Transcribing-the New Interpreting?

Technology is quickly becoming an essential part of almost any professional field. It helps make processes quicker and more efficient. However, for ASL interpreters, technology can also change a lot of the core aspects of our field. Many deaf college students and even deaf adults in other fields are choosing to use transcribing as a way to ascertain important information. They prefer this to having a signing interpreter in the room, because it can sometimes be a more efficient way to have acess to the information being given. However, this means that less ASL interpreters are needed. The way many interpreters have solved this problem is by training to be a transcriber as well as in interpreter in order to be available to a wider range of consumers. While I personally prefer ASL to typing, I am also aware that the rapid advancement of technology calls for an adaptation of those affected by it. Therefore, I am willing to be trained as a transcriber if it means furthering my employment. This is just the first phase of transition due to technology that interpreters are having to deal with. I believe as technology improves even more, we will face new obstacles to which we will have to adapt.