ABSTRACT
This chapter is a review of sign language interpreting in North America, including Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Critical issues have arisen with a shortage of qualified personnel in all countries and market disorder due to the growing demand. As a result of legislation, interpreters have entered fields such as education and video relay service, perhaps with little training in either. The field has also tried to redefine the role of an interpreter, from a helper to an ally, and one who recognises social justice issues. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a call for Deaf interpreters to provide sign langue interpreting services from the lens of a native user of the language. As a result, emerging debates have begun concerning how hearing interpreters support Deaf interpreters and their work. In addition, the fight for social justice in the wake of the George Floyd murder has also made an impact on the field. White sign language interpreters have been called upon to re-evaluate their privilege, and there has been an accelerated the call for Black and Brown sign language interpreters. While many milestones have been reached in the field, there is still much to do as it continues to mature.
