AN ACT CONCERNING INTERPRETER AN ACT CONCERNING INTERPRETER

QUALIFICATIONS. Section 46a-33aQUALIFICATIONS. Section 46a-33a Section 1 a. These are the working Section 1 a. These are the working

definitions for the statutedefinitions for the statute

Section 1 b.Section 1 b. This requires that all This requires that all persons interpreting in CT be registered persons interpreting in CT be registered

and that businesses outside CT register and that businesses outside CT register and provide proof the interpreters they hire and provide proof the interpreters they hire or contract to provide interpreting services or contract to provide interpreting services in CT, electronically or in person, are in CT, electronically or in person, are “qualified” under the statute.“qualified” under the statute. (Registered, (Registered, certified, working only in appropriate settings)certified, working only in appropriate settings)

ID cards will be provided to registrantsID cards will be provided to registrants Website will list all who are registeredWebsite will list all who are registered

Section 1 c.Section 1 c. Registration is to be Registration is to be accompanied by a registration feeaccompanied by a registration fee

Fee is used for administration costs for the Fee is used for administration costs for the monitoring board,monitoring board,

Also used for materials to educate about Also used for materials to educate about the use of qualified interpretersthe use of qualified interpreters

Can provide monies to support interpreter Can provide monies to support interpreter trainingstrainings

Clarifies that Clarifies that regardless of the titleregardless of the title, it is , it is the action that determines if a person is the action that determines if a person is interpretinginterpreting

Section 1 d.Section 1 d. requires that ANY requires that ANY business, whether inside or outside the business, whether inside or outside the state, who employs an interpreter state, who employs an interpreter providing services in CT is responsible for providing services in CT is responsible for ensuring said interpreter is in compliance ensuring said interpreter is in compliance with the statutewith the statute

Section 1 e.Section 1 e. outlines requirements for those working in outlines requirements for those working in LEGAL settingsLEGAL settings

Holds a CLIP-R orHolds a CLIP-R or Holds a SC:L orHolds a SC:L or Holds any RID cert for at least 5 yrs + INITIAL 30 hrs Holds any RID cert for at least 5 yrs + INITIAL 30 hrs

of legal training and 20 hrs of legal training within their of legal training and 20 hrs of legal training within their 4 yr Cert Maint cycle or4 yr Cert Maint cycle or

Reg with RID, holds NAD IV or V for at least 5 years + Reg with RID, holds NAD IV or V for at least 5 years + INITIAL 30 hrs of legal training and 20 hrs of legal INITIAL 30 hrs of legal training and 20 hrs of legal training within their 4 yr Cert Maint cycletraining within their 4 yr Cert Maint cycle

Section 1 f.Section 1 f. outlines requirements for those outlines requirements for those working in MEDICAL settingsworking in MEDICAL settings

Holds any RID cert for at least 5 yrs + INITIAL 30 hrs Holds any RID cert for at least 5 yrs + INITIAL 30 hrs of medical training and 10 hrs of medical training of medical training and 10 hrs of medical training within their 4 yr Cert Maint cycle orwithin their 4 yr Cert Maint cycle or

Reg with RID, holds NAD IV or V for at least 5 years + Reg with RID, holds NAD IV or V for at least 5 years + INITIAL 30 hrs of medical training and 10 hrs of INITIAL 30 hrs of medical training and 10 hrs of medical training within their 4 yr Cert Maint cycle ormedical training within their 4 yr Cert Maint cycle or

Reg with RID, holds Cued speech cert + passed RID Reg with RID, holds Cued speech cert + passed RID written + INITIAL 30 hrs of medical training and 10 hrs written + INITIAL 30 hrs of medical training and 10 hrs of medical training within their 4 yr Cert Maint cycleof medical training within their 4 yr Cert Maint cycle

Section 1 g.Section 1 g. outlines requirements for outlines requirements for those working in EDUCATIONAL settingsthose working in EDUCATIONAL settings Holds any RID cert orHolds any RID cert or Reg with RID and holds NAD IV or V orReg with RID and holds NAD IV or V or Reg with RID, score of at least 3.5 on EIPA to work in Reg with RID, score of at least 3.5 on EIPA to work in

Pre K-12 orPre K-12 or (2017)(2017) Reg with RID, grad from ITP, passed NIC written or Reg with RID, grad from ITP, passed NIC written or

