Spencer Fitzpatrick - ASL Interpreter Portfolio

About Me

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 Fluency
Deaf Culture Awareness
Ethical Professional Practice
Courtroom Interpreting
Educational Interpreting
Medical & Healthcare Settings
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)

Experience

Building skills through education and practice

ASL-English Interpreter Program

Current - In Progress

Comprehensive training in American Sign Language interpreting including:

Apply knowledge of linguistic, cross-cultural, and interpretation theories
Demonstrate communicative competency in English and in ASL through effective communication in a variety of settings with Deaf and hearing participants of varying age, gender, and ethnicity
Analyze, identify, and apply personal, professional, and ethical decisions in a manner consistent with theoretical models and standard professional practices that align in service with the goal of the setting and Deaf and hearing participants
Demonstrate interpersonal competencies that foster effective communication and productive collaboration with colleagues, Deaf and hearing consumers, employers, and team members in an interpreting context
Formulate effective interpretations both consecutively and simultaneously following a practice profession framework

Conversational ASL Credential

Southern Oregon University | September 2022 - June 2024

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

Developed essential communication skills in ASL for real-world purposes through immersive activities, hands-on projects, and communicatively purposeful tasks
Learned ASL thematically, focusing on communication goals that support skills for confident communication with ASL-speaking audiences outside of the classroom and with the deaf community
Developed a deeper understanding of the deaf community, culture, and perspectives through interactive learning activities with the community
Developed the ability to apply language learning strategies and techniques, including self-assessment and reflection, to constantly improve ASL proficiency

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, Hard of Hearing, and hearing community members.

Provided event support for community climbing events conducted entirely in American Sign Language
Expanded my own cultural competency and appreciation of Deaf Culture
Promoted fun, recreational opportunities in the community fostering learning, cultural awareness, and sensitivity

Download My Resume

Work Samples

Educational

This section will feature interpreting in an educational setting, demonstrating academic vocabulary and lecture interpreting skills.

Educational Academic

Community Event

This section will feature interpreting in a public event, group communication setting.

Community Public Speaking

Medical Setting

This section will feature a healthcare interpreting sample demonstrating medical terminology and committment to accurate communication.

Medical Healthcare

Business Setting

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

Business Professional

Storytelling

This section will feature a sample demonstrating ASL storytelling.

Story Telling Narrative

Legal and Courtroom Setting

This section will feature a sample demonstrating legal and courtroom interpreting.

Courtroom Legal

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.

Professional ASL Interpreter