; Madelaine Burton, first vice president; Edith Wheeler (deaf) second vice president; Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, secretary; Dennis Platt (deaf), treasurer; Jonathan Freston, board member; Ned Wheeler (deaf), 6 year trustee; Lloyd Perkins (deaf), 2 year trustee.
Officers elected were as follow:
Gene Stewart, President
The following photos are from the UAD Bulletin,Winter 1970.
Madeleine Burton Perkins
Madeleine Burton, First Vice President
Edith Wheeler
Edith Wheeler (deaf) Second Vice President
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, Secretary
Dennis Platt
Dennis Platt (deaf), Treasurer
Jonathan Freston
Jonathon Freston, Board Member
Ned C. Wheeler
Ned Wheeler (deaf), 6 year Trustee
Lloyd Perkins
Lloyd Perkins (deaf), 2-Year Trustee
Madelaine Burton Perkins relays information for Robert G. Sanderson during proceeding in Judge Gordon Hall's courtroom (UAD Bulletin, February 1972).
Doris L. Wastlund. UAD Bulletin, June 1972
The Purpose of Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
The purpose of URID was to provide an effective organization of interpreters to be used by and for the Deaf as well as the general public for all purposes where interpreters would be beneficial. A registry of interpreters for both sign language and oral Deaf persons was to be prepared and maintained by the URID. Since the establishment of URID in 1968, sixteen members joined this organization. Most of them were children of deaf adults, commonly known as CODA. Many of them were Deaf and one of them was hard of hearing. Two individuals were married to a Deaf spouse. Only one hearing individual learned sign language as a house parent and counselor at the South Dakota for the Deaf. Hearing persons served as interpreters and Deaf individuals served as reverse interpreters. The following people served either as an interpreter or reverse interpreter:
The purpose of URID was to provide an effective organization of interpreters to be used by and for the Deaf as well as the general public for all purposes where interpreters would be beneficial. A registry of interpreters for both sign language and oral Deaf persons was to be prepared and maintained by the URID. Since the establishment of URID in 1968, sixteen members joined this organization. Most of them were children of deaf adults, commonly known as CODA. Many of them were Deaf and one of them was hard of hearing. Two individuals were married to a Deaf spouse. Only one hearing individual learned sign language as a house parent and counselor at the South Dakota for the Deaf. Hearing persons served as interpreters and Deaf individuals served as reverse interpreters. The following people served either as an interpreter or reverse interpreter:
- Lucy M. Greenwood (CODA)
- Dennis R. Platt (Deaf)
- Betty J. Jones (CODA)
- Madelaine P. Burton (Deaf spouse)
- Keith W. Tolzin (former houseparent and counselor at South Dakota School for the Deaf)
- Beth Ann Stewart Campbell (CODA)
- Nancy F. Murray (Deaf spouse)
- Ned C. Wheeler (Deaf)
- Iola Elizabeth Jensen (Deaf)
- Evern Lee Smith (CODA)
- Edith D. Wheeler (Hard of Hearing)
- Robert G. Sanderson (Deaf)
- Gene Stewart (CODA)
- Doris L. Wastlund (CODA)
- Lloyd H. Perkins (Deaf)
- Jon C. Freston (CODA) (UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970).
First Interpreter Service for the Deaf
In 1975, the Provo Chapter of Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf was established. Its first president was Emil Bussio and 23 members were on the roll (UAD Bulletin, June 1975). It is unknown how long this chapter was operated or when it was closed.
In 1975, the Provo Chapter of Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf was established. Its first president was Emil Bussio and 23 members were on the roll (UAD Bulletin, June 1975). It is unknown how long this chapter was operated or when it was closed.