EIPA written, and earns equiv of 2 CEUs/yr, and on or EIPA written, and earns equiv of 2 CEUs/yr, and on or before 5before 5thth yr passes NIC or scores at least 4.0 on yr passes NIC or scores at least 4.0 on EIPA to earn RID Ed terp cert orEIPA to earn RID Ed terp cert or

Reg with RID, holds NAD III, and on or before (2017) Reg with RID, holds NAD III, and on or before (2017) passes NIC or scores at least 4.0 on EIPA to earn passes NIC or scores at least 4.0 on EIPA to earn RID Ed terp cert orRID Ed terp cert or

Reg with RID, holds Cued speech cert + passed RID Reg with RID, holds Cued speech cert + passed RID written written

Section 1 h.Section 1 h. outlines requirements for those outlines requirements for those working in COMMUNITY settingsworking in COMMUNITY settings

Holds any RID cert orHolds any RID cert or Reg with RID and holds NAD IV or V or Reg with RID and holds NAD IV or V or Reg with RID, grad from ITP, passed NIC written and Reg with RID, grad from ITP, passed NIC written and

earns equiv of 2 CEUs/yr, and on or before 5earns equiv of 2 CEUs/yr, and on or before 5thth yr yr passes NIC orpasses NIC or

Reg with RID, holds NAD III, and on or before (2017) Reg with RID, holds NAD III, and on or before (2017) passes NIC orpasses NIC or

Reg with RID, holds Cued speech cert + passed RID Reg with RID, holds Cued speech cert + passed RID written written

Section 1 i.Section 1 i. identifies that the above identifies that the above requirements apply to anyone receiving requirements apply to anyone receiving compensation for compensation for providing interpreting providing interpreting services or if it is part of their job dutiesservices or if it is part of their job duties

Section 1 j.Section 1 j. if interpreter has some if interpreter has some other type of certification (i.e. from another other type of certification (i.e. from another state) they can apply to the Board for a 3 state) they can apply to the Board for a 3 yr waiver at which point they must have yr waiver at which point they must have one of the aforementioned credentialsone of the aforementioned credentials

Section 1 k.Section 1 k. who is exempt?who is exempt?

Interpreting in religious services or church-run schoolInterpreting in religious services or church-run school If interpreting in an emergency when delay could be If interpreting in an emergency when delay could be

life threatening (Professional interpreters should still life threatening (Professional interpreters should still be called to take over upon arrival per ADA)be called to take over upon arrival per ADA)

Intern or mentee – If in Legal, Medical, Educational, Intern or mentee – If in Legal, Medical, Educational, or Community setting must be supervised by or Community setting must be supervised by interpreter with credentials required for that settinginterpreter with credentials required for that setting

Interpreter with RID or NAD certification, from outside Interpreter with RID or NAD certification, from outside of CT, working in CT for no more than 14 days in a of CT, working in CT for no more than 14 days in a calendar yearcalendar year

Section 1 l.Section 1 l. outlines requirements for those outlines requirements for those working in EDUCATIONAL settings as of 2020working in EDUCATIONAL settings as of 2020

Holds any RID cert orHolds any RID cert or Reg with RID and holds NAD IV or V orReg with RID and holds NAD IV or V or Reg with RID, score of at least 4.0 on EIPA to work in Reg with RID, score of at least 4.0 on EIPA to work in

Pre K-12 orPre K-12 or Reg with RID, grad from ITP, passed NIC written or Reg with RID, grad from ITP, passed NIC written or

EIPA written, and earns equiv of 2 CEUs/yr, and on or EIPA written, and earns equiv of 2 CEUs/yr, and on or before 3rd yr passes NIC or scores at least 4.0 on before 3rd yr passes NIC or scores at least 4.0 on EIPA to earn RID Ed terp cert orEIPA to earn RID Ed terp cert or

Reg with RID, holds Cued speech cert + passed RID Reg with RID, holds Cued speech cert + passed RID written written

Section 2Section 2 Deals with the Standards and Deals with the Standards and Monitoring BoardMonitoring Board

Section 2 a.Section 2 a. Identifies the members of the 9 Identifies the members of the 9 person boardperson board Deaf consumerDeaf consumer Hard of Hearing consumerHard of Hearing consumer Deaf-Blind consumerDeaf-Blind consumer Hearing consumerHearing consumer Interpreting ProfessionalInterpreting Professional Deaf ProfessionalDeaf Professional Interpreter TrainerInterpreter Trainer CAD President (or designee) – ex officioCAD President (or designee) – ex officio CRID President (or designee) – ex officioCRID President (or designee) – ex officio

