Provider Spotlight: Michelle Nye

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 Michelle Nye. Read more below as Michelle 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 went to college with the goal of becoming a Speech Pathology/Audiology major. One semester I was placed in a school where some students were non-verbal. I learned my first signs at that school. From there I went on to grad school in Portland, OR for Deaf Education. I became a teacher of the Deaf in Chicago, but the public school system burnt me out after 8 years. It was then that I joined an ITP, took my ASL skills and honed them to become an interpreter. I loved being able to work with any age group in any environment!   

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

One of my most memorable experiences was being requested to interpret for labor and delivery. I was lucky enough to have been placed with the patient for her first appointment, we clicked but I had no idea she wanted me there for that day. I was so honored to be asked for that special job. The day/night was long but what a blessing to be involved in that new family’s life.   

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

The most rewarding part of the job is the new connections. Since I started working VRI jobs, my connections have doubled, both in the Deaf community and in the interpreting community. To be able to tackle a new set of terminology or be placed in an environment that is brand new, my interpreting teams and the Deaf community have been great to meet and have a successful session.   

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

Before Covid, I would travel to different states to attend their state level RID workshops. It’s an interesting way to keep up to date on what is going on in the field, all over the US. Since Covid, I have been doing a combo of in-person local workshops and long distance virtual workshops. With the RID website, and a few Facebook pages where people share workshop ideas, I can see a bunch of topic options. I have taken workshops on everything from interpreting for the medical field, to interpreting for people with Deaf+ other disabilities, and how to improve working in teams across a VRI job.  I also receive the RID Newsletters to make sure I am aware of what’s going on in the field in other regions. 

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

My advice would be to keep practicing every day and keep seeing what is out there for you.  Make sure you don’t become complacent in the field of interpreting. Once you find your environment (educational, medical, business, theater) be great in it, but don’t stop there. Become great in other environments, too.  The more you know across a range of topics, the better your interpreting becomes! 

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

I love the coordinators! Everyone is so quick to respond and does their best to look after you if you need anything. The other interpreters I have met through DSU have been great too! 

Are you interested in joining the DSU provider team? Click the button below to learn more about our growing roster now! 

Join Our Team