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VIDEO LINK
You may have seen a recent update from the Department of Social and Health Services about the Interpreter Shortage Workgroup. You will receive regular updates about the progress of each workgroup here, so subscribe to the channel to make sure you get these updates!
LICENSURE & CERTIFICATION: The licensure and certification group is working on solving problems with Washington's interpreter certification system. Right now, new interpreter graduates do not get clear guidance as they start their careers, and interpreters do not have a system in place to get specialty certifications for trilingual, medical, or DeafBlind interpreting. High licensing fees can make it hard for interpreters to earn money and provide services. The group is looking at ideas from other states and asking the community for feedback and suggestions. The group is working on:
- Making recommendations for affordable licensing.
- Creating ways to monitor interpreter quality.
- Developing clear guidance?? To get specialized certifications.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT: The financial support group is looking at ways to help interpreters get certified, get health insurance, get better pay, and get professional development. The group is also examining the lived experiences of BIPOC and trilingual interpreters. The group is working on:
- Finding ways to lower interpreting costs for Deaf-led organizations with state help.
- Developing professional development recommendations to help interpreters manage their businesses.
- Developing workplace recommendations to help interpreters manage benefits and pay.
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: The education group is working on improving interpreter training and mentorship in Washington. There are known gaps between interpreter training and real-world practice, especially in rural areas. Interpreters also need more professional development and training opportunities in the medical, legal, and trilingual interpreting fields. The group is working on
- Expanding interpreter training programs to underserved areas.
- Setting up structured mentorship programs.
- Strengthening high school ASL programs to help prospective interpreters enter the profession/field.
SUPPLY & RETENTION: The supply and retention group is examining root causes of the interpreter shortages in Washington state’s rural and urban areas. We know interpreters experience a lack of support and burnout. The group is exploring why interpreters leave the field. The group is working on:
- Identifying the support needs for Trilingual, BIPOC and Deaf interpreters.
- Exploring resources and support options for interpreters.
- Developing recommendations to improve working conditions.
More updates will come next week!
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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