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Date of Award
6-2020
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies and Communication Equity
Department
ASL & Interpreting
First Advisor
Erica Alley
Second Advisor
Octavian Robinson
Third Advisor
Lindsey Patterson
Department/School
Interpreting
Abstract
This study examines the experiences of ASL/English interpreters who self-identify as having a disability. Little is known about this group of professionals so the literature review begins by investigating various theories from the field of disability studies and their possible applications to the conceptualization of interpreting. Using grounded theory research methodology, quantitative demographic data was collected and combined with interviews from interpreters with disabilities to better understand their experiences from their own perspective. Patterns uncovered in the study include experiencing ableism and internalized ableism as common, the role of extralinguistic knowledge, and the challenges of performative neutrality when in the role of ASL/English interpreter. It is my hope that this work will usher in a future where we create a new, collaborative interpreting model and an interdependent, fully representative field of professional interpreters.
Recommended Citation
Williams, Lindsey. (2020). A New Lens: The Lived Experiences of Interpreters with Disabilities. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/maisce/33
Thesis paper