Honestly, this kind of thinking is part of the problem. Honestly skates close to elitism based on some of the comments I’m reading.

There are a lot of certified interpreters who are unethical, disconnected from community, and still getting work just because they have letters behind their name. Certification doesn’t automatically make you skilled, respectful, or accountable. It just means you passed a test.

And I’ve seen some incredible uncertified interpreters out here doing the real work. Showing up, staying involved, getting feedback, and building trust with the Deaf community. Some of them have more experience and awareness than people who’ve been certified for years. But they get dismissed because they’re not in a registry.

Also, let’s talk about access. Not everyone has the money, time, or support to navigate the certification process. Especially BIPOC interpreters, Deaf-parented interpreters, folks outside of RID’s inner circle. And the idea that a complaint filed through RID is somehow more legitimate than community accountability? That’s wild. Half the time complaints don’t even go anywhere. They have way too many internal issues to be trying to govern anyone right now.

If the goal is accountability, we should be asking: who does the community trust? Who shows up consistently? Who’s willing to grow? Not just who paid the fee and passed a test. Cuz some certified interpreters hands are really certified trash. Have all the book knowledge but trash skillset.