SAN ANTONIO — It’s estimated there are 4 million deaf people in the United States, and about 10% of that population lives in Texas.
Down in the basement at San Antonio College, it’s less about what you say, and more about how you say it.
“Most people are intrigued by the beauty of the language,” interpreter Chevon Ramey said. “But once you get into it, like most other cultures, you get into the culture and you learn the people. And it's an amazing group of people.”
Chevon Ramey is an American Sign Language interpreter and instructor. For a decade she’s been teaching others how to use their hands, being a voice for those in the deaf community.
“Any aspect of the deaf person’s life you can think of from birth to death,” Ramey said. “...we are a part of. An awesome responsibility that we have,” Ramey said.
SAC has the only ASL interpreter training program in San Antonio, and has the strictest requirements in Texas.
“So, if they finish all of their courses, but Texas doesn’t give them their certificate to work as interpreters, they don’t graduate,” Dr. Tom Cox said.
Dr. Tom Cox, chair of languages at SAC says most students come into the program and have never met a deaf person, but that doesn’t last long.
“From the very first day in ASL 1 the classes are taught by deaf people and completely in ASL,” Dr. Cox said.
With millions of deaf people across the country, Cox says there are not enough interpreters to go around. That’s why its services come at a premium. In as little as two years at San Antonio College, students can transition from the classroom to the workforce. Entry-level interpreters can make $25-30 an hour on jobs.
“I’ve never needed to look for work,” Dr. Cox said. “Work has always found me. I’ve always had the opportunity to interpret somewhere.”
Chevon says it has been amazing making her second language her career, and loves being around all types of students.
“All those deaf students that are just coming to attend college also will hangout down here,” Ramey said. “This is the hub. This is home.”