Rupert Dubler

A retired CDI with 20 years in the profession who stopped freelancing full-time after the pandemic and recently retired by accident when he forgot to renew his certification in 2024 -- not a big deal. Now an Associate Member.

Professional: Deaf Interpreter Since 2004 (CDI 2015-2024). Tutor/Instructor, Manager, Coordinator, VRS Center Director, and Freelance (e.g., medical, mental health, justice system, translation, vocational rehabilitation, DV/SV/CSA, legal, press conferences). Taught multiple 40+ hours foundational training to 100+ Deaf Interpreters.

RID Involvement: None at the national level. Provided workshops at the Affiliate Chapter level and once at a Region 5 conference. Attended Deaf Interpreter Conference (DIC1, DIC3, DIC4).

Personal: 2nd Generation Deaf, Father to DeafPlus child. Lived in San Diego, Rochester, Washington, Massachusetts, and now Maryland.

Education: Political Science from University of California, San Diego (UCSD).

The reason behind my spearheading and coordinating this grassroots effort is because... nobody else has stepped up and I deeply care about the profession. 

I have watched RID constantly getting embroiled in one deeply divisive issue after another. This means that RID has systemic issues and the other issues we have identified are either distractions or cannot be effectively addressed until those systemic issues are addressed. A top-down approach, beginning with the RID's Board of Directors and Bylaws, is necessary.

I do not seek to tear down anyone specifically nor do I seek to stir the pot. I seek to contribute to the following:
- Stabilization of the organization
- Putting in place safeguards to stop the cycle of organizational violence and marginalization

What is your reason for coming here? How do you translate this why into action?

Even though I am deeply invested in this profession both as a former interpreter & deaf community member and now working on this project to stabilize RID,  I do not desire nor seek any official role within RID either as a volunteer or a paid position.

When my two goals above are accomplished, I plan on stepping away from RID once again.