National ASL Interpreter Income Study: Results and Ethical Discussion for Oklahoma Interpreters
February 21, 2026
10am to 1pm
.3 PS CEUs have been approved for this workshop. Workshop will be presented in ASL with no English interpretation.
OKRID Member Rate: $30 Non Member Rate: $45 Student Member Rate: $5 Deaf Community Members who do not need CEUs can attend for free, but do need to register.
**Members need to login to get the member rate**
Presenters: Colleen Jones, NIC and Steve Smith, NIC
Colleen Jones (CJ) is the owner of The Insightful Interpreter and is a nationally certified interpreter, researcher, teacher, and presenter from Seattle, Washington. She holds undergraduate degrees from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and Seattle Central Community College, and a Masters degree from Western Oregon University.
CJ’s interpreting work is focused on medical, business, and DeafBlind settings, and she has published research on the topics of gender bias, consumer orientation, and interpreter income.
In her spare time (what's that?) CJ enjoys getting in cold water, developing her green thumb, and travel. She is currently working on a bucket list of islands to visit across the world.
Steve Smith is a nationally certified Deaf-parented interpreter living in a suburb of Sacramento, California. He especially enjoys working with Deaf academics and professionals. Steve values the education he received from the Deaf community and from lived experience, and he is passionate about supporting both new and experienced interpreters in becoming the best practitioners they can be. His work on the National Interpreter Income Survey has provided opportunities to transform the interpreting profession as we know it, sparking dialogue and fostering change across the field. When he's not interpreting, Steve enjoys trail running, kayaking, and spending time with his wife, three children, and three grandchildren.
Workshop Description:
For too long, conversations about interpreter income, rates, and finances have been swept under the rug. We've heard the stories of inequity, especially for interpreters from marginalized communities. We’ve seen the toll that scarcity takes:
burnout
interpreters leaving the field
underskilled practitioners
lack of preparedness for retirement
Lack of discussion on these critical issues has only caused harm, impacting both interpreters and the Deaf community we serve. Let’s bring these hidden truths to light.
This engaging session presents results from the first-of-its-kind National ASL Interpreter Income Study. This isn't just about raw numbers; it's about understanding the nuance and context of the interpreter experience. We are sharing rich demographic, sentiment, and workplace information, all presented in clear, compelling graphics. We will explore how various factors overlap and align, with income data that has real meaning after it's been adjusted for regional cost of living.
This session isn't just a data dump. It's an invitation to evidence-based dialogue. We'll confront pervasive myths and anecdotes with hard data, fostering a space for honest discussion. You'll have the chance to consider real-world applications, impacts on your own practice, and how you can bring this vital information back to your own communities.
It's time for interpreters to get ahead of the curve. It's time to understand how our relationship with money impacts our work, ourselves, and the Deaf community. Join us to explore this unprecedented data, engage in vital conversations guided by evidence and equity, and contribute to the positive change our field desperately needs.
Educational Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
Analyze and assess at least one common narrative about interpreter income, utilizing both new and existing data
Examine their own business practices, reflecting on the emotions, narratives, and evidence that have contributed to their decisions
Describe at least two areas of business practices where interpreter practitioners and/or students could benefit from further exploration, research, and information-sharing
Cancellations before February 14 can receive a refund. After that, registration can only be transferred but not refunded.
ACCOMMODATIONS: For reasonable accommodations, please contact us: president@okrid.org
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: Oklahoma Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. This event upholds nondiscriminatory practices and encourages a learning environment of mutual respect and free from bias.
Oklahoma Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf is an approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities.
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