Registry for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.rid.org
Certification of Sign Language Interpreters
http://www.signonasl.com/doc/certification_of_sign_language_interpreters.pdf
Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing FY10 & FY11 Rates
http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/mcdhh/sign_language_interpreter_rates.pdf
A sign language (also signed language) is a language which, instead of acoustically conveyed sound patterns, uses visually transmitted sign patterns (manual communication, body language) to convey meaning—simultaneously combining hand shapes, orientation and movement of the hands, arms or body, and facial expressions to fluidly express a speaker's thoughts.
Hundreds of sign languages are in use around the world and are at the cores of local Deaf cultures. Wherever communities of deaf people exist, sign languages develop. Their complex spatial grammars are markedly different from the grammars of spoken languages. Some sign languages have obtained some form of legal recognition, while others have no status at all.
Sign Language Interpreter Programs
Contrary to Spoken Language Interpreter Programs, many Sign Language Interpreter Programs do not require one to know sign language. You can learn the language while you learn how to become an interpreter. For a great list of programs searchable by state, go to:
http://www.multilingualbooks.com/aslschools.htmlLegal Framework regarding sign language interpretation in the US
In the US, there is a more current form of legislation that ensures individuals with disabilities have access to public services: The ADA (The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act). Title II and III are most commonly referred to regarding provision of qualified interpreters. The ADA covers places of public accommodation including medical services, dental services, education (private and public) courts, jails, providers of services such as attorneys, counselors, places of employment etc...
The ADA does not cover the federal government, thus the federal government interpreter provisions fall under the 1973 Rehab Act Sec 504 and the Bilingual, Hearing, Speech-Impaired Court Interpreter Act of 1979.
Together the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehab Act prohibit discrimination based on disability outlining participatory communication access as a fundamental civil right. Interpreters fall under the "Auxiliary Aids and Services" as an accommodation.
To be qualified, an interpreter must be able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary. Justice Department 28 C.F.R. § 35.104
Other countries have started to legislate regarding the right to an interpreter for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. For example, Brazil enacted a law in 2010, see
http://www.imiaweb.org/countries/Brazil.asp.
ASL Division Vice Chair
Heather Barclay
To send correspondence to Heather and the IMIA ASL Division, please email ASLDivision@imiaweb.org.
IMIA is currently looking for an ASL Division Chairperson
For more information please email info@imiaweb.org.
Serving in a chapter, committee or division leadership role provides enormous opportunities, both professionally and personally. IMIA Chairs frequently find themselves becoming more successful in their own careers as they develop additional skills, make useful business connections, and share ideas with other division members. The IMIA Administration provides support and mentoring for their success. Preference shall be given to candidates with previous involvement in the activities of the organization.
Chairperson
VACANT
Vice Chairperson
Heather Barclay
Chairperson Responsibilities:
- To represent the IMIA members in the division/committee
- To promote the profession and the IMIA organization to their division/committee members
- Act as a liaison between the IMIA committee/division members with the IMIA Board of Directors
- Moderate periodic conference calls with members of their division/committee (could be monthly, bimonthly or quarterly)
- To attend periodic IMIA Chairpersons meetings via conference call
- To moderate our yearly Division/Committee face-to-face meeting at IMIA conference or designate an adequate moderator
- To agree to a term of three years concurrent with Board elections
- Update the specific division/committee webpage on IMIA website with information relevant to the initiatives of that division/committee interests
- Other initiatives as deemed necessary for the specific needs of each committee/division
- Chairpersons receive mentoring, assistance, and support to accomplish their goals, by counting on a Chairperson Liaison and also by the Executive Director and the Administrator of the IMIA
To Apply for an IMIA Chairperson Position, See the Requirements (same as for IMIA Representation):
http://www.imiaweb.org/uploads/docs/Requirements_for_IMIA_Representation.pdf
Vice Chairperson Responsibilities:
- To assist and work closely with the Chairperson in all their responsibilities as requested
- To assume the duties of the Chairperson when the chairperson is not present or available
- To apply for the chairperson position when the chairperson ends their term
To Apply for an IMIA Chairperson Position, See the Requirements of the Chairperson. All is the same except that only one letter of recommendation is needed, not two.
If you have any questions about applying please email info@imiaweb.org
Further information about the work of the committee or division, please email the appropriate chairperson.
