Maine is one of twenty-two states that currently require occupational licensing for sign language interpreters. Though this measure may seem appropriate and even necessary in order to ensure those who rely on interpreters are receiving quality services, mandatory licensing can actually restrict the supply of much-needed interpreters without providing tangible benefits to consumers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for interpreters in the United States is expected to increase by 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is 11 percent faster than the average growth of all occupations. Diane Roebuck, a teacher in the American Sign Language…
Author: Luba Sigaud
Luba Sigaud
Luba Sigaud is a native of Rockland, Maine. She is currently pursuing a degree in Speech Language Pathology from Granite State College and enjoys traveling, writing, and drinking strong espresso. She can be reached at lmsigaud@gmail.com.
Without a doubt, the digital age has brought innumerable advantages to modern life. More than ever before, individuals have access to a wealth of information on the internet – information that, not so long ago, could only be acquired through extensive research. Today, with the dawn of voice-activated services such as Amazon’s “Alexa”, learning anything has never been easier. But could there be unforeseen downsides to such devices? Could it be that the desire for progress has begun to trump an individual’s right to privacy? Though Alexa is a helpful device that has made its way into millions of American…