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We sat down with Candance for some follow up questions submitted by students.
Q. What has your career path been?
Candance: I started at the bottom by beating the odds and gaining various contracts with several agencies and building a rapport with other Independent contractors like myself that would allow me to have steady employment to take care of my children as a single mother. I grew and improved within the field by leveling up with my certification, and gaining more contracts as well as building more relationships through word of mouth and networking.
Q. What are the educational requirements (degrees, certifications, etc) to be a sign language interpreter?
Candance: It’s best to at least get an Associates Degree in Deaf Communications. In this role, you have to maintain a yearly certification and license (depending on the state you live in).
Q. Can you describe an average work week?
Candance: Depending on whether you’re a staff interpreter or freelance interpreter will depend on how many hours of work you’ll have per week. Staff interpreting is more stable. Freelance interpreting can be up & down, it depends on how many contracts you have, your certification level and the rapport you’ve built within the community.
Q. What barriers exist for people of color in your industry?
Candance: There are not many people of color in this industry which makes the lack of representation a disappointment to deaf communities of color. There is also a perception that the style of signing for people of color may be different from their white counterparts - this has created what seems to be a glass ceiling for advancement in the field. Without representation on state commission boards and as testing evaluators, it is difficult for people of color to advance.
Q. How do you navigate your industry as an interpreter of color?
Candance: I have been a voice for African American interpreters in the St. Louis area - advocating for our rights to have access to adequate testing and video quality for our state testing system. I keep things professional in order to get what I need. I take advantage of every opportunity to learn and glean from my counterparts, who may be more skilled than me, so I can continue to improve within my craft, which will enable me to better serve the deaf community.