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Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) was created as a national organization in 1964 after a workshop for interpreters at Ball State Teachers College (Ball State University) in Muncie, Indiana. This workshop was the first-ever national Workshop on Interpreting for Deaf People. There were many discussions at this workshop on how to create a better working environment and to create better support systems for the deaf and hard of hearing, such topics include the desperate need for interpreting, the qualifications needed to become an interpreter, what training was needed as well as the physical factors of interpreting. Its mission statement was to promote excellence in the delivery of interpreting services among diverse users of signed and spoken languages through professional development, networking, advocacy, and standards. The function of RID was to create a support group for interpreters for the deaf all over the nation, as well as to create more job opportunities for people who are invested in deaf culture and the deaf community.

Oregon Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (ORID) was incorporated on December 10, 1970. ORID provides resources and networking for the Oregon interpreting community, the Oregon Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing communities while supporting and upholding the mission of the national organization. Members are a mix of professionals (teachers, counselors, interpreters) and anyone who had an active interest or involvement with the deaf. The Board works to follow the direction of the membership and their needs. ORID works to provide professional development opportunities, forums for community discussions, and outlets for social interactions (ORID website, http://www.orid.org/).