What are the potential benefits of a career in sign language?

Question

How long does it take on average to become-fluent?

Answer 1

Well the truth is it is easier to find a job in a career using sign language. Often it is the sad truth that it is easier because of the lack of skills that people sometimes posses. The reasons are that a career in sign language interpreting, for example, is in higher demand is because the laws that are associated with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). This act require businesses, schools, doctors, etc. to provide interpreting services to those who are in need. It doesn't do that same for Latino people, or any other culture. America does not currently require interpreting services for any other culture except that of the Deaf culture.

Becoming fluent can take many years, and usually doesn't happen until you have immersed yourself into the Deaf world. One could probably start on a career path using sign language 3-4 years after good schooling, 2 years if they are totally immersed. Then because of the demand and way sign language careers are set-up now one wouldn't become "fluent" until they have already begun their career.

Career possibilities:
-Interpreter
-Teacher of ASL
-Teacher of the Deaf
-Social Worker
-And other jobs where ASL (American Sign Language) is not the main qualification but is still nice to have.

Answer 2

People who know sign language are needed in the same capacity as a person who knows a foreign language. Signers are needed businesses (we have a few at my job), schools (all levels), community gatherings, performing arts, religious gatherings, social services. The medical and legal fields really need them.
Fluency depends on the student's learning capabilities (it is like learning a brand new language), the teaching structure, and the amount of usage/ practice the person gets. Many higher education institutions provide sign language classes - to work in the medical and legal field, you need to be certified and/ or pass some tests on a more proficient basis.