Haley’s sign language interpreter’s flair gains attention of social media
COLUMBIA — A Charleston sign language interpreter said he’s surprised by the amount of attention he’s getting for providing the service during the state’s Hurricane Matthew emergency updates this week.
“I’m doing my job,” Jason Hurdich said Wednesday. “I’m providing communication access to the community so they get essential information and can prepare for the hurricane. I give them the information they need to evacuate safely and make sure there’s no loss of life.”
The S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department provides interpretive services for Gov. Nikki Haley and others when the need arises. Haley used an interpreter at one press conference during last year’s record floods. Interpreters will be at all of Haley’s emergency press conferences this year.
Hurdich, who is deaf and spoke through an interpreter, said he is honored to provide the service to the more than 68,000 people with hearing disabilities in the state. While gaining attention on social media for what some referred to as his exaggerated motions, Hurdich said he is trying to convey the emotion behind what the governor and other state officials say in their press conferences.
Read more: http://www.postandcourier.com/20161005/161009662/haleys-sign-language-interpreters-flair-gains-attention-of-social-media