While attending RIT, Michael Rizzolo completed the Basic Interpreter Training Program at NTID in 1976. He applied his new knowledge of sign language to begin working as an interpreter in the classroom and, in 1977, became a nationally certified interpreter through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. After graduating from RIT, he joined the staff at NTID as a lead interpreter. He was a founding member of the performing ensemble Sunshine Too and served as an adjunct faculty member in the newly created interpreting degree program at NTID.

Michael served 12 years as a manager of interpreting services in the Department of Access Services at RIT/NTID and helped administer the Campus Life Core Team of Interpreters. He was honored to participate in a wide variety of international events and conferences representing NTID, including Deaf Way, the World Federation of the Deaf, and Alexander Graham Bell conferences.

In 1993 he founded Interpretek, a sign language interpreting agency based in Rochester, New York. It has since grown to become one of the largest privately owned and operated interpreting referral business in the country, focusing solely on American Sign Language. Interpretek has more than 125 team members and works with 500+ independent contractors nationwide. Interpretek is known for its effective use of video remote interpreting services.

Michael received a bachelor of science degree in social work from RIT in 1978.

“I serve on the NTID Foundation Board to contribute to the success of the college that gave me a start in the field of interpreting and deaf education. It is an honor to serve such a prestigious organization. I have established several endowed scholarships at NTID to promote excellence in the field of sign language interpreting and hire many graduates of RIT/NTID from a wide variety of fields and disciplines.”