ECU Health, a prominent academic health system, is expanding its role as both a rural care provider and a training center for healthcare professionals. Recently, the organization introduced a new American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter Residency program to address a significant need for skilled ASL interpreters in eastern North Carolina.
The ASL Interpreter Residency, which began in April, aims to increase the availability of ASL interpreters across ECU Health’s hospitals and clinics. The program also seeks to train the next generation of medical interpreters.
With over 500,000 ASL users in the U.S., making it the third most common language after English and Spanish, the need for qualified ASL interpreters in healthcare settings is substantial. ECU Health ASL Coordinator Reid Barnes, who developed the program, highlighted this growing demand. “There is a massive need for ASL interpreters in healthcare both nationally and locally,” said Barnes. “Modeling our program after the physician residency experience seemed like a natural fit for our academic health system.”
The residency program is structured as a two-year commitment. In the first year, residents focus on developing their skills and gain experience in clinical interpreting under close supervision. The second year includes hospital and clinical work, along with contributing to ongoing educational efforts.
Barnes, ECU Health’s sole full-time ASL interpreter, manages up to seven patients daily across a 29-county service area, underscoring the high demand for interpreters. However, becoming a specialized medical ASL interpreter involves more than just general ASL certification. It requires targeted workshops and hands-on experience, which can be challenging for newer interpreters.
The ECU Health ASL Interpreter Residency program was created to address these challenges. “Healthcare should always be provided in a patient’s native language,” Barnes noted. “For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, communication barriers can significantly impact their healthcare experience. This program allows us to improve patient services and train skilled medical interpreters.”
Jordan Satchell, the first resident in the program, brings experience from her role as an experience coordinator in ECU Health Medical Center’s emergency department. She values the opportunity to enhance her interpreting skills and deepen her understanding of healthcare. “Returning to ECU Health as the first ASL Interpreter Resident has been rewarding in many ways,” said Satchell. “This program has helped me improve my skills and knowledge. I am excited to continue serving patients, breaking down communication barriers, and supporting future residents.”
Barnes and Satchell will work together to refine the program based on patient needs and ensure it delivers the best possible experience for residents.
