Provider Spotlight: Kim Carlton Díez 

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 Kim Carlton Díez. Read more below as Kim 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 a senior in high school and really unsure about what kind of career I wanted to pursue when I attended a concert where one of my all-time favorite singers incorporated sign language into her performance.   By that point, I had been performing publicly as a singer for many years and thought it would be neat to incorporate sign language into my performances as well. That fall, I enrolled at a community college near my home in Florida and found out that they offered a series of sign language classes, so I enrolled in ASL 1, and I was hooked.  I knew then that my future would involve working with the Deaf community in some way, although it took several months for me to settle on becoming an interpreter. It has been almost 38 years since I made that decision,  and I still love what I do.   

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

In such a long career, there have been many unique experiences that I would never have had had I not be an interpreter. I have stood on stage beside famous dignitaries, I’ve been present for the birth of babies,  which still makes me cry at the miracle of new life. I’ve interpreted black-tie galas, awards ceremonies, weddings, and family reunions.  There have been many more unique settings and assignments,  too many to name, some formal, others more casual or intimate, but all special in their own way. One of my favorite experiences was working side-by-side with Deaf psychologists during their internships and post-doctoral fellowships. I actually did that with five different psychologists over a period of seven years,  and to this day that seven- year period ranks as one of the most interesting and challenging periods of my career.   

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

I have a passion for languages and cultures (I also work as a spoken language interpreter and translator), and working in this field  allows me to earn a living while engaging my love for both and helping people to connect with each other. Anytime I get to create a culturally and linguistically appropriate interpretation or translation, I feel a tremendous sense of satisfaction. That is all that I need to remain passionate about my work.  It really is true that if you find and do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.  Everyday for me feels like a chance to go and play.   

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

Immerse yourself in the Deaf community. Unfortunately, things are not like they were when I started almost 40 years ago. Deaf clubs were more popular, and technology was not as advanced, so there were more opportunities to engage face to face with members of the Deaf community. I was fortunate to have those opportunities, which allowed for language learning in a natural environment. It also gave me the opportunity to experience Deaf culture in that same natural environment, which is very different than just learning about it in a classroom. Cultural competency is vital for language fluency, whether that language is spoken or signed. Even though there are fewer opportunities for those face to face interactions nowadays, find your tribe. It will enhance your cultural and linguistic competency, make your work better, and make your experience at work much richer.    

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

I love working with DSU for a variety of reasons. I really appreciate the fact that DSU was founded by an interpreter who understands who we are and what we do.  Unfortunately, that is relatively rare in the field. I enjoy the variety of work that DSU has available, the amount of work they can offer me, and the fact that if and when a team is needed, I can count on high-quality, reliable and professional interpreters to share the load. The coordinators are responsive and helpful, which makes my job even easier. I have never had a bad experience working with DSU. What’s not to love?

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