Deaf Interpreter

Overview

This program is the first of its kind in Canada. As a student and a graduate, you are part of an important, nationwide change toward improving access and inclusion for diverse Deaf communities while setting a professional standard for the industry. 

Deaf interpreters (DIs) provide clear access to information and messages to Deaf clients and consumers. As Deaf individuals themselves, DIs add a level of depth and understanding to interpretation services from lived linguistic and cultural experiences. 

Deaf interpretation is in demand in Nova Scotia and across Canada. In 1 year, you learn from Deaf experts with lived and professional experience, training to become a work-ready DI who:

• Understands the communications needs of clients, creating strategies and approaches to accurately interpret messages and information.
• Collaborates and negotiates to provide professional interpretation.
• Interprets and translates complex American Sign Language (ASL) and English messages.
• Uses technology to effectively support interpretation.
• Brings real workplace experience from your work term to professional settings.

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
  • Opportunities take place near the end of the program, are typically unpaid and last approximately 4 weeks.
  • Transportation, accommodation and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Is this program right for you?

• You must be Deaf to apply.
• You're passionate about access and advocacy.
• You want to work in a field that is focused on language, accessibility and communication.
• You have strong organizational skills.
• You're a problem solver and enjoy working with technology, especially finding ways to communicate using different technologies.
• You work well independently and on a team.
• You're prepared to consistently work to improve communication while maintaining professionalism, especially in high-stakes or sensitive scenarios.
• You're good at building relationships and working with the community.
• You care about maintaining ethical standards and values in your practice.

Other info

• This program is:
  • Guided by the standards and best practices of the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) and the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI).
  • This program is delivered fully online through a combination of synchronous (scheduled) and asynchronous (unscheduled) classes.
  • Technology requirement: Students are required to have remote learning technology. 
  • Questions? Email DI.Program@nscc.ca to learn more about the Deaf Interpreter program.

September 2027

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Ivany Campus Dartmouth	Full time	Blended flex Weekdays/Evenings

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
• A certified audiogram result, showing a hearing level of 55 dB or above, in both ears. The date on the audiogram must be less than 5 years prior to the NSCC application submission date.
• American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) results from Sign Language Institute Canada or Gallaudet University, showing an ASLPI Proficiency of Level 4, or above.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2026-27 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

• Deaf Interpreter

Career options

Deaf Interpreters are qualified to work independently as freelance interpreters or may work in various sectors such as: 

• Government
• Legal
• School systems (kindergarten/primary to 12)
• Post-secondary institutions (college or university)
• Health systems
• Technology and virtual services, such as video relay
• Referral agencies
• Special or public events such as conferences, entertainment etc.

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

DFIR 1000 - Digital Media Production
This course teaches students how to use digital tools and media to enhance their interpreting practice. Students will learn how to operate systems, webcams, and video editing software to create high-quality interpreting assignments with clear visuals. They will also build a professional website portfolio that showcases their skills while meeting accessibility standards. This course covers designing Deaf-friendly materials using presentation software and integrating ASL videos. The course emphasizes techniques for effective interpreting in digital environments, focusing on the technical setup and troubleshooting of video-based platforms. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of tools and platforms, allowing them to choose the ones that best suit their preferences and needs.

DFIR 1010 - Introduction to Deaf Interpreting
This course introduces Deaf students to the roles and responsibilities of a Deaf interpreter. Students will analyze the roles of Deaf interpreters and begin to build interpreting skills through real-world simulations and role-play activities in class with the peers.

DFIR 1015 - Deaf Interpreter Competencies
This course introduces Deaf students to the essential competencies required for foundational work as a Deaf interpreter. Students will build interpreting skills by focusing on language adaptation, working memory and chunking, depiction techniques, ethical decision-making, preparation strategies, and team interpreting (feeding). Through real-world simulations and role-play activities, students will practice applying interpreting modes and develop the critical thinking and professional behaviours needed for successful interpreting careers.

DFIR 1020 - Translation
This course introduces Deaf students to foundational concepts and practices in sign language translation. Students explore how to translate between two sign languages and between written and signed languages, considering intralingual and interlingual contexts. The course introduces core theoretical frameworks, including Skopos theory, equivalence and Deaf translation norms. Through hands-on translation practice and guided reflection, students begin to understand how these frameworks apply to real-world translation settings.

DFIR 1025 - Power and Privilege of Interpreting
This course explores how power and privilege operate within the field of interpreting, with a focus on the experiences and perspectives of Deaf interpreters. Through critical reflection on identity, systemic inequities, and team dynamics, students will develop tools to recognize and respond to imbalances in power within interpreting settings. Topics include positionality, audism, intersectionality, and ethical strategies for creating more equitable interpreting practices.

DFIR 1030 - Consumer Sensitivity and Alignment
This course equips Deaf interpreters with the competencies, knowledge, and ethical awareness needed to align their work with diverse Deaf consumers’ needs. It focuses on linguistic and cultural diversity, ethical decision-making, and practical strategies grounded in consumer-centred practice, cultural humility, relational autonomy, and reflective thinking.

DFIR 1035 - Modes of Interpretation
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the various modes of sign language interpreting, including simultaneous, consecutive, relay, tactile, and whispered interpreting. It examines the theoretical foundations, practical applications, and ethical considerations of each mode, with a focus on linguistic, cognitive, and cultural dimensions.

DFIR 1050 - Team Interpreting
This course focuses on teamwork and collaboration techniques required to build and support Deaf-Deaf and Deaf-hearing interpreting teams. Students will build the skills required to be an effective team member, explore team dynamics that can affect a team's success, and identify ways to improve and modify performance in relation to the needs of both team members and consumers.

DFIR 1055 - Consecutive Interpreting
This course focuses on the development of consecutive interpreting skills specific to Deaf interpreters. Students will explore the principles, processes, and ethical considerations unique to Deaf interpreting in consecutive formats. Emphasis will be placed on message analysis, memory retention, reformulation, and cultural mediation in a variety of settings, including medical, legal, educational, and community environments. The course also highlights the collaborative dynamics between Deaf and hearing interpreter teams, with special attention to role delineation and communication access strategies.

DFIR 1060 - Simultaneous Interpreting
This course introduces Deaf students to the skills and strategies required for simultaneous interpreting. Students will develop techniques to process, predict, and deliver messages in real-time, using effective memory management, lag time control, and depiction strategies. Real-world practice will focus on managing information flow while maintaining accuracy and audience engagement.

DFIR 1065 - Business Practices
This course equips Deaf interpreters with essential business competencies to sustain and grow a freelance or agency-based career. Students are introduced to core skills such as invoicing, expense tracking and contract negotiation. Emphasis is placed on ethical reasoning, professional development and self-care to support long-term career growth and resilience within the interpreting industry.

DFIR 1070 - Work Experience - Deaf Interpreter
This course provides an invaluable opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Students will be guided by mentors in a variety of professional settings and use journaling, feedback and ethical reflection to inform personal growth and performance.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1019 - Safety and Sustainability Basics
This course provides an overview of your rights and responsibilities as a student, as well as those in the workplace under the NS Occupational Health and Safety Act. Topics such as duties and precautions, accident reporting, as well as personal and campus safety and sustainability initiatives will be explored.

SAFE 1025 - Certified Fall Arrest and Protection
This course provides participants with an understanding of the hazards associated with working from heights and compliance with Workplace Health and Safety Regulations (2013). Throughout the course, participants will gain experience in the donning of a harness, an overview and presentation of system components involved when working from heights and learn how to complete a fall calculation and emergency procedures.