In this paper, a relatively new development in sign language interpreting is foregrounded: the rise of the ‘deaf interpreter’. Social factors relating to the work of ‘deaf interpreters’ raise questions about many aspects of translation and interpreting theory. This paper sets out to begin to identify and address some of these issues. A brief account is given of the work of deaf practitioners and the social background and salient collective experiences of the deaf community are highlighted. Sociological questions for translation and interpreting theory are highlighted in the areas of power and identities, norms and practices, production processes and professionalism.