There's a great need for trained interpreters, but getting the right training is key. There are many situations where having a relative or a friend interpret just doesn't work. The interpreter has to understand ethics issues, has to be fluent with American Sign Language to be able to communicate complicated language, and a good interpreter knows her limitations. There's a need, and there aren't enough of us. McGee said scientists often prefer SEE, which is a literal translation of spoken English, to ASL, which has its own vocabulary, syntax and idioms.
Interpreters are everywhere.
They are hired by school districts, the courts and by individuals. McGee works as a free-lance interpreter. I have been in the delivery room for the births of 20 different children. I have interpreted at people's deathbeds. The fact that deaf culture is different from hearing culture is what creates the shortage of interpreters.