Provider Spotlight: Jai Wexler

Deaf Services Unlimited is made up of a nationwide network of Sign Language Interpreters and CART Writers. We truly wouldn’t be able to make conversations happen without our amazing providers. As experienced experts in their field, they go above and beyond to provide communication access. One of these accessibility champions is Jai Wexler. Read more below as Jai shares about her interpreting experience and shares advice for aspiring interpreters! 

1. What inspired you to become an interpreter, and how did you start in this field? 

I was socializing frequently in the Deaf community at a young age and was encouraged to become an interpreter by people within the community. Their encouragement inspired me to major in Sign Language Interpreting in college. After completing my college internship, my program mentor brought me in to freelance for the agency she worked with. I’ve been freelancing ever since! 

2. Can you share one of your most memorable interpreting experiences? 

My most memorable and powerful interpreting experience was the time I supported a Deaf woman through hospice care for her terminally ill parent.  

I first met her when I was assigned to interpret medical appointments. I was with her the day her mom’s diagnosis was received, supported her through the treatment process, and interpreted the emotional meetings about transitioning her mom to hospice. I was also her interpreter the day her mom passed. It felt really good to provide her with a way to share stories and easily communicate with her mom and other family members, many of whom did not sign.   

Being part of such an intimate experience forged a deep connection between us that still exists more than a decade later. She continues to request me for work-related events and conferences. 

3. What do you find most rewarding about interpreting, and what keeps you passionate about it? 

There are three aspects of interpreting that are most rewarding.  

First, I like making connections. Through interpreting, I am able to connect people who don’t share the same language. 

Second, because sign language and the field overall continuously change, there is always something new to learn which is one of my passions.  

Third, I’m grateful to make a living and support my family through a service-oriented career. 

4. How do you approach continuing education and staying up-to-date in the interpreting industry? 

I prioritize workshops being presented by leaders in the field, especially when the course is taught by someone who is Deaf. I also enjoy learning about sign in different cultures as well as international sign language. 

5. What advice would you give to aspiring interpreters or those new to the field? 

Early in my career – before I was even certified – a Deaf person frequently requested me as his preferred interpreter. When the agency asked him why, he gave this reason,

“When I work with Jai, I forget that I have an interpreter. It’s like she isn’t even there.“

That feedback was hugely impactful in shaping my view of the service role we have in this field. My advice to aspiring or new interpreters is to be as invisible as possible. This ensures that the Deaf person feels directly connected with whomever they are speaking to, rather than going through a third party.  

My additional piece of advice is to form relationships with the Deaf community outside of your formal interpreting role. This will help you to keep a pulse on what’s important to the community, and to stay up-to-date as the language changes over time, so that you can make informed sign choices in your work.  

6. What do you enjoy most about working with DSU? 

DSU provides a quality service. I really enjoy working with DSU’s team of highly skilled, certified Deaf and hearing interpreters. The coordinators are extremely responsive, polite, and on top of things. Preferred interpreter requests are honored and feedback from the Deaf community and the interpreters is taken to heart. Everyone is valued. (I also enjoy working virtually!) 

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