Dr. Grant B. Bitter. The Utah Eagle, October 1967
Channel 4 News Controversy
When Beth Ann Stewart Campbell was interpreting the Channel 4 News on TV in 1971, Dr. Grant B. Bitter, an ardent oral advocate, along with oral supporters, were disturbed with her signing on TV. The oralists complained to Robert G. Sanderson's boss, Dr. Avard Rigby, and asked him to stop allowing Beth Ann to interpret the news. At the meeting with the oral advocates, Gene Stewart (CODA and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor), his boss, Robert and Beth Ann were 'on pins and needles' to hear how Dr. Rigby would respond. Gene recalled there were three main news channels and Beth Ann was only on one of these channels. They were relieved when Dr. Rigby looked at the oral advocates and said, "Well, if you don't like watching her why don't you just change the channel?" The oral advocates also wanted Robert Sanderson fired. Dr. Rigby responded by saying, "I'm not going to fire him, he is one of my best employees" (Robert G. Sanderson, personal communication, October 2006; Stewart, DSDHH Newsletter, April 2012, p. 3).
This situation prompted Robert Sanderson to get his Ph.D. After the meeting, he told Gene Stewart, "No one listens to you unless you have a Ph.D., after your name; so, I'm going back to school" (Stewart, DSDHH Newsletter, April 2012). Apparently, Robert Sanderson struggled to get everyone to listen to him while everyone listened to Dr. Bitter simply because he had Ph.D. at the time. As explained in “The Deaf Education in Utah" manuscript, there was animosity between Robert Sanderson (he didn’t earn his Ph.D until 1974) and Dr. Bitter over the philosophy of deaf education since 1965.
While battling with Dr. Bitter concerning the Channel 4 News, Dr. Sanderson, a non-member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, asked Lloyd Perkins, bishop of the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf and Kenneth Kinner, branch president of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf to request church members to write a thank you note to Channel 4 News for providing an interpreter on their news. Judging from the photo of the February 1972 UAD Bulletin issue, Beth Ann continued to interpret the news after the meeting with Dr. Rigby a year ago.
When Beth Ann Stewart Campbell was interpreting the Channel 4 News on TV in 1971, Dr. Grant B. Bitter, an ardent oral advocate, along with oral supporters, were disturbed with her signing on TV. The oralists complained to Robert G. Sanderson's boss, Dr. Avard Rigby, and asked him to stop allowing Beth Ann to interpret the news. At the meeting with the oral advocates, Gene Stewart (CODA and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor), his boss, Robert and Beth Ann were 'on pins and needles' to hear how Dr. Rigby would respond. Gene recalled there were three main news channels and Beth Ann was only on one of these channels. They were relieved when Dr. Rigby looked at the oral advocates and said, "Well, if you don't like watching her why don't you just change the channel?" The oral advocates also wanted Robert Sanderson fired. Dr. Rigby responded by saying, "I'm not going to fire him, he is one of my best employees" (Robert G. Sanderson, personal communication, October 2006; Stewart, DSDHH Newsletter, April 2012, p. 3).
This situation prompted Robert Sanderson to get his Ph.D. After the meeting, he told Gene Stewart, "No one listens to you unless you have a Ph.D., after your name; so, I'm going back to school" (Stewart, DSDHH Newsletter, April 2012). Apparently, Robert Sanderson struggled to get everyone to listen to him while everyone listened to Dr. Bitter simply because he had Ph.D. at the time. As explained in “The Deaf Education in Utah" manuscript, there was animosity between Robert Sanderson (he didn’t earn his Ph.D until 1974) and Dr. Bitter over the philosophy of deaf education since 1965.
While battling with Dr. Bitter concerning the Channel 4 News, Dr. Sanderson, a non-member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, asked Lloyd Perkins, bishop of the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf and Kenneth Kinner, branch president of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf to request church members to write a thank you note to Channel 4 News for providing an interpreter on their news. Judging from the photo of the February 1972 UAD Bulletin issue, Beth Ann continued to interpret the news after the meeting with Dr. Rigby a year ago.
First Interpreter Service for the Deaf
In the 1970s, Utah Association for the Deaf (UAD) officers secured and administered United Way funding to establish the first interpreting service for the Deaf in Utah to serve the Deaf and hard of hearing population – probably “first” in the nation (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3; UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 2; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 3).
