DAS Learn with Us
Department of Access Services
Learn with Us
This page contains the options for learning with us. For more information about the Apprentice Program or Internships, 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 and Internships: 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.
Student Interpreter Program
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 9th, 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.
Testimonials
"Working as a student interpreter for the Department of Access Services was the best decision I could have made for myself and for my career. I came in as a terrified fourth year with no real interpreting experience. I am leaving as a professional that is able to advocate not only for my consumers but also for myself. I also leave with a confidence in myself and my work that I never had before. I have worked in a variety of settings both in classrooms and out, which has been an invaluable learning experience. The faculty and staff were incredibly supportive and friendly both in assignments and out. I leave here forever indebted to the Department of Access Services and its wonderful staff for everything they have done for me."
- Maxine
"Working as a Student Interpreter is one of the best learning experiences I've had since being in this program. Not only am I exposed to many students with a multitude of signing styles, I'm working with Interpreters with many years of experience, both staff and freelance. My expressive and receptive skills have increased exponentially since working as a Student Interpreter. I already feel a lot more confident and prepared for when I get out into the work force when I graduate."
- Nicole
"One of the main things that attracted me to NTID's Interpreting program was the fact that there were over 100 staff Interpreters working for DAS. I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to meet and learn from as many of them as I could. I was so excited when I learned about the Student Interpreting positions because it gave me the unique opportunity to work alongside some amazing interpreters, learning from them in a hands-on environment. I know that the experience I have gained from working on campus had helped me greatly improve my skills and expand my professional network at the same time."
- Emily
"Working as a student interpreter at DAS gave me the confidence and skills to work as an interpreter. The hands on experience greatly aided me in my growth as an interpreter. Additionally, the welcoming and supportive environment never failed to bolster my confidence and broaden my horizons. Thank you to DAS for the unbelievable experience."
- Alexis
Interpreter Apprenticeship Program
In the Interpreter Apprenticeship Program, you will:
- Work under the guidance of an RIT interpreter
- Experience a variety of assignments
- Attend professional development
- Receive payment for interpreting up to 20 hours per week
- Interact and network with more than 120 RIT interpreters
- For additional details and full job description
Applicants must demonstrate skill in transliterating and interpreting (Sign Language to spoken English / spoken English to Sign Language) and be committed to developing their skills. You must be able to interpret a minimum of 10 hours per week of college-level material on your own.
Applicants must be organized, flexible, personable, able to work with a variety of personalities, resourceful, assertive, and professional in both dress and demeanor.
The Interpreter Apprenticeship Program requires actual interpreting experiences; it is not solely for observations of interpreters.
Apprenticeship Calendar
We are accepting applications for the Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 cohort. If you wish to apply, applications are due by November 11, 2022. The RIT calendar can be viewed here. Apprenticeships are most often granted for two semesters. The Department of Access Services does not accept apprenticeships during summer.
How to Apply
Apprenticeship Experience
The Department of Access Services (DAS) will provide an apprenticeship experience that exceeds the goals we set with you prior to starting your apprenticeship.
NTID Apprenticeship Program Requirements: Work 30 hours per week, including: 20 hours of interpreting and 10 additional hours in preparation for assignments, meeting with your mentor, attending team and department meetings, observing of other interpreters, and in professional development.
Apprenticeship Pay
Apprentices are paid for hours spent interpreting. The apprentice will be paid for hours spent at required meetings. Rate of pay will be commensurate with skill/experience/training. The rate of pay will be determined by your manager using our skills assessment process.
Housing and Transportation
There are a limited number of on-campus apartments available. There are some staff members who open their houses to Apprentices. Please indicate need for housing on Application Form.
If you are living off campus, bringing personal transportation (car) is strongly encouraged.
Testimonials
"Not only did the apprenticeship experience bridge the gap between the prescriptive world of an ITP with the descriptive pragmatism of the real world working interpreter, it also inspired assurance and a substantive base from which to make practical and ethical decisions. The environment was overwhelmingly supportive and truly prepared me to take the next step in my interpreting career with confidence."
- Brian
"Working as a DAS apprentice allowed me the opportunity to get a taste of what it feels like to be a working professional, while still having a vast and strong support system. During the semester I was able to touch on a variety of academic and non academic assignment, allowing me to expand my skill range outside of my comfort zone. My time spent at DAS was a rich experience full of hands on learning and fun. The sheer depth of knowledge throughout the department is a benefit all its own. At any given time I could approach any fellow interpreter and be given the background information and conceptually accurate sign choices for any assignment. I enjoyed working one on one with my mentor and my fellow apprentices. This apprenticeship is a unique experience and one that I highly recommend to all recent graduates."
- Aimee
"Being part of the apprenticeship at Access Services was truly life-changing. It provided the much needed link between the academic environment of interpreter training programs to the practical experience of working in the field. Through the apprenticeship, I was able to make lasting connections with several interpreters - who with their immense experience and willingness to "take me under their wing" - taught me so much about the field of interpreting and how to navigate it as a recent graduate. I am and will always be eternally grateful to the Department of Access Services and its apprenticeship experience for providing me with the preparation and resources to be a successful and confident interpreter."
- Crystal
"The opportunity to work at DAS as an apprentice truly helped me to improve my interpreting skills and open my heart and mind to what interpreting means in education. The wealth of knowledge that exists in the interpreters and staff at DAS is staggering and the warm welcome I received from mentors and colleagues was uplifting."
- Hannah
"I have to say, I feel so lucky to have worked as a student interpreter with DAS for one year before graduating from ASLIE (NTID’s ITP) and being offered the chance to become an apprentice. Everyone you meet here is extremely supportive and truly committed to help you at every turn. Working as an apprentice has given me so many opportunities to see different settings, different language levels and the knowledge to traverse them all. This has been, without a doubt, one of the best experiences in my life. I have learned so much from all of the people here but I have also had great personal growth. This apprenticeship is absolutely a fantastic opportunity, and it really has become a stepping stone for my career!"
- Monique