Internship for Student Sign Language Interpreters
Inclusive Communication Service (ICS) is excited to offer internship opportunities for aspiring sign language interpreters. Our program embraces diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. At ICS, we aim to nurture the next generation of proficient ASL interpreters while promoting an inclusive environment.
What our Inclusive Internship Offers
- Hands-Up Experience: Gain practical skills beyond the classroom.
- Personalized Mentorship: Receive one-on-one guidance in American Sign Language.
- Professional Feedback: Learn from seasoned professionals.
- Freelancer Preparation: ICS uniquely educates interns on launching their freelance career, a crucial topic rarely covered in Interpreter Training Programs (ITPs).
- Diverse Settings: Experience interpreting in various contexts including: post-secondary education, theatrical/performance, religious, business, community, and medical environments.*
Join us at ICS and make a difference in fostering an inclusive community!
*Please note: No two internship experiences are the same. Internships will vary based on the skill of the interpreter and availability of appropriate assignments. ICS accepts only one intern per semester.
Internship Sessions
Our internship start and end times within each semester offer flexibility to fit your schedule. Apply early to increase your chances of securing a position, as ICS accepts only one intern per semester, emphasizing the exclusivity of this opportunity. The following sessions are open for applications:
Fall Internship
Active Internship: September - December
Deadline to Apply: July 31st
Spring Internship
Active Internship: January - April
Deadline to Apply: October 31st
The application will take about 10–15 minutes to complete. A resume upload is required, with an optional cover letter. Once submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation.
Our Internship Director will follow-up with you, thanks!
About your Mentor
Greetings! My name is Kaycee, and I am the Internship Director at Inclusive Communication Services. As a Deaf individual, I believe our Inclusive Internship Program is fundamental to prepare students for the realities of interpreting. Our program produces quality interpreters who collaborate directly with the Deaf community while learning valuable tips about being freelance professionals.
Here’s an overview of my professional background. I have previously served as a Deaf Mentor at the University of Texas at Austin and graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where I held various positions post-graduation. At Gallaudet University, I was the project manager for University Communications and the Special Assistant to the Vice President of the Development Office. Education is my passion. I hold a Master of Education degree in Early Childhood and Curriculum Instruction from Arizona State University. I have also worked in both K-12 and higher education environments.
The Inclusive Interpreting Internship Program ensures you get real-world practice to build your skills and confidence. I would be honored to guide you on your educational journey toward achieving your dreams and look forward to reviewing your application!
Intern Testimonial
“This internship with ICS set clear expectations for what it means to be an American Sign Language interpreter. I learned how to team with other interpreters, receive feedback from my team and the Deaf community, and accountability for myself and others. The program emphasized the importance of continually educating myself about Deaf culture and improving my ASL skills.
Kaycee’s assignments, encouragement, and patience have been invaluable to my journey as an interpreter student. Thank you ICS!”
– Tahlaiya
About your Internship Experience
Where is the internship located?
Inclusive Communication Services (ICS) is based in New York City. Hands-up interpreting experience will be completed in person at various locations across the five boroughs of NYC and nearby towns in New Jersey. At ICS, we believe it’s essential for aspiring interpreters to receive and witness real-time, onsite training. Some internship hours can be completed virtually but most projects will require the intern to be present in New York City.
What are the internship requirements?
- Intern must be enrolled in an accredited Interpreter Training Program (ITP) and in their junior or senior year of the program.
- Intern must be able to secure lodging and travel accommodations in and around New York City for the full duration of the internship.
- Intern must be able to commit at least 20-hours or more per week to their internship.
- Intern must be open to working with mentors and willing to receive critical feedback of their work
- Intern must be punctual, self-motivated, and capable of exhibiting an appropriate level of professionalism while representing ICS on assignments.
Will I get hands-up interpreting experience?
Interns/mentees will complete a skills-based evaluation before starting their internship. To participate in hands-up team interpreting with an interpreter/mentor, interns must meet a minimum standard of skill and professionalism. Hands-up interpreting opportunities depend on the client, register, content, interpreter/mentor discretion, and consumer preference. Some consumers may prefer interns to observe only. ICS recognizes that not all situations are suitable for interns to interpret.
What kind of experience should I expect from my internship?
The ICS internship focuses on freelance interpreting, offering experiences in various settings such as post-secondary education, theatrical/performance, religious, business, community, and medical. Please note that experiences vary each semester based on availability.
Interns will collaborate with Internship director, Kaycee Summers, to set their schedule and complete an orientation session. You will accompany a qualified interpreter mentor on freelance jobs, either for observation or hands-on teaming. Interns are expected to prepare independently for each assignment.
How many hours will I get?
The number of internship hours vary based on the intern’s school requirements. A typical internship is between 200-500 hours.
An internship with ICS requires a minimum of 250 hours.
What is the length of my internship?
The length of the internship within the chosen semester is dependent on the start date, amount of internship hours, and other factors your program may require.
Will I get paid for my internship?
No, internships/mentorships are not paid positions. The intern is responsible to cover their own expenses incurred during their internship (including but not limited to: lodging, travel, and personal expenses).
I have additional questions, who do I contact?
Include your additional inquiries in your application email to Kaycee Summers at Internship@InclusiveASL.com.