In the 1970s, Utah Association for the Deaf (UAD) officers secured and administered United Way funding to establish the first interpreting service for the Deaf in Utah to serve the Deaf and hard of hearing population – probably “first” in the nation (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3; UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 2; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 3).
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell
Utah Certified Interpreters
On November 16, 1974, thirteen Utah interpreters successfully passed the Utah Registry of Interpreters state certification. The well-known interpreters who passed both local and national certificates were Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, Betty Jones, Madeleine Burton, and Lucy Greenwood. Two deaf individuals, Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and Dave Mortensen were first deaf Utahns to pass the state certification as a reverse interpreter (UAD Bulletin, April 1975).
Photo courtesy of UAD Bulletin, Fall-Winter, 1970-71.
On November 16, 1974, thirteen Utah interpreters successfully passed the Utah Registry of Interpreters state certification. The well-known interpreters who passed both local and national certificates were Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, Betty Jones, Madeleine Burton, and Lucy Greenwood. Two deaf individuals, Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and Dave Mortensen were first deaf Utahns to pass the state certification as a reverse interpreter (UAD Bulletin, April 1975).
Photo courtesy of UAD Bulletin, Fall-Winter, 1970-71.
Betty Jones
Lucy Greenwood
Madeleine Burton Perkins
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson
W. David Mortensen
The Establishment of Provo URID
In 1975, the Provo Chapter of Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf was established. Its first president was Emil Bussio and 23 members were on the roll (UAD Bulletin, June 1975).
In 1975, the Provo Chapter of Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf was established. Its first president was Emil Bussio and 23 members were on the roll (UAD Bulletin, June 1975).
The Role of Utah Association for the Deaf In Interpreting Service
Under the direction of Dave Mortensen, president of Utah Association for the Deaf (UAD), he had been a friend and advocate of interpreters for many years. He had served in many leadership capacities that had changed the way interpreters think and approach their work. Through Dave’s leadership and vision, interpreters recognized the importance of quality interpretations and respect for the Utah Deaf community members they serve. Old-time interpreters cherished their opportunities working with him. He took interpreters under his wing and acted as a mentor while he patiently sat through important meetings. In addition, he took his time to provide feedback to the interpreters he worked with. The training opportunities interpreters had were a direct result of his unwavering commitment to the professional of interpreting, and the Utah Deaf community.
In 1982, Dave Mortensen, as UAD president, actively worked with the Salt Lake Area Community Council to get funding for UAD’s interpreting project. As a result, the money allowed the UAD to hire two full time interpreters housed at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf to service the “entire-state.” As can be seen, Dave was very “persuasive and persistent.” The project was the ultimate impetus for the development of professional interpreting in the state of Utah. Due to pressure from the Salt Lake Area Community Services Council, UAD had to give up the interpreting project because they felt it was a statewide problem. This however did not stop Dave from seeking improvement in interpreting services. He, as UAD president continued his effort to present the need of Deaf people for reliable, competent, trained, and professional interpreting services. Moreover, he lobbied the state legislature, and was a member of one of the several legislative committees that studied the sign language and the interpreting issues (UAD Bulletin, July 2003).
Under the direction of Dave Mortensen, president of Utah Association for the Deaf (UAD), he had been a friend and advocate of interpreters for many years. He had served in many leadership capacities that had changed the way interpreters think and approach their work. Through Dave’s leadership and vision, interpreters recognized the importance of quality interpretations and respect for the Utah Deaf community members they serve. Old-time interpreters cherished their opportunities working with him. He took interpreters under his wing and acted as a mentor while he patiently sat through important meetings. In addition, he took his time to provide feedback to the interpreters he worked with. The training opportunities interpreters had were a direct result of his unwavering commitment to the professional of interpreting, and the Utah Deaf community.
