The NCIEC conducted an extensive online national survey of Deaf Interpreters in March 2007. The survey was distributed through several channels including the Deaf_Interpreter@yahoogroups.com listserv and DI email lists of the NCIEC’s Regional Interpreter Education Centers. See the map of the regions at interpretereducation.org

At the beginning of the online survey administration, an explanatory introduction was presented in ASL. To ensure wide distribution, respondents were encouraged to pass the survey on to other Deaf Interpreter colleagues. The 196 DI respondents represented all NCIEC regions.

The survey sought to find out out who Deaf Interpreters are (family education, credentials, experience, etc.), what settings they work in, which consumer groups they serve, and what their professional development needs and aspirations are.