Ohlone College made history as the first institution in the nation to designate its Interpreting Education Program as Deaf-centered, marking a major milestone in interpreter training and Deaf advocacy. This designation recognizes the college’s unwavering commitment to placing Deaf perspectives at the core of interpreter education.
The Deaf-Centered Interpreting Preparation Program (DCIPP) ensures that curriculum, instruction and mentorship are guided by Deaf professionals and community needs. This approach strengthens cultural competency and linguistic fluency, ultimately fostering more effective, community-centered interpreters.
Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT) President Leslie C. Greer praised Ohlone’s efforts: “We commend Ohlone’s Deaf-Centered Interpreting Preparation Program for pioneering efforts in reshaping the field to better align with the true needs of the Deaf community.”
With this milestone, Ohlone College continues to expand its legacy as a premier institution for Deaf Studies and interpreter education. As the DCIPP continues to grow, the program serves as a model for institutions nationwide, reinforcing the critical role of Deaf professionals in interpreter training.
“With Deaf individuals on our faculty team, Deaf mentors, and opportunities to socialize with Deaf students taking other classes at Ohlone, we strive to produce interpreters who can complete our program and transition to becoming professional interpreters,” states Jim Brune, coordinator and instructor of DCIPP.
Through this innovative and community-rooted approach, Ohlone College continues to shape the next generation of highly skilled, socially conscious and Deaf-centered interpreters—setting a new standard for interpreter education across the country.
For more information on the program, visit www.ohlone.edu/deafstudies/dcipp or contact Stefanie Ellis-Gonzales, the counselor for Deaf, ASL and DCIPP students at se************@oh****.edu.