In 1982, Dave Mortensen, as UAD president, actively worked with the Salt Lake Area Community Council to get funding for UAD’s interpreting project. As a result, the money allowed the UAD to hire two full time interpreters housed at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf to service the “entire-state.” As can be seen, Dave was very “persuasive and persistent.” The project was the ultimate impetus for the development of professional interpreting in the state of Utah. Due to pressure from the Salt Lake Area Community Services Council, UAD had to give up the interpreting project because they felt it was a statewide problem. This however did not stop Dave from seeking improvement in interpreting services. He, as UAD president continued his effort to present the need of Deaf people for reliable, competent, trained, and professional interpreting services. Moreover, he lobbied the state legislature, and was a member of one of the several legislative committees that studied the sign language and the interpreting issues (UAD Bulletin, July 2003).
Doris Wastlund interprets the classroom at the University of Utah (UAD Bulletin, February 1972).
First Training Program for Interpreters
In 1983, the Utah Association for the Deaf (UAD) assisted the Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (URID) in developing its program for certification of qualified interpreters. In cooperation with this organization, the UAD developed the first training program for interpreters, and the first testing and certification systems in Utah – probably another “first” in the nation (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, October 1999).
The UAD also advocated for and achieved passage of the first interpreter bill called “Interpreters for the Hearing-Impaired” at the 1983 Utah State Legislature. This law gave recognition to the use of qualified interpreters in the legal system, such as in courtroom, and in doctor’s office/hospital visits. This law also protects the confidentiality of all interpreted communications (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3; UAD Bulletin, January 2003, p. 3).
The Change of the Utah Interpreting Services
For years, the Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf was assisted and operated by employees of the Division of Rehabilitation. In the 1980s, the individuals outside of the Division were elected to operate the URID (Stewart, UAD Bulletin, September 1990).
In 1985, there were also two agencies where the members of the Utah Deaf community requested for interpreting services. One was at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful and the other was at Salt Lake County Mental Health. Interpreting services were available for court appearances, doctor’s appointments, job interviews and the like. Deaf people themselves had to assume full responsibility to call to schedule an interpreter for an appointment ahead of time (UAD Bulletin, February 1985).
In 1990, officers of the URID decided to transfer the interpreter training, referral, and certification responsibilities to the Division of Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH), housed at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf (later renamed Robert G. Sanderson Community Center). DSDHH gladly accepted the responsibilities (Gene Stewart, UAD Bulletin, September 1990). Two years later in May 1992, the DSDHH established a Utah Interpreting Program (UIP) under the direction of Mitchel Jensen (UAD Bulletin, June 1992). The agencies shifted their contact to the UIP to schedule an interpreter and send an interpreter for the members of the Utah Deaf community.
After the enactment of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), more interpreting agencies such as InterWest Interpreting Agency, Kajika Interpreting Agency and others. were established to provide interpreting services for the Utah Deaf community. ADA had profound impact in the interpreting services across the nation because it placed the responsibility for ensuring “effective communication” to remove barriers by providing furnishing auxiliary aids and services when necessary.
In 1983, the Utah Association for the Deaf (UAD) assisted the Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (URID) in developing its program for certification of qualified interpreters. In cooperation with this organization, the UAD developed the first training program for interpreters, and the first testing and certification systems in Utah – probably another “first” in the nation (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, October 1999).
The UAD also advocated for and achieved passage of the first interpreter bill called “Interpreters for the Hearing-Impaired” at the 1983 Utah State Legislature. This law gave recognition to the use of qualified interpreters in the legal system, such as in courtroom, and in doctor’s office/hospital visits. This law also protects the confidentiality of all interpreted communications (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3; UAD Bulletin, January 2003, p. 3).
The Change of the Utah Interpreting Services
For years, the Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf was assisted and operated by employees of the Division of Rehabilitation. In the 1980s, the individuals outside of the Division were elected to operate the URID (Stewart, UAD Bulletin, September 1990).