Section 2 a.Section 2 a. Also identifies qualifications of Also identifies qualifications of those to be appointed those to be appointed Residents of CT for at least 3 yrsResidents of CT for at least 3 yrs Have at least 5 yrs of experience receiving or using Have at least 5 yrs of experience receiving or using

interpreting servicesinterpreting services Interact with the D/HoH communityInteract with the D/HoH community Be familiar with general interpreting issuesBe familiar with general interpreting issues Interpreting professional must have the first three plus Interpreting professional must have the first three plus

be knowledgeable of interpreting issues and have be knowledgeable of interpreting issues and have provided interpreting services as a certified provided interpreting services as a certified professional for at least 5 yrsprofessional for at least 5 yrs

Deaf professional must have the first four plus have at Deaf professional must have the first four plus have at least 5 yrs experience providing services for or least 5 yrs experience providing services for or working with D/HoH individualsworking with D/HoH individuals

Interpreter trainer must have the first three plus be Interpreter trainer must have the first three plus be knowledgeable of interpreting issues and have at knowledgeable of interpreting issues and have at least 5 yrs experience as a certified professional least 5 yrs experience as a certified professional interpreter and trainerinterpreter and trainer

Section 2 a.Section 2 a. also outlines the terms of also outlines the terms of the membersthe members Four shall have an initial apptmt of 3 yrs with Four shall have an initial apptmt of 3 yrs with

three having an initial apptmt of 2 yrsthree having an initial apptmt of 2 yrs Thereafter all terms will be for 2 yrsThereafter all terms will be for 2 yrs A member may be reappointed for a A member may be reappointed for a

consecutive 2 yr termconsecutive 2 yr term CAD and CRID presidents or their designees CAD and CRID presidents or their designees

will serve during their respective terms of will serve during their respective terms of office with their successors assuming office with their successors assuming membership upon their servicemembership upon their service

Section 2 b.Section 2 b. outlines the Board’s outlines the Board’s responsibilitiesresponsibilities

Oversee and monitor the terps working in CTOversee and monitor the terps working in CT Ensure compliance with regulationsEnsure compliance with regulations Set annual registration feesSet annual registration fees Issue annual registration cardsIssue annual registration cards Review complaintsReview complaints

Sections 2 c. and d.Sections 2 c. and d. outline procedures for outline procedures for assessing fines and the use of any monies assessing fines and the use of any monies collectedcollected

Section 2 e.Section 2 e. gives the Board authority to gives the Board authority to monitor RID changes and monitor RID changes and recommendrecommend current current statute changes if deemed appropriatestatute changes if deemed appropriate

Section 2 f.Section 2 f. proposes funding a full time position proposes funding a full time position to manage the necessary duties resulting from to manage the necessary duties resulting from the enactment of this board It also stipulates the enactment of this board It also stipulates that the board and staff person function that the board and staff person function independently of the DORS Interpreting Unit so independently of the DORS Interpreting Unit so as to avoid any potential conflict of interestas to avoid any potential conflict of interest

Questions??Questions??

Why did you lower the requirements for Legal Why did you lower the requirements for Legal Interpreters?Interpreters?

In response to the Leg mandate (and concerns raised In response to the Leg mandate (and concerns raised at the public hearing) the TF sought for appropriate at the public hearing) the TF sought for appropriate ways to open up possibilities for more interpreters to ways to open up possibilities for more interpreters to be able to be able to become qualifiedbecome qualified in various settings. Also in various settings. Also with the changes in RID testing and certifications over with the changes in RID testing and certifications over the years there was an attempt to recognize some the years there was an attempt to recognize some parity among the various levelsparity among the various levels

I’ve been interpreting in Medical settings for I’ve been interpreting in Medical settings for more than 10 yrs but I don’t know if, or can more than 10 yrs but I don’t know if, or can prove that, I have had 30 hrs of Medical training.prove that, I have had 30 hrs of Medical training.

The Monitoring Board will have the ability to set any The Monitoring Board will have the ability to set any type of “grandfathering” requirements The TF type of “grandfathering” requirements The TF recognized that veteran interpreters may be unable to recognized that veteran interpreters may be unable to document training that was earned many years ago document training that was earned many years ago but rather than outlining measures in the statute it but rather than outlining measures in the statute it was deemed to be a realistic responsibility for the was deemed to be a realistic responsibility for the Board to addressBoard to address

If I want to be able to do Legal, Medical and If I want to be able to do Legal, Medical and Educational interpreting I have to have 90 hrs of Educational interpreting I have to have 90 hrs of upfront training??upfront training??

