DeafBlind Interpreter

Program Description

Sign language interpreters are specifically trained to work with consumers who are both deaf and blind. This certificate prepares interpreters to work with DeafBlind individuals, learning interpreting strategies based on vision abilities, communication, guiding skills, and different etiologies of deaf-blindness. Additionally, the program will review support services roles such as Co-Navigator (CN) and Communication Facilitator (CF). Topics that will be discussed include cultural sensitivity, historical perspectives of the DeafBlind population, ethical and role considerations, and adaptative interpreting skills related to close-vision, tactile, and protactile methods. 

Students entering this program should have strong self-discipline and commitment to learning.  Fluency in ASL and experience in interpreting required.

Participants will be better prepared to work in specialized settings with DeafBlind consumers.  Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1.      define the different types of DeafBlindness and their communication needs​​;​ 
2.      ​​explore and discuss the history of DeafBlind Interpreting​; 
3.      explore the importance of touch as a means of communication and how it serves as a primary channel of interaction for individuals with combined vision and hearing loss;
4.      identify the difference between tactile, haptics and protactile communication methods​​;​ 
5.      demonstrate ability to incorporate environmental information in interpretation;  
6.      demonstrate use of Sighted Guide techniques​​;​ 
7.      apply the Registry of Interpreter for the Deaf’s Code of Professional Conducts/Ethics and Standard Practice Paper on DeafBlind Interpreting​​;​ and 
8.      demonstrate successful DeafBlind interpreting​​ (tactile, haptics and protactile).​

CCBC Pathway and Track

Humanities Pathway:  Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credentials

CCBC Credential: ​Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).​

External Credential:  Classes eligible for CEUs through the Registry of Interpreters (RID),

Certifying Organization: Registry of Interpreters (RID)

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Program Length

15 weeks.

Blended: Online asynchronous and in-person

Program Requirements

DeafBlind interpreting courses are specifically designed for working sign language interpreters with prior knowledge of the language and field.  Classes are taught in ASL and participants are expected to be fluent in the language. 

Computer, webcam and high-speed internet

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has no options for obtaining course waiver(s) for prior learning.

Program Course Sequence

Additional Information

Course Subsitutions:
First two courses are equivalent to INTR 254 credit course

Related Programs:
Interpreter and Deaf Interpreter Preparation; Theatrical Interpreting

Program Contact Information

Program Coordinator: Charlie Pepersack | cpepersa2@ccbcmd.edu | 443-691-2804 | Essex | BESS 116

Program Assistant: Kelsey Marion | kmarion@ccbcmd.edu​ | 443-840-1104 | Essex | BESS 115