In 1985, there were also two agencies where the members of the Utah Deaf community requested for interpreting services. One was at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful and the other was at Salt Lake County Mental Health. Interpreting services were available for court appearances, doctor’s appointments, job interviews and the like. Deaf people themselves had to assume full responsibility to call to schedule an interpreter for an appointment ahead of time (UAD Bulletin, February 1985).
In 1990, officers of the URID decided to transfer the interpreter training, referral, and certification responsibilities to the Division of Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH), housed at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf (later renamed Robert G. Sanderson Community Center). DSDHH gladly accepted the responsibilities (Gene Stewart, UAD Bulletin, September 1990). Two years later in May 1992, the DSDHH established a Utah Interpreting Program (UIP) under the direction of Mitchel Jensen (UAD Bulletin, June 1992). The agencies shifted their contact to the UIP to schedule an interpreter and send an interpreter for the members of the Utah Deaf community.
After the enactment of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), more interpreting agencies such as InterWest Interpreting Agency, Kajika Interpreting Agency and others. were established to provide interpreting services for the Utah Deaf community. ADA had profound impact in the interpreting services across the nation because it placed the responsibility for ensuring “effective communication” to remove barriers by providing furnishing auxiliary aids and services when necessary.
Chris Wakeland. @ Kristin Murphy, Deseret News, Nov 8, 2009.
The New UTRID
On September 26, 1992, a special meeting was held at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf to establish a new affiliate state chapter of Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, known as UTRID. It is unknown when and why the former Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (URID) was closed.
The purpose of this organization was to bring the Utah Interpreter community together and help to professionalize the profession of interpretation as well as to solidify ties between interpreters and the Deaf community. The UTRID’s first board of directors were: President: Chris Wakeland , Vice-President: Catherine Spaulding , Secretary: Alli Robertson , Treasurer: Jennifer Forsgren , SLC Region Representative: Annette Tull, Provo Region Representative: Dan Parvz (Wakeland, UAD Bulletin, November 1992).
On September 26, 1992, a special meeting was held at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf to establish a new affiliate state chapter of Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, known as UTRID. It is unknown when and why the former Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (URID) was closed.
The purpose of this organization was to bring the Utah Interpreter community together and help to professionalize the profession of interpretation as well as to solidify ties between interpreters and the Deaf community. The UTRID’s first board of directors were: President: Chris Wakeland , Vice-President: Catherine Spaulding , Secretary: Alli Robertson , Treasurer: Jennifer Forsgren , SLC Region Representative: Annette Tull, Provo Region Representative: Dan Parvz (Wakeland, UAD Bulletin, November 1992).
Annette Tull by Robert L. Bonnell.
The Enactment of Senate Bill 41
During the 1993 Utah State Legislative session, individuals spent countless hours advocating and lobbying the legislators to get the House Bill (HB) 161 enacted. It was sponsored by Mel Brown and passed during that session (Jensen, DSDHH Newsletter, April 1993).
With the passage of House Bill 161, the State Legislature Task Force was formed in 1993 to study interpreting service needs for the State of Utah (Jensen, DSDHH Newsletter, May 1993). Jean Thomas, an ASL interpreter, ASL teacher and daughter of a well-known interpreter, Lucy Greenwood, served on the task force to recognize the interpreter state certification through a formal interpreter training program and recognize American Sign Language (ASL) as a foreign language in school (Jean Thomas, personal communication, October 24, 2012). Kristi Mortensen, a deaf education advocate, was also a member of the task force (Mortensen-Nelson, UAD Bulletin, April 1994).
The task force was to address areas, as follows:
After months of conducting the study of interpreter certification issues and standards, both Senate Bill (SB) 41 and Senate Bill (SB) 42 were passed (Mortensen-Nelson, UAD Bulletin, April 1994). SB 41 focused on interpreter training and certification while SB 42 recognized ASL as a foreign language in secondary and post-secondary institutions (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, April 1994).
