MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Students enrolling in this program must complete the required mentorship practicum in addition to regular class time.

This practicum involves supervised observation and hands-on interpreting with approved Deaf and DeafBlind interpreters. It is a core requirement of the program and must be completed in full to successfully finish the course.

 

Total Practicum Hours: 30 hours – MANDATORY

1) 1st Observation Practicum – 10 hours

• Observe professional interpreters in a variety settings

• Learn interpreting strategies, professional behavior, and workplace dynamic
   

2) 2nd DeafBlind & Interpreting Hands-On Practicum – 10 hours

• Participate in supervised DeafBlind interpreting experiences

• Hands-on DeafBlind interpreting experience and interpreting experience

• Receive guided feedback and develop practical competence and professional readiness
   

3) 3rd Hands-On Practicum – 10 hours

• Continue supervised interpreting in professional settings

• Build confidence, competence, and professional readiness
   

During mentorship you will:

• Observe interpreting in real settings

• Discuss linguistic challenges and ethical issues

• Review professional situations

• Keep a log of mentorship hours

 

Completion of all 30 hours is required for program completion. These hours are helpful for the MCDHH Screening application, as they can count toward required pre-screening experience.

 

GETTING STARTED​
Students are encouraged to:

• Start identifying Deaf and DeafBlind interpreter mentors in their area

• Notify the Mentorship Coordinator once a mentor is identified

• Mentorship Coordinator is available for support: mentorship@roadtodeafinterpreting.com

• Mentorship program will be discussed during 1st class
   

Because these hours are a core requirement for graduation, the program recommends starting early to coordinate schedules with the Mentorship Coordinator, who will provide further details during the start of the RDI class.