The Davis Applied Technology College just announced it will be closing its American Sign Language interpreting program, no longer admitting new students and increasing the demands on current students in order to finish. This is detrimental for the community as a whole, as well as the students and prospective students.
Its ASL interpreting program is the only program focused on training interpreters in the state and is part of a trade school rather than a university degree program, which allows a wide range of people to enroll while having jobs and families. Losing this program will prevent many individuals from pursuing that career. The program has grown significantly in recent years.
There is an increasing need for ASL interpreters in Utah. Having access to interpreters is extremely important for both the deaf members of the community and for those who are working with them, be it in a medical, professional, legal, educational or casual setting. The DATC has consistently provided quality-focused ASL interpreting education with a high certification rate.
Even with that high certification rate, the reason the DATC has cited for closing down the program is related to accreditation. The community, the DATC and legislators need to work together to address that issue rather than simply shut down this program. A better solution needs to be found for this issue.
Amy Ross
West Point