Purpose Statement:

All students in this program are expected to meet certain essential functions/technical standards which are essential for successful completion of all phases of the program and which reflect industry requirements and standards. To verify the students’ ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the following technical standards: 

Standard Definition of Standard Example(s) of Technical Standard
1. Critical Thinking Skills See Abilities section.
NIC Job Task Analysis, pgs. 20-21
Ability to know the law, cite the law, and advocate for the client to have not only one but possibly multiple interpreters (maybe even a Certified Deaf Interpreter) when required
2. Mobility/Motor Skills See Physical Abilities section.
NIC Job Task Analysis, pg. 21
Physical stamina to stand or sit for periods of time while interpreting
3. Tactile Skills See Abilities & Physical Abilities section.
NIC Job Task Analysis, pgs. 20-21
Able to speak clearly and loudly enough with or without assistive technology devices to communicate to participants relying on auditory communication in an encounter
4. Auditory Skills Able to hear and understand dialogue clearly-with or without assistive technology devices

If a candidate is unable to produce clear speech either unassisted or with the use of assistive devices, the candidate will not be successful in the of ASL-English Interpreting.

Candidates must be able to hear unless they are pursuing the Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) designation.

NIC Job Task Analysis, pg. 21

Able to hear and understand dialogue clearly- with or without assistive technology devices
5. Visual Skills Ability to see clearly enough with or without assistive technology devices to readily access the visual communication

NIC Job Task Analysis, pg. 21

Able to see clearly enough with or without assistive technology devices to readily access the visual communication
6. Communication Skills Ability to communicate clearly, utilizing both ASL and English

See Skills section.
NIC Job Task Analysis, pg. 21

Skill in spoken English, reading, expressive ASL, fingerspelling, and classifiers
7. Interpersonal Skills Communicate and demonstrate within the deaf and interpreting community

See Attributes Desired section.
NIC Job Task Analysis, pg. 22

Ability to show these attributes within the deaf and interpreting communities: appreciation of diverse cultures including deaf and hearing cultures, social justice ideals, a good attitude toward the deaf person-an ally, flexible/adaptable, works with deaf people, not for deaf people, ethical, teamwork-especially with a Certified Deaf Interpreter, professional maturity
8. Behavioral Skills Communicate and demonstrate within the deaf and interpreting community

See Attributes Desired section.
NIC Job Task Analysis, pg. 22

Ability to show attributes within the deaf and interpreting communities

Professional maturity

In the case of a qualified individual with a documented disability, appropriate and reasonable accommodations will be made unless to do so would fundamentally alter the essential training elements, cause undue hardship, or produce a direct threat to the safety of the patient or student.

Disability Services Statement

The College has a legal obligation to provide appropriate accommodations for students with documented disabilities. If you have a disability and are seeking accommodations, you should contact the Disability Services Office (Sink Building; 694-1813) and notify your course instructor of your disability as appropriate. Students should initiate this process as soon as possible (prior to the start of classes and/or field experience).