Earl Harden
Earl began learning ASL in the early 1990s in his hometown of New Orleans, LA when his sister (now an RID-certified interpreter in Longview, TX) began learning ASL to communicate with a Deaf girl who attended worship services in their congregation. In the process of obtaining an Associate's Degree in Drafting from Delgado Community College in New Orleans(1993), Earl took ASL I and II, which only strengthened his desire to delve deeper into his Deaf studies. In January 1995, Earl relocated to Patterson, NY to serve as volunteer at the Watchtower Educational Center. He regularly associated with the Deaf communities of upstate New York and Connecticut, where his knowledge of ASL was expanded and refined. He initially worked with the Audio/Video department of ASL drama projects as a playback operator, later serving as a camera operator and proofreader for several ASL programs. Working with on-camera Deaf talent and off-camera Deaf translators, Earl interpreted stage directions, seminars, and other programs. His duties also involved contacting Deaf talent, organizing casts for ASL Bible dramas, and assisting with storyboarding, direction, and editing of ASL video productions.
In late 2006, Earl and his wife moved to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, where he earned his BEI certification and interpreted for various colleges and interpreting agencies, including training with Sorenson VRS. In August 2012, Earl, his wife, and 3-year-old son relocated to Shreveport, LA where they welcomed their second child. He currently serves as The Director of Interpreting Services at The Betty and Leonard Phillips Deaf Action Center. Now holding his BEI Advanced certification, Earl continues to serve the Deaf community to the best of his ability -- and aims to have fun doing it.
