A Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) is an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing and has been certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. A Certified Deaf Interpreter may be needed when the communication mode of a deaf consumer is so unique that it cannot be adequately assessed or accessed by interpreters who are hearing. Some such situations may involve individuals whom:
- use idiosyncratic non-standard signs or gestures such as those commonly referred to as “home signs” which are unique to a family
- use a foreign sign language
are deaf-blind or deaf with limited vision
- use signs particular to a given region, ethnic or age group
have minimal or limited language skills
- have characteristics reflective of Deaf Culture and not familiar to hearing interpreters
- Legal or mental health situations may also require a Deaf interpreter whose first language fluency allows for more accurate interpretation