Sequoia Taylor-El: Sign Language Interpreter
On this edition of Artist Spotlight, we highlight Sequoia Taylor-El, who works as an American Sign Language interpreter. Born in Albany, New York, Sequoia’s first introduction into sign language began in kindergarten when she learned her ABCs. Although she doesn’t view interpreting as a traditional form of art, Sequoia is no stranger to the discipline. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Music from Howard University and a Masters of Art in Interpretation from Gallaudet University. She found that living in DC, an area that she called the “mecca” of the Deaf community, allowed her to immerse herself in the culture and sharpen her knowledge of sign language.
Currently, Sequoia is a freelance interpreter in the DC area. She works primarily in government settings (federal, state and local), but also enjoys interpreting for families and the community. In addition, she is also the president of the National Alliance of Black Interpreters, District of Columbia (NAOBI-DC) an organization committed to promoting excellence, and empowerment for African American/Black interpreting professionals in recruitment, networking, h,professional development, moral support, training and research.
As an interpreter, Sequoia’s job involves understanding the nuances of both sign language and English to make effective communication happen. She spoke about the importance of proper hand shapes and movements matched with different facial expressions to convey the proper message. When interpreters don’t use these critical language skills especially in large scale or high-profile events, it impacts the entire profession. “It’s definitely come up in the news more in the last five years than I think anyone would have liked or appreciated.” She believes technology and social media have contributed to the high visibility of these instances.
Sequoia believes language barriers can always be overcome, as long as we remember the importance of humanizing those around us and connecting with people where they are. She shared that in meeting a Deaf person, someone who doesn’t know sign is encouraged to use gesture to communicate, or even technology “everyone has a phone now, pull that out and type what’s necessary.” In this discussion, Sequoia implored everyone to bridge the gap between the Deaf and hearing community, making knowledge of ASL more widespread. “I would love my job to be obsolete, like…we don’t need you anymore because everyone is…. being communicated with directly. I might just bow out gracefully and retire.”
Some suggested ASL resources:
https://www.signschool.com/
http://asl.ms/
http://lifeprint.com/
For those looking into starting a career as a sign language interpreter:
https://www.naobidc.org/
https://rid.org/