Abstract
The article analyzes the sociopolitical evolution that the role of sign language interpreter has registered in recent decades, in the international context and in Portugal. The participation and empowerment movements of the deaf community and associations, in the defense and guarantee of rights, are highlighted. Despite the public recognition of the functions performed by these professionals, the regulation of the signing interpreting job in Portugal is not yet a reality. The recent visibility of this professional class is analyzed, following the pandemic context, with the prospect of new paths for the dignification of the profession and, in this way, for the continuity of the mission of guaranteeing the rights of the deaf community. These conditions and circumstances, transversal to other nations, will certainly inspire international paths to support social progress.
Keywords
Sign language interpreters; Language Policies; Portugal; Government