5 Industries With A Growing Need For Sign Language Interpreters

Thanks to the internet age, the world has become a global village. However, this creates potential challenges like the language barrier. But a good business wouldn’t let a big sale pass by just because of the language barrier. With the help of a professional interpretation service provider, this doesn’t have to be an obstacle. Enlisting the help of sign language interpreters can be the game-changer for a sales team in international business relations. That said, here are the 5 industries with a growing need for sign language interpretation services.

Healthcare services

Accurate interpretation is critical in the healthcare industry more so because it can mean the difference between life and death. Willie Ramirez’s family brought him to the hospital in 1980 while in a coma. The family told a bilingual staffer that the patient was “intoxicate.” The hospital staff translated this as intoxicated when the family had meant that Willie Ramirez had ingested something to make him ill. The hospital treated him as if he was under drug overdose. In reality, the patient was suffering from intracerebral hemorrhage. Due to the delay, the 18-year old boy became quadriplegic. The family sued the hospital for which they were awarded $71 million in malpractice settlement. Interpretation services are life-saving in a hospital setting.

The Legal Profession

There is a big opportunity for sign language interpreters in the legal sector. The law requires courts to offer language services, and this is not just for those struggling with English, but also the deaf. At the moment, there is a big shortage of professional sign language interpreters that cases sometimes get delayed significantly.

Entertainment

If you haven’t noticed, sign language interpreters are commonplace in concerts. There are over 15,000 live entertainment venues that host events each year in the US. A sign language interpreter ensures that every performance is accessible to more people. There are endless opportunities to be it in theaters, concerts, magic shows and lots more.

The travel industry

The tourism and travel industry has witnessed a phenomenal growth in the last few years. Besides, 1 in 10 jobs in the world is in the sector, and it is expected to grow even further. Travelers will need interpretation services to not only book reservations but also traverse other lands.

Communication

In 2017 as Hurricane Irma approached, Manatee County emergency officials hired a lifeguard to be their sign language interpreter. This was for the purposes of providing evacuation warnings to the county’s deaf community. This resulted in confusion as the lifeguard signed warnings for monsters, bears, and pizza. Although it sounds silly, there are important interactions and communications that a local community or government may require to have with its people. Professional interpreters are vital to make sure that everyone understands what’s going on.

Conclusion

If you are a sign language interpretation services provider, know that opportunities abound. As the population of the world continues to grow, so is the need for professional language interpreters. Whether it is in the healthcare industry, travel sector or communication, there will always be openings for sign language interpreters.

Leave a Comment

Required fields are marked *.