By Logan Waddell | Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015
We’re all familiar with the interpreter symbol that is displayed on advertisements that indicate that a sign language interpreter will be present. Being all about some equal access and whatnot, I began to question… “Why is there nothing representing the presence of a cued language transliterator?” So, I posed this question on the Cued Speech Facebook page on December 3rd, 2014. The whole cue-niverse responded with comments, suggestions, and excitement. After consulting with Tom Shull (maybe you’ve heard of him?), I began to design my own symbol.
It began with a basic idea in my head, some paper, and a sketch of my hand that looked like those turkey pictures kids draw in kindergarten where they trace their hands. My goal was to have something to present to the NCSA board meeting that spring. Unfortunately, life got in the way, and I was unable to attend. On the bright side, I had more time to perfect my “masterpiece.” I eventually consulted with an art major from the university for feedback, along with some other professionals in the cue-munity and beyond, and sent my final draft to Premier Screen Printing, a local business. They were able to make the design look more like a professional symbol and less like a five year old’s art project.
When I showed this symbol to the NCSA, everyone seemed to approve of the design. Now, the next step is to get this idea out to the public and educate them about the purposes. I hope to eventually see this featured on flyers or other advertisements for events in which a CLT will be present. I want deaf cuers to be able to recognize it and know when an event will be transliterated. Also, this symbol is public domain, which means you're free to use it on any of your cueing events where a transliterator will be provided. My hope is to see this symbol plastered around by the 50th birthday of Cued Speech next year. Happy cueing!