The northern Nevada region is currently facing a challenge with finding more sign language interpreters.
According one professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, when you don't have enough sign language interpreters, that can limit communication and accessibility for the deaf community.
That's why in the 2023 fall semester she launched a new program that helps students learn ASL and put them on that path of becoming interpreters.
Andrea Juillerat-Olvera, Program Advisor for the American Sign Language Program, says, "Ever since I arrived in 2007 there hasn't been enough interpreters. Right now, for all of northern Nevada, there's approximately 42 registered interpreters."
However, Juillerat-Olvera says some of them are only apprentice level, meaning they have a limited understanding of interpreting. She tells us 30 of them work for the Washoe County School District which means there's only about a dozen working throughout the region.
"Interpreters aren't only needed in high stake environments like courtrooms or medical emergencies, but deaf people would also like access to cultural events, to plays, or festivals, or reading groups," said Juillerat Olvera.
To help raise awareness Juillerat-Olvera has launched the American Sign Language program at the university. Right now, there are 230 students enrolled in ASL classes. While most of the students are taking the class to fulfill their foreign language credit, 16 students are minoring in American Sign Language.
"That's really good for a program that's brand new," Juillerat-Olvera adds.
One student spoke about why she chose to minor in it.
Emma de la Torre, a minor in ASL, says, "I just think it's such an amazing language such supports a beautiful culture."
De la Torre encourages as many people as possible to learn ASL, "I think learning ASL will open doors. Not just to the people that have learned but as well as deaf people, helping them access things to a greater degree than they currently are able to in northern Nevada."
