- How did interpreting start? ASLIA was established in 1991 as our first national professional association for sign language interpreters. Prior to that, we had state associations which then federated. Before those state bodies, there was plenty of interpreting work being done, but not yet acknowledged as 'interpreting'. In those days, it was routine day to day work that was unrecognised. Often, family and friends would help out. At deaf schools, the teachers often did interpreting work both inside the classroom and out in the community. Deaf students who came from deaf families would often assist other students by interpreting and translation at school, and also for their families and the Deaf community. Deaf adults who are more literate and bilingual have always assisted with informal interpreting and translation in the Deaf Community. And, a lot of interpreting work was done by the welfare offices at state deaf societies. Their role was much more a 'helper' or advocate-style, compared with the boundaries we have for interpreters today. For example, if a deaf person had received a letter that they didn't understand, they could go to their Deaf Society and get an explanation, and advice. Or if they weren't sure how to apply for a job, they could come and ask the welfare officer, and that officer would organise and set up the interview and do the interpreting, and the deaf person would hopefully get the job as a result. Welfare officers were much more involved than interpreters are today.