RCC’s sign language program to graduate largest class yet

May 13, 2011 - PRLog -- RIVERSIDE – Associate Professor Diana MacDougall is about to send 12 more sign language interpreters into the world and not a moment too soon.

The largest class yet to graduate from Riverside City College on June 9, these interpreters will be a welcome addition to a professional field that is experiencing a national shortage.

The shortage of interpreters affects the daily lives of deaf Americans keeping MacDougall striving to teach more students. Next year she hopes to graduate an even larger class. Eighteen students are wrapping up their first year – her largest class in 14 years.

“Every year it’s growing,” said MacDougall, who hopes to expand the program to include a second instructor.

A number of factors have resulted in high demand for the program -- the nation’s continued shortage of interpreters, especially multi-lingual interpreters, numerous job prospects and a new certification requirement for a bachelor’s degree.

While all levels of schools are constantly in need of interpreters, MacDougall said the need for trilingual interpretation is huge. Even entry-level positions abound, she said.
In her effort to teach more students who understand Spanish, English and American Sign Language, MacDougall is beginning to research how people speaking multiple languages learn differently.

In order to offer students more opportunities to gain interpreting experience, she has made arrangements for students to do performing arts interpreting at the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals and they will be helping out at the upcoming Long Beach Pride event.

Until recently, interpreters did not need a college degree to do the work. Starting in 2012, new regulations require students have a bachelor’s degree or educational and experience equivalent to receive national certification. That has sent even more students into MacDougall’s classes.

The result, MacDougall said, will be better interpreters. Students will be more well versed in general education studies from math and science to sociology.

“They will end up being more educated and better, polished interpreters,” she said.

About the Desert Regional Consortium of Community Colleges: The Desert Regional Consortium consists of 13 community colleges and two community college districts in Riverside, San Bernardino and Kern counties. The consortium assists colleges in providing professional development opportunities and designing programs to improve workforce training and technical education. The consortium was formed to address the economic development needs of industry, government and the community.

More info: www.desertcolleges.org

Consortium members: Barstow College, Cerro Coso Community College, Chaffey College, College of the Desert, Copper Mountain College, Crafton Hills College, Mt. San Jacinto College, Moreno Valley College, Norco College, Palo Verde College, Riverside City College, Riverside Community College District, San Bernardino Community College District, San Bernardino Valley College, Victor Valley College