When I first began interpreting the field used the phrase low language to describe people who did not use standard ASL. Later that phrase was deemed to be derogatory and a new phrase was coined, high visual language. Neither phrase actually encompasses the entire concept nor includes all individuals who need interpreting that goes beyond the bounds of signing in an English grammatical structure or signing in standard American Sign Language.

          I was fortunate while I was growing up to have an older cousin who taught me sign language in his own way. He never fingerspelled or sat me down with a book of signs but rather taught me to try to describe what I wanted to say using my hands, the space around me, my creativity, and any means that got the point across. From there he would lead me to the ASL for what I wanted to say. This experience enabled me to “think outside of the box” when it comes to language and communication.

          I later worked at a group home whom all the residents were Deaf and had other cognitive challenges. I was able to apply what I had learnt while growing up in that job. I have interpreted for many people who have a wide variety of language needs and preferences. My ability to expand and contract language in my interpretations has made many interpreting events run smoothly and have successful communication. I also teach a workshop on expansion and compression techniques.