There is no “initial training” requirement for There is no “initial training” requirement for Educational.Educational.

There is a 30 hr “initial training” requirement for Legal There is a 30 hr “initial training” requirement for Legal and another 30 hr “initial training” requirement for and another 30 hr “initial training” requirement for Medical. If passed, this statute would not go into Medical. If passed, this statute would not go into effect until sometime in 2015 so there is still some effect until sometime in 2015 so there is still some time to accumulate the necessary hours. Also CRID time to accumulate the necessary hours. Also CRID and FSW are trying to provide more training and FSW are trying to provide more training opportunities. It is also possible that the Monitoring opportunities. It is also possible that the Monitoring Board might allow a grace period for people to get Board might allow a grace period for people to get into complianceinto compliance

It appears that RID only highlights which It appears that RID only highlights which trainings satisfy the Legal requirement, trainings satisfy the Legal requirement, how will I know which ones will satisfy the how will I know which ones will satisfy the Medical requirement?Medical requirement?

Because of the SC:L RID does identify which trainings Because of the SC:L RID does identify which trainings are deemed Legal. As for Medical, it may be a are deemed Legal. As for Medical, it may be a problem identifying those from several years ago and problem identifying those from several years ago and the Monitoring Board may be flexible in approving the Monitoring Board may be flexible in approving those. Going forward it is advantageous that all those. Going forward it is advantageous that all interpreters maintain files that clearly identify the interpreters maintain files that clearly identify the various trainings and which requirements they satisfy.various trainings and which requirements they satisfy.

If I want to be able to do Legal, Medical and If I want to be able to do Legal, Medical and Educational interpreting do I have to earn the Educational interpreting do I have to earn the specific CEUS for each each year?specific CEUS for each each year?

Educational Interpreting does not require specific Educational Interpreting does not require specific Educational CEUsEducational CEUs

Medical Interpreting requires that you earn 1.0 CEU in Medical Interpreting requires that you earn 1.0 CEU in Medical within the 4 yr cycleMedical within the 4 yr cycle

Legal Interpreting requires that you earn 2.0 CEUs in Legal Interpreting requires that you earn 2.0 CEUs in Legal within the 4 yr cycleLegal within the 4 yr cycle

After I graduated from the ITP I worked hard, After I graduated from the ITP I worked hard, went to workshops, had a mentor, interacted went to workshops, had a mentor, interacted with the Deaf community and still was not able to with the Deaf community and still was not able to pass the performance within 5 years. I needed pass the performance within 5 years. I needed another few years to finally make it. It seems another few years to finally make it. It seems the 5yr, and later the 3yr requirement is going to the 5yr, and later the 3yr requirement is going to eliminate a lot of potentially good interpreters.eliminate a lot of potentially good interpreters.

The TF is considering wording that would allow for The TF is considering wording that would allow for one extension. We want to be sure to close the one extension. We want to be sure to close the loophole where some interpreters are continuing to loophole where some interpreters are continuing to work after 10+ years without getting certified.work after 10+ years without getting certified.

With all of the new requirements for training, With all of the new requirements for training, CEUs, etc how will they be able to verify people CEUs, etc how will they be able to verify people are meeting them?are meeting them?

The TF recognizes that it will take time for a process The TF recognizes that it will take time for a process to be put into place whereby the Monitoring Board’s to be put into place whereby the Monitoring Board’s staff person will be able to gather and verify the staff person will be able to gather and verify the documentation. As professionals our Code of documentation. As professionals our Code of Professional Conduct dictates we comply faithfully Professional Conduct dictates we comply faithfully with the requirements of the jurisdictions wherein we with the requirements of the jurisdictions wherein we work If an interpreter was found to have intentionally work If an interpreter was found to have intentionally ignored the statute or falsified information the ignored the statute or falsified information the Monitoring Board would have to determine if a Monitoring Board would have to determine if a warning or sanctions were appropriatewarning or sanctions were appropriate

How can CT be sure out of state interpreting How can CT be sure out of state interpreting agencies etc are making sure their employees agencies etc are making sure their employees are compliant? It seems Ct interpreters are are compliant? It seems Ct interpreters are going to be more closely scrutinizedgoing to be more closely scrutinized..

The TF recognizes that monitoring out of state The TF recognizes that monitoring out of state agencies and interpreters will be very difficult The agencies and interpreters will be very difficult The statute clearly places the responsibility on these statute clearly places the responsibility on these employers to ensure those in their employ are employers to ensure those in their employ are compliant. The Board will aggressively pursue compliant. The Board will aggressively pursue complaints they receive and will have the authority to complaints they receive and will have the authority to not allow certain vendors to register the following year not allow certain vendors to register the following year if they are found to not be compliant. It is possible if they are found to not be compliant. It is possible that fines will also be assessedthat fines will also be assessed

CDIs, educational, newer or part-time CDIs, educational, newer or part-time interpreters do not have the same earning interpreters do not have the same earning potential as many interpreters. It seems harsh potential as many interpreters. It seems harsh to require them to pay a registration fee and to require them to pay a registration fee and have to meet the same training hrs and CEUs have to meet the same training hrs and CEUs requirement.requirement.

The TF is recommending that the Monitoring Board The TF is recommending that the Monitoring Board establish a scale for the registration fee whereby establish a scale for the registration fee whereby those with less earning potential would pay less.those with less earning potential would pay less.

The CEU requirement follows that which is already The CEU requirement follows that which is already required by RID. It only differs in that if you wish to do required by RID. It only differs in that if you wish to do Medical or Legal Interpreting you need to be sure you Medical or Legal Interpreting you need to be sure you focus on earning a minimum of CEUs in those areasfocus on earning a minimum of CEUs in those areas

Questions from TH mtg 1Questions from TH mtg 1

When we register are we going to have to send When we register are we going to have to send a whole packet of all of the workshops we have a whole packet of all of the workshops we have attended etc?attended etc?

The Monitoring Board will develop a new registration The Monitoring Board will develop a new registration form. The goal is to make the process as efficient as form. The goal is to make the process as efficient as possible. The only proof of workshop/training possible. The only proof of workshop/training attendance would be for those who want to be attendance would be for those who want to be credentialed to do Legal, Medical, or Educational credentialed to do Legal, Medical, or Educational interpreting. How this documentation needs to interpreting. How this documentation needs to happen has yet to be determined.happen has yet to be determined.

How will this law affect the grievance process How will this law affect the grievance process with RID? What is the difference between RID’s with RID? What is the difference between RID’s and CT’s?and CT’s?

CT’s law does not interfere with the RID grievance CT’s law does not interfere with the RID grievance process. They are 2 separate things. The TF heard process. They are 2 separate things. The TF heard concerns that with the existing law (no one monitoring concerns that with the existing law (no one monitoring it, and no sanctions possible) people who had a it, and no sanctions possible) people who had a complaint only had the RID grievance route. With the complaint only had the RID grievance route. With the proposed statue a complaint would be filed with the proposed statue a complaint would be filed with the Monitoring Board. They would be able to investigate Monitoring Board. They would be able to investigate and act on the concern in a shorter timeline. The and act on the concern in a shorter timeline. The initial response would be in attempt to educate the initial response would be in attempt to educate the “violaters.” Possible fines and sanctions could be “violaters.” Possible fines and sanctions could be imposed on repeat offenders or those refusing to imposed on repeat offenders or those refusing to comply. The Board could also join the complainant in comply. The Board could also join the complainant in filing a grievance with RID for a violation of the CPC.filing a grievance with RID for a violation of the CPC.

How does the TF and the Monitoring Board How does the TF and the Monitoring Board differ? Will CRID be responsible for “monitoring” differ? Will CRID be responsible for “monitoring” until the Board is in place?until the Board is in place?

The Task Force was CRID’s creation in response to The Task Force was CRID’s creation in response to concerns raised over the past few years when CDHI concerns raised over the past few years when CDHI was no longer able to monitor compliance. It has no was no longer able to monitor compliance. It has no authority.authority.

The Monitoring Board will be created upon passage of The Monitoring Board will be created upon passage of the proposed law. It will take time for the Board to be the proposed law. It will take time for the Board to be assembled. First responsibilities of the Board will be assembled. First responsibilities of the Board will be to establish procedures and policies, timelines, etc. to establish procedures and policies, timelines, etc. Therefore it will take some time before the Board can Therefore it will take some time before the Board can begin its monitoring duties.begin its monitoring duties.

Is Mental Health under Medical? Would Is Mental Health under Medical? Would workshops and trainings for Mental Heath satisfy workshops and trainings for Mental Heath satisfy the Medical training requirement?the Medical training requirement?

Yes, in the definition of Medical situations, Mental Yes, in the definition of Medical situations, Mental Heath is specifically included.Heath is specifically included.

Yes, training in interpreting in mental heath situations Yes, training in interpreting in mental heath situations would apply to the 30 hr initial Medical training would apply to the 30 hr initial Medical training requirement, and also to the ongoing requirement (1.0 requirement, and also to the ongoing requirement (1.0 CEU in a 4yr cycle.)CEU in a 4yr cycle.)

What about interpreting situations other than the What about interpreting situations other than the 4 identified (Legal, Medical, Educational, 4 identified (Legal, Medical, Educational, Community), specifically VR?Community), specifically VR?

Currently, these are the 4 categories identified Currently, these are the 4 categories identified therefore VR would be considered to be under therefore VR would be considered to be under Community.Community.

While the While the minimum credentials requiredminimum credentials required may identify may identify an interpreter as meeting the statute’s requirements, it an interpreter as meeting the statute’s requirements, it in no way suggests the individual is QUALIFIED for in no way suggests the individual is QUALIFIED for the situation. An interpreter is obligated under his/her the situation. An interpreter is obligated under his/her CPC to self-assess if s/he is appropriate for the CPC to self-assess if s/he is appropriate for the situation. Also the Deaf/HH and hearing consumers situation. Also the Deaf/HH and hearing consumers have the power and responsibility to ensure their have the power and responsibility to ensure their interpreter is capable to do the job.interpreter is capable to do the job.

Who makes the appointments to the board?Who makes the appointments to the board?

Currently the proposal has the Monitoring Board Currently the proposal has the Monitoring Board under DORS and calls for the DORS Commissioner under DORS and calls for the DORS Commissioner (Amy Porter) to make these appointments. There (Amy Porter) to make these appointments. There have been suggestions that maybe the Monitoring have been suggestions that maybe the Monitoring Board should be under another state agency, i.e. Board should be under another state agency, i.e. Office of Protection and Advocacy, Dept of Office of Protection and Advocacy, Dept of Administrative Services, Dept of Labor, … This topic Administrative Services, Dept of Labor, … This topic is still being discussed. The TF is concerned that is still being discussed. The TF is concerned that there be no conflict of interest (see sec. 2f) and that there be no conflict of interest (see sec. 2f) and that the agency, and its commissioner, have some the agency, and its commissioner, have some familiarity and experience working with the Deaf/HH familiarity and experience working with the Deaf/HH community.community.

Will there be a dual registration when the new Will there be a dual registration when the new registration and its requirements become registration and its requirements become effective?effective?

The TF’s hope is that this transition would be as The TF’s hope is that this transition would be as seamless as possible and therefore would suggest seamless as possible and therefore would suggest that the Board consider existing timeframes when that the Board consider existing timeframes when establishing the new ones.establishing the new ones.

Would the proposed staff position for the Would the proposed staff position for the Monitoring Board be a state employee?Monitoring Board be a state employee?

The TF does envision that this position would be The TF does envision that this position would be under state employment.under state employment.

Final commentsFinal comments This statute is not meant to be punitive. It is This statute is not meant to be punitive. It is

intended to help ensure that those individuals intended to help ensure that those individuals needing interpreting services have access to needing interpreting services have access to professionals with a MINIMUM level of skill. It is professionals with a MINIMUM level of skill. It is the responsibility of everyone involved to speak the responsibility of everyone involved to speak up when the skill level is insufficient. CAD and up when the skill level is insufficient. CAD and CCOSD will be providing trainings to educate CCOSD will be providing trainings to educate their community members on how to be more their community members on how to be more proactive in getting the quality of services they proactive in getting the quality of services they need. As professionals our CPC requires us to need. As professionals our CPC requires us to continually assess our skills and to refrain from continually assess our skills and to refrain from work where we do not possess the skills work where we do not possess the skills necessary to do the job.necessary to do the job.

Connecticut was the first to have a Commission Connecticut was the first to have a Commission on the Deaf and for many years was a leader in on the Deaf and for many years was a leader in providing quality interpreting services. Over the providing quality interpreting services. Over the years other states have continually raised the years other states have continually raised the bar demanding their interpreters be more skilled bar demanding their interpreters be more skilled and trained. Connecticut has not followed this and trained. Connecticut has not followed this trend. This Task Force, comprised of Deaf and trend. This Task Force, comprised of Deaf and Hearing members, is eager to see interpreting Hearing members, is eager to see interpreting services in Connecticut improve for all of our services in Connecticut improve for all of our consumers. We see this as only the beginning.consumers. We see this as only the beginning.

Thank you for your time and your involvement.Thank you for your time and your involvement.