During the 1994 Utah State Legislature, the Utah Association for the Deaf successfully got the Interpreter Training Bill, known as SB 41, passed. It became a formal part of the curriculum at Salt Lake Community College, funded by the State of Utah. Dave Mortensen, UAD president and Annette Tull, interpreter training program instructor at Salt Lake Community College, worked hard in advocating for this bill going through the legislative process. Since the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), SB 41 had a particularly strong impact in promoting interpreting services to meet communication accessibility needs for individuals who were Deaf. It barely passed the Senate. Legislators were aware of how important SB 41 was due to the ADA law and was therefore enacted during the 1994 Legislature (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, February 1994). Without Dave, interpreters would not have the Interpreter Training Program at Salt Lake Community College. No agencies that served Deaf and hard of hearing populations would have the information necessary to continue funding training for quality interpreters. After all, Dave had provided ‘a great legacy that invigorated interpreters towards professional development’ (UAD Bulletin, July 2003). Behind scenes, Jean Thomas and Kristi Mortensen, then a legislative intern who had network access to key people with the 1993 State Legislature Study Group, played a huge role advocating the passage of the SB 41 and SB 42. Utah is the first state to enact the interpreter certification law.
Utah is the first state to enact the interpreter certification law. As of 2015, Utah is one of three states (South Dakota in 2006 and Illinois in 2007) to require state certification for all interpreters and it was the first of those three states to pass this law (Schafer, Views, Fall 2014-Winter/Spring 2015). Compared to other states, the Utah Deaf community is really spoiled to have luxury services full of qualified interpreters.
During the 1993 Utah State Legislative session, individuals spent countless hours advocating and lobbying the legislators to get the House Bill (HB) 161 enacted. It was sponsored by Mel Brown and passed during that session (Jensen, DSDHH Newsletter, April 1993).
With the passage of House Bill 161, the State Legislature Task Force was formed in 1993 to study interpreting service needs for the State of Utah (Jensen, DSDHH Newsletter, May 1993). Jean Thomas, an ASL interpreter, ASL teacher and daughter of a well-known interpreter, Lucy Greenwood, served on the task force to recognize the interpreter state certification through a formal interpreter training program and recognize American Sign Language (ASL) as a foreign language in school (Jean Thomas, personal communication, October 24, 2012). Kristi Mortensen, a deaf education advocate, was also a member of the task force (Mortensen-Nelson, UAD Bulletin, April 1994).
The task force was to address areas, as follows:
- Certification, enforcement, and definition of a qualified interpreter.
- Minimum standards required to work as an interpreter in Utah in elementary school, high school, post-secondary school, community interpreting, legal and medical situations.
- Recruitment of qualified interpreters.
- Training of qualified interpreters.
- Teaching ASL as a foreign language in Utah (Jensen, DSDHH Newsletter, May 1993).
After months of conducting the study of interpreter certification issues and standards, both Senate Bill (SB) 41 and Senate Bill (SB) 42 were passed (Mortensen-Nelson, UAD Bulletin, April 1994). SB 41 focused on interpreter training and certification while SB 42 recognized ASL as a foreign language in secondary and post-secondary institutions (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, April 1994).
During the 1994 Utah State Legislature, the Utah Association for the Deaf successfully got the Interpreter Training Bill, known as SB 41, passed. It became a formal part of the curriculum at Salt Lake Community College, funded by the State of Utah. Dave Mortensen, UAD president and Annette Tull, interpreter training program instructor at Salt Lake Community College, worked hard in advocating for this bill going through the legislative process. Since the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), SB 41 had a particularly strong impact in promoting interpreting services to meet communication accessibility needs for individuals who were Deaf. It barely passed the Senate. Legislators were aware of how important SB 41 was due to the ADA law and was therefore enacted during the 1994 Legislature (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, February 1994). Without Dave, interpreters would not have the Interpreter Training Program at Salt Lake Community College. No agencies that served Deaf and hard of hearing populations would have the information necessary to continue funding training for quality interpreters. After all, Dave had provided ‘a great legacy that invigorated interpreters towards professional development’ (UAD Bulletin, July 2003). Behind scenes, Jean Thomas and Kristi Mortensen, then a legislative intern who had network access to key people with the 1993 State Legislature Study Group, played a huge role advocating the passage of the SB 41 and SB 42. Utah is the first state to enact the interpreter certification law.
Utah is the first state to enact the interpreter certification law. As of 2015, Utah is one of three states (South Dakota in 2006 and Illinois in 2007) to require state certification for all interpreters and it was the first of those three states to pass this law (Schafer, Views, Fall 2014-Winter/Spring 2015). Compared to other states, the Utah Deaf community is really spoiled to have luxury services full of qualified interpreters.
Certified Deaf Interpreter
The Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI), a nationally certified interpreter who is Deaf or hard of hearing was formed. Trenton Marsh became the first Deaf Utahn to obtain an official Certified Deaf Interpreter designation in 2006. At the Sanderson Community Center, he provides curriculum to train deaf and hard of hearing to become CDIs. He also educates the community about how to use CDIs, needs of individuals who are Deaf and serves as language mentor for the Interpreter Certification Advancement Network (ICAN) program.
The Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI), a nationally certified interpreter who is Deaf or hard of hearing was formed. Trenton Marsh became the first Deaf Utahn to obtain an official Certified Deaf Interpreter designation in 2006. At the Sanderson Community Center, he provides curriculum to train deaf and hard of hearing to become CDIs. He also educates the community about how to use CDIs, needs of individuals who are Deaf and serves as language mentor for the Interpreter Certification Advancement Network (ICAN) program.
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell
Observation of Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Regarding the National and State Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and Its Impact on the Utah Deaf Community
Through the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certification standards, certified interpreters got paid working as professional interpreters and were expected to comply with the Code of Ethics (Code of Professional Conduct). Since the establishment of the RID in 1965 and Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf in 1968, Beth Ann Stewart Campbell observed the relationship between the interpreters and members of the Utah Deaf community eventually changed. She said that with ‘the new status of professionalism, the interpreter became almost like a machine.’ Likewise, she acknowledged that ‘the interpreter in some ways lost her identity with her own thoughts, feeling and viewpoints.’ Comparatively, Beth Ann recognized that the Utah Deaf community felt that if ‘the interpreter becomes so much like an unthinking and unfeeling machine, she would lose what they love: her ability to be a warm loving and understanding person.’ Beth Ann pointed out that ‘the interpreter was first of all a friend when not interpreting.’ She also emphasized that the interpreter should be able to accept Deaf people on this basis when not acting the role of an interpreter and should know and always be dedicated to the cause of deafness (Stewart, UAD Bulletin, June 1973).
Through the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certification standards, certified interpreters got paid working as professional interpreters and were expected to comply with the Code of Ethics (Code of Professional Conduct). Since the establishment of the RID in 1965 and Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf in 1968, Beth Ann Stewart Campbell observed the relationship between the interpreters and members of the Utah Deaf community eventually changed. She said that with ‘the new status of professionalism, the interpreter became almost like a machine.’ Likewise, she acknowledged that ‘the interpreter in some ways lost her identity with her own thoughts, feeling and viewpoints.’ Comparatively, Beth Ann recognized that the Utah Deaf community felt that if ‘the interpreter becomes so much like an unthinking and unfeeling machine, she would lose what they love: her ability to be a warm loving and understanding person.’ Beth Ann pointed out that ‘the interpreter was first of all a friend when not interpreting.’ She also emphasized that the interpreter should be able to accept Deaf people on this basis when not acting the role of an interpreter and should know and always be dedicated to the cause of deafness (Stewart, UAD Bulletin, June 1973).
W. David Mortensen by Robert L. Bonnell
Dave Mortensen's Service
In 1994, Dave Mortensen, UAD president also lobbied the Utah State Legislature to recognize American Sign Language as a language, known as Senate Bill 42. This bill provided legitimacy for the language of the deaf in many applications. One application was in the establishment of the Interpreter Training Program at the Salt Lake Community College, which Dave helped set up (UAD Bulletin, November 1999). He accomplished this task by speaking with committees at the Community Councils of Salt Lake City and United Way. This led to the establishment of the interpreter service operated by the UAD. Appointments could be made through UAD for situations such as doctor’s appointments, meetings with lawyers, and more. That morphed into the Utah Interpreter Program housed at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (renamed Robert G. Sanderson Community Center) with Mitchel Jensen as director. A numbers of interpreting training programs at various colleges and universities were expanded throughout Utah and a number of freekance interpreting businesses also sprang up. (Valerie G. Kinney, personal communication, November 4, 2013). It was through Dave’s reminders to the medical community to provide interpreters for their Deaf patients/clients that the medical professionals now know to arrange for sign language interpreters (UAD Bulletin, October 2007, p. 1 & 5).
In 1994, Dave Mortensen, UAD president also lobbied the Utah State Legislature to recognize American Sign Language as a language, known as Senate Bill 42. This bill provided legitimacy for the language of the deaf in many applications. One application was in the establishment of the Interpreter Training Program at the Salt Lake Community College, which Dave helped set up (UAD Bulletin, November 1999). He accomplished this task by speaking with committees at the Community Councils of Salt Lake City and United Way. This led to the establishment of the interpreter service operated by the UAD. Appointments could be made through UAD for situations such as doctor’s appointments, meetings with lawyers, and more. That morphed into the Utah Interpreter Program housed at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (renamed Robert G. Sanderson Community Center) with Mitchel Jensen as director. A numbers of interpreting training programs at various colleges and universities were expanded throughout Utah and a number of freekance interpreting businesses also sprang up. (Valerie G. Kinney, personal communication, November 4, 2013). It was through Dave’s reminders to the medical community to provide interpreters for their Deaf patients/clients that the medical professionals now know to arrange for sign language interpreters (UAD Bulletin, October 2007, p. 1 & 5).
The Expansion of the Interpreter Training Programs
Today, the interpreter training programs have expanded and the demand for interpreters are still high. Those interested in the interpreting profession have the option to get formal training through the Utah Interpreter Programs housed at Robert G. Sanderson Community Center, Salt Lake Community College, Utah Valley University, Davis Applied Technology College (The ASL interpreting program is closed), and Utah State University. The VRS Interpreting Institute (VRSII) housed at Sorensen Communications also provides training for continuing-education needs of recent interpreting graduates, seasoned interpreters and interpreter educators.
Today, the interpreter training programs have expanded and the demand for interpreters are still high. Those interested in the interpreting profession have the option to get formal training through the Utah Interpreter Programs housed at Robert G. Sanderson Community Center, Salt Lake Community College, Utah Valley University, Davis Applied Technology College (The ASL interpreting program is closed), and Utah State University. The VRS Interpreting Institute (VRSII) housed at Sorensen Communications also provides training for continuing-education needs of recent interpreting graduates, seasoned interpreters and interpreter educators.
HISTORICAL DOCUMENT
Kinner, Jodi B. & Kinney, Valerie G. (2015). The History of Interpreting Service in Utah. (PDF)
Kinner, Jodi B. & Kinney, Valerie G. (2015). The History of Interpreting Service in Utah. (PDF)
A Videotape of Beth Ann Campbell -
Interpreter In-service Training
at Salt Lake Community College,
October 15, 2010
Interpreter In-service Training
at Salt Lake Community College,
October 15, 2010
Hosted by Julie Hesterman Smith, SLCC Interpreter Service Manager
During an in-service training at Salt Lake Community College, Beth Ann Campbell shared her story of growing up as a CODA, and the beginnings of the ASL interpreting profession (includes her experience as the first person to take the RID certification test) and her memories from her time as the director at the Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
This video is captioned. Be sure to turn caption on while watching the video. Enjoy!
This video is captioned. Be sure to turn caption on while watching the video. Enjoy!