Kim Martin, a sign language interpreter, has received a statewide award for her work with deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Martin, who has over two decades of experience in sign language interpretation, was named interpreter of the year by the North Carolina Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. She has been the lead interpreter for Buncombe County Schools since 2004.
Martin’s work goes beyond interpretation. She helps children who struggle with language deprivation, a condition that affects many deaf children during their early years of development. Martin serves as a language role model and teacher for these children.
Martin works with a team of professionals, including an audiologist, teachers of the deaf, and other interpreters. They support students from preschool to high school, providing academic and social assistance throughout the school day.
This year, the team started a deaf education playgroup to combat language deprivation. The playgroup helps the youngest students learn language before they start academic learning. Martin and her team are also reviving a program that brings deaf and hard-of-hearing students together, promoting a sense of community.