Professional ASL Interpretation Services

Bridging communication gaps with certified, culturally sensitive American Sign Language interpretation.

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ASL Interpretation

About Me

Passionate about accessibility and communication

My Mission

My mission is to make communication access more equitable and available to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, in a professional and caring way, and to help to bridge the hearing world with that of the Deaf community.

Hello! Welcome to my EPortfolio. I am Spencer Fitzpatrick and I am an interpreting student at American River College’s Interpreter Preparation Program. I learned American Sign Language in Ashland, Oregon at Southern Oregon University, where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Philosophy. I completed 2 years of ASL courses there, and before the first semester had finished, I knew I wanted to be an interpreter. I had become very close with my ASL teacher and he has inspired me to work with and for the Deaf community as an interpreter.

My other passions include rock climbing and reading. I have been climbing since I was very young and it is truly my happy place. It is a perfect mixture of physical activity and mental stimulation. While on the wall, your strength and dexterity are tested, as well as your problem solving and quick thinking skills. I have steadily improved and now I am able to climb V6 problems. My love of reading also started quite young. I read Jules Verne and Mark Twain and fell in love with science fiction. Now my collection is over 100 books and I especially love the works of Arthur C. Clarke, Frank Herbert, Dan Simmons and Isaac Asimov. A life goal of mine is to read the entirety of Asimov’s Robots/Empire/Foundation series. These interests are what bonded me to my ASL teacher and I would practice ASL through discussions about novels. We have kept in touch and have an ASL Book Club.

I live in the Sacramento area and am willing to travel within reason for work. Please take a few minutes to browse my portfolio to learn more about me. I am excited to work with you!

Core Competencies

  • American Sign Language (ASL) Fluency
  • Deaf Culture Awareness
  • Ethical Professional Practice
  • Educational Interpretation
  • Medical & Healthcare Settings
  • Video Remote Interpretation (VRI)

Experience

Building skills through education and practice

ASL-English Interpreter Program

Current - In Progress

Comprehensive training in American Sign Language interpretation including:

  • Advanced ASL linguistics and grammar
  • Simultaneous and consecutive interpretation techniques
  • Professional ethics and the RID Code of Professional Conduct
  • Cultural mediation and Deaf community engagement
  • Specialized vocabulary for various settings (medical, legal, educational)

Conversational ASL Credential

Southern Oregon University | September 2022 - June 2024

Completed a comprehensive two-year American Sign Language program developing foundational linguistic and cultural competencies essential for effective interpretation. This intensive coursework provided the linguistic foundation necessary for professional interpretation practice.

  • Developed receptive and expressive ASL fluency through progressive coursework spanning four semesters
  • Studied ASL grammar, syntax, and linguistic structures to achieve conversational proficiency
  • Engaged in Deaf culture studies, learning cultural norms, values, and community dynamics
  • Built specialized vocabulary across multiple domains including academic, social, and technical contexts
  • Practiced real-time comprehension and production of ASL in diverse communication scenarios
  • Earned credential demonstrating proficiency in conversational American Sign Language

Deaf Community Engagement - Deaf Climb Nights

Southern Oregon University Recreation Center | 2022 - 2024

Facilitated and participated in monthly Deaf Climb Night events, creating accessible recreational spaces for Deaf community members while gaining valuable immersion experience in ASL-primary environments.

  • Provided event support for community climbing events conducted entirely in American Sign Language
  • Engaged in authentic ASL communication with Deaf community members in social and recreational contexts
  • Developed cultural competency through direct interaction with diverse members of the Deaf community
  • Practiced receptive and expressive ASL skills in real-world, unscripted conversational settings
  • Built relationships within the local Deaf community, fostering cultural awareness and sensitivity
  • Gained experience navigating ASL-primary spaces and understanding Deaf social norms
Download My Resume

View my complete professional background and qualifications

Work Samples

Demonstrations of interpretation skills

Educational Interpretation Sample

This section will feature an educational interpretation sample demonstrating academic vocabulary and lecture interpretation skills.

Educational Academic
Community Event Interpretation

This section will feature a community interpretation sample showcasing public event and group communication interpretation.

Community Public Speaking
Medical Terminology Demonstration

This section will feature a healthcare interpretation sample demonstrating medical terminology and patient communication skills.

Medical Healthcare
Business Meeting Interpretation

This section will feature a business interpretation sample demonstrating professional workplace communication skills.

Business Professional
Storytelling & Cultural Expression

This section will feature a narrative interpretation sample demonstrating ASL storytelling and cultural expression techniques.

Cultural Narrative
Video Remote Interpretation (VRI)

This section will feature a VRI sample demonstrating remote interpretation skills and virtual platform best practices.

VRI Technology

Work samples will be added as they become available through my program and professional practice. All samples will be created with appropriate permissions and follow ethical guidelines.

Resources & References

Professional organizations and community connections

Professional Resources

RID - Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

The premier national membership organization for sign language interpreters, providing certification, professional development, and ethical standards.

Visit RID

NAD - National Association of the Deaf

The nation's premier civil rights organization of, by, and for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, advocating for accessibility and equality.

Visit NAD

EIPA - Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment

Specialized assessment tool measuring the skills and knowledge of interpreters and transliterators who work in educational settings.

Visit EIPA

NorCal Services for Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Sacramento-based organization providing comprehensive services, advocacy, and support for the Deaf and hard of hearing community in Northern California.

Visit NorCal
Additional Sacramento Area Resources
  • California Department of Developmental Services: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resources
  • Alta California Regional Center: Service Coordination

Professional References

References Available Upon Request

Professional references from instructors, supervisors, and colleagues will be provided upon request as I continue to build my professional network and complete my certification program.

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Let's discuss your interpretation needs

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Whether you need interpretation for educational settings, medical appointments, business meetings, or special events, I'm here to help facilitate clear and effective communication.

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ASL Communication