DAS Learn with Us

RIT/NTID student interpreters can work with the Department of Access Services (DAS) before they graduate. While working with 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 mentor
• Interact and network with more than 100 RIT interpreters

Student interpreters at DAS are working in a real-world environment. This student interpreter 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. Our Mission Statement can be found here. DAS employs a rigorous assessment procedure, developed with the benefit of over 40 years of experience.

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

Application Information

The application process begins with submitting application materials. 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 DAS Director, Brittany Taylor (mention a specific team or interest)
• Two reference names from a deaf consumer, mentor, or employer, and their contact information

Application materials and the video assessment must be completed by noon on March 24, 2025.

Submit materials via Career Connect or via email to Shaunti Session at smsdis@rit.edu.

Contact us with any questions or concerns: Eric Severson at exsdis1@rit.edu or Wendi Gammon at wrgdis@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 2025-May 2026. The program can provide subsidized housing if necessary. While it is possible to navigate via public transportation, bringing a personal automobile is strongly encouraged.

Application Information

Applications are currently closed. For any questions, please reach out to Emily Gilster-Call (excdis@rit.edu).

To complete the application, you will need the following materials:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Three References
   • At least two of your references must be individuals from the Deaf, ASL, or Interpreting communities.
   • For each reference, please provide their name, relationship to you, and preferred contact information.
4. Introductory Video (Max 5 minutes):
   • In ASL, please introduce yourself by sharing the following information:
     • Your name
     • Where you’re from
     • Where you graduated from
     • And answer at least one of the following questions:
       • What inspired you to pursue interpreting as a career?
       • Who is an inspiring person in your life, and why?
   • The video should be uploaded to YouTube and the link included in the cover letter

For any questions, please reach out to Emily Gilster-Call (excdis@rit.edu).