My ASL Interpreting Intern Experience at the NYC Half Marathon

“And they're off…” Times Square bustled with energy as the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon kicked off. Amidst the sea of participants, one group stood out with their unstoppable spirit—the kids! With their infectious enthusiasm, these young runners hit the starting line grinning ear to ear.

As an inclusive intern, I was lucky enough to witness the marathon's inclusivity, from the wheelchair division to ASL interpreters for Deaf and hard-of-hearing runners. It was inspiring to see such accessibility measures in action.

ASL Interpreting Lessons at Races and Marathons

Working alongside a supportive team, I practiced my interpreting skills in this unique setting. A recurring focus of the event was matching the presenter's energy while interpreting.

The announcers and hosts were upbeat and spirited, setting the stage for the race day by hyping up the crowds. Mirroring the same positive and bold tone in my signing was essential for effective communication.

An interpreting technique that helped emphasize the high energy of the event was expanding my signing space. The signing space is the three-dimensional space in front of the signer, typically from the waist to the forehead and from one side of the body to the other.

Utilizing a broader signing space to sign with larger motions enabled clearer communication. I noticed in the crowds that this adjustment made it easier for the runners to follow along.

Accessibility at Races and Marathons

Throughout race day, the announcer's rallying cry of "finish your story" echoed, serving as a powerful reminder of each runner's potential to reach the finish line. Thanks to the accessibility accommodations at the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, every participant had the opportunity to cross that finish line.

Ensuring equal communication access within all aspects of the race created a supportive and empowering environment that all runners deserve to experience.

My experience at the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon was nothing short of inspiring! Looking ahead, I hope to continue working with athletic initiatives, where inclusivity is not just encouraged but embraced wholeheartedly.

For more insights on creating inclusive marathons, I recommend checking out the advice of Deaf world runner, Thomas Eller, in this inclusive interview. Or contact us at ICS so we can begin planning your accessible race day!