Improving the health and well-being of sign language interpreters
Official title: Health protection and promotion of sign language interpreters through implementation of Total Worker Health?
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10931961 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping sign language interpreters feel better both physically and mentally by testing a special health program made just for them, so they can continue to support the deaf community in the best way possible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $107,931 |
| NIH project number | 5K01OH012441-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931961 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are sign language interpreters who are seeking to improve their physical and mental health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not sign language interpreters or who do not work in related fields may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the physical and mental health of sign language interpreters, who play a crucial role in facilitating communication for deaf communities. By utilizing a holistic approach known as Total Worker Health, the study aims to adapt and evaluate a tailored health and well-being curriculum specifically designed for interpreters. Through mixed-methods and clinical trials, the research will assess the effectiveness of this program in improving interpreter well-being compared to a standard health program. The project involves collaboration with interpreters to ensure the curriculum meets their unique needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant improvements in the health and well-being of sign language interpreters, ultimately enhancing their ability to serve the deaf community.
How similar studies have gone: While the Total Worker Health approach has been applied in various occupational health contexts, this specific adaptation for sign language interpreters is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roman, Gretchen — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Roman, Gretchen
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.