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Publications

The following are the compiled publications gartherd by the IRIS Project that relate to increasing the quantity and quality of interpreters working and living in rural settings.

Decker, Kelly L. and Hardesty, Schawn M. (2024) "The Current Rural Sign Language Interpreter Landscape: Examining the Fields' Collective Accountability," International Journal of Interpreter Education: Vol. 15: Iss. 1, Article 11.
Available at:

Rural Interpreter Training: Challenges, Gaps, and Opportunities by S. Hardesty of the IRIS Project (2023)

ASL Summary by the IRIS Project:

Publication Abstract: Rural sign language interpreters often experience unique challenges, gaps, and opportunities in interpreter training compared to their urban peers. The paper examined the results of a needs assessment survey disseminated by the Improving Rural Interpreter Skills (IRIS) Project to identify stakeholders’ perceptions of the challenges, gaps, and opportunities in rural interpreting. The 20-question survey was distributed by email to 279 rural interpreting stakeholders across the United States, of which 71 responded. Stakeholders’ responses indicated significant challenges including systemic barriers to technology, living wages, and job security; gaps in formal training opportunities and limited exposure to diverse language models, peers, and mentors; and opportunities to increase professional networking and bring workshops and classes to rural interpreters in their local communities, both in person and remotely. The implications of this research were used in the design and delivery of IRIS Project’s rural interpreter training, and stakeholders’ perceived opportunities were integrated into the fabric of IRIS programming. Further, it will inform future research on approaches to improve the quality of and access to rural interpreter training.