Alex Riabinin is an American Sign Language interpreter and Russian immigrant has been grabbing attention and newsprint as the interpreter for Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler during city news conferences due to his captivating and animated style.
“I feel like this is a very dangerous time in our culture and in our community.So, getting the message out and helping people be safe, that’s all I’m doing, is sharing that communication,” Alex was quoted as saying in a news report.
The 25-year-old, standing next to Ted Wheeler during many of the Portland mayor’s recent news conferences, has captured viewers’ attention as an American Sign Language interpreter. He has pulled eyes to the side of the dais, where he adds passionate flair to a much-needed service, hands dancing across the air and facial expressions shifting dramatically as he conveys crucial information to the deaf community.
And what many might not realize: Riabinin is deaf himself and interprets by using a translator who signs to him what speakers are saying. He then interprets that in the best way possible for deaf people watching the conferences.
But off the podium, Riabinin is just as compelling. Riabinin was born in Russia to a deaf family and moved to the U.S. when he was 21, fulfilling a childhood dream.
“Growing up in Russia and hearing all these wonderful things about the opportunities for deaf people in this country,” he says, “The access for deaf people. It seemed like a haven for me.”
