Sign Language Interpreters
At the Bureau of Family Health and the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf, we value true accessibility, not just as an afterthought, but as something considered in everything we do. This includes defining what it means to be accessible, educating others on the topic (or accessibility), modeling best practices, and empowering those who use sign language to communicate.
The Commission works to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and promote equitable communication access through:
- The establishment of minimum qualification standards for the sign language interpreter workforce
- A centralized, public-facing statewide sign language interpreter registry
- Professional development, training opportunities, and mentorship for sign language interpreters
- Limited