MAY 18, 2005- In Michigan, more than 860,000 people have hearing loss.   While not all people who are deaf or hard of hearing use sign language, there is currently a need for more sign language interpreters in the State of Michigan.  The May edition of the Job Show, the monthly cable TV show produced by the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) is featuring information on the growing career opportunities in the field of sign language interpreters.

The 30-minute program, hosted by DLEG’s Nirva Civilus, features two guests involved in training sign language interpreters, Maureen Wallace, from the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns and Ashley Oakley of Lansing Community college.

Each guest outlines the need for sign language interpreters and the importance of the career to the state’s 21^st century workforce. The show focuses on the academic requirements, day to day responsibilities of the job as well as certification.

The program will air throughout the month of May on 76 cable TV systems statewide. To find out when the 30-minute segment will air on your local cable channel, see the Job Show website at www.dleg.state.mi.us/jobshow. 

For more information on sign language interpreters, contact:

Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns, Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing at   517-334-8000 (Voice or TTY) or toll free 1-877-499-6232 (Voice or TTY).

• Lansing

  Community College

  , (517) 483-5329 (Voice or TTY).

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth news releases.