DAS Learn with Us

This page contains the options for learning with us. For more information about the Apprentice Program, contact Emily Call at excdis@rit.edu. Regarding Student Interpreting, please contact Jean Rodman at jmrdis@rit.edu, or Kip Webster by phone at 585-475-2887 or email wkwdis@rit.edu.

Apprentice: We are not accepting applications at this time. Please be on the lookout for new details about the application process in the Fall of 2023.

Student Interpreting: We are extending the application period for the 2023/2024 school year. If you wish to apply, your application materials are due by April 9th, 2023.

While working with the Department of Access Services (DAS) as a Student Interpreter, you will:

• Experience of a variety of assignments on the RIT Campus
• Receive payment for up to twenty hours per week
• Be assigned a trained mentor
• Interact and network with more than 120 RIT interpreters
• For a Tour of the Student Interpreter Position contact NTID wkwdis@rit.edu
• For a full job description

Student interpreters at DAS are working in a real-world environment. This position is designed as a bridge that leads and supports young interpreters as they make the transition from student to practitioner. Applicants must be organized, flexible, personable, able to work with a variety of personalities and professional in both dress and demeanor.

Our first priority at DAS is to serve the students, faculty, and staff of RIT/NTID. DAS employs a rigorous assessment procedure, developed with the benefit of over 40 years experience.

To be offered a position, students need to demonstrate abilities commensurate with entry-level work as an interpreter in postsecondary education. 

The application process begins with submitting the following materials: a cover letter, resume, and two recommendation letters.  The DAS management team will screen the application materials and invite successful candidates to complete our skills assessment and interview with one of the managers.

Application materials required:

• Resume
• Cover letter addressed to Dr. Richard Peterson (mention a specific team or interest)
• Two letters of reference from a deaf consumer, mentor, or employer

We need to have all application materials and the video assessment completed by noon on April 9^th, 2023. Submit materials via email to wkwdis@rit.edu.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns at wkwdis@rit.edu. You can reach Kip Webster by phone at 585-475-2887 or email wkwdis@rit.edu, or Jean Rodman at jmrdis@rit.edu.

The Interpreter Apprentice Program is designed to be a bridge from school to work for interpreters with 0-3 years of experience. We aim to provide a supportive environment for new interpreters to develop their professional practice as they’re starting their careers. Apprentices are assigned to work with mentors who will assist them in pursuit of their professional development goals, provide resources and strategies to help improve their work product and connect them with resources within DAS and RIT/NTID as needed.

Apprentices are assigned to interpret 20 hours of assignments per week, primarily in academic settings. Apprentices are hired onto one of five interpreting teams but will work across disciplines. The teams are divided up around the colleges they serve:

• College of Business and College of Computing and Information Sciences
• College of Engineering and NTID
• College of Science and College of Health Science Technology
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Art and Design

This is a full-time, 10-month staff contract running from August 2024-May 2025. The program can provide subsizided housing if necessary. While it is possible to navigate via public transportation, a personal automobile is strongly encouraged.

Application Information

The application for the 2024-2025 cohort will be posted in late January/early February 2024 at Careers at RIT. Applicants should plan to submit a resume, cover letter, brief (5 minute maximum) introductory video in ASL and 2 letters of recommendation. At least one of those letters should be from someone who can attest to the applicant’s involvement in the Deaf, ASL, and/or interpreting communities.

The introductory video in ASL should be hosted on YouTube with the link copied into the applicant’s cover letter and should contain the following information:

• Name
• Interpreting Education Program attended (if applicable)
• Why you chose interpreting as a career
• What content area(s) you’re most interested in interpreting