Definition of Occupation

Enables communication between individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and people who can hear. Uses signed language (which includes aspects such as lip movements, facial expressions and finger-spelling) to interpret and transliterate between spoken and manual communication. The type of signed language used is determined by the language modality of the client who is deaf or hard-of-hearing. American Sign Language (ASL) is preferred by people who are pre-lingually deaf. Pidgin Signed English (PSE) and Signed Exact English (SEE) may be appropriate for those whose communication is more English-based such as people who became deaf post-lingually. Tactile Signing is used by people who are deaf and blind. May specialize in one or more of these modalities or voice-to-sign interpreting, sign-to-voice interpreting or cued speech. May work in variety of settings including schools, hospitals, entertainment venues, court systems and other government agencies or private businesses.