Interpreting
Before the founding of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf in 1964, sign language interpreting was primarily a volunteer effort. Parents, children, co-workers, and clergy helped as they could to convey information. Rarely did deaf people and the hearing people with whom they are talking have access to consistent quality interpreting. Confidentiality was also a concern. The Registry's work to make interpreting a profession has made this complex and physically demanding skill more accessible to all people.