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VIDEO LINK
Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is sharing significant progress in addressing the legal interpreter shortage in Washington state. Currently, only 17 Washington sign language interpreters hold Specialist Certificate: Legal interpreting certification through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Since the discontinuation of the legal certification exam in 2015, there has been no sanctioned process to expand the number of legal interpreters in Washington.
ODHH surveyed Washington interpreters in 2023, and again in 2024 inquiring if respondents were interested in pursuing legal interpreting certification, provided necessary training and credentials were available. Many respondents affirmed interest in pursuing legal interpreting certification through the Texas BEI-Court certification process.
On September 27, 2024, Dr. Laurie R. Reinhardt, CSC, SC:L, presented a comparative analysis of the SC:L and BEI-Court certifications to the Interpreter and Language Access Commission, an advisory body to Washington State Courts. The Commission voted to support recognizing BEI-Court certification, allowing ODHH to amend WAC 388-818-530 to include it as a sanctioned option.
ODHH is investing in interpreter training, developing an induction process, and, with the commission’s support, providing financial aid for candidates traveling to Texas for the BEI-Court exam. Additionally, guidelines for existing SC: L-certified interpreters to take the BEI-Court exam have been established.
We will continue to provide updates as they develop.
Accessibility: We are dedicated to ensuring equitable and inclusive access. Our meetings and events are available in ASL, spoken English, and with captioning. Additionally, other signed and spoken languages are offered. For more information or specific requests, please contact us at [email protected].
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Who We Are: The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) provides programs and services for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, and Speech Disabled individuals, their families, and service providers in Washington State.
What We Do: ODHH operates under the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and is entrusted with fulfilling its legislative mandate outlined in RCW 43.20A.725. ODHH’s work includes:
Advocacy: ODHH advocates for the rights, interests, and needs of individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, and Speech Disabled. The Office works to eliminate communication barriers and promote equal opportunities in various service areas, including training, consultation, contract management, information and referrals, and resources to promote communication equity.
Coordination: ODHH is a centralized resource. The Office collaborates with governmental, business, and community stakeholders to develop and implement policies, programs, and initiatives that address and ensure that state services and resources are accessible and inclusive to all Washingtonians.
Contact Us!
800-422-7930 Voice
425-461-3603 Videophone
[email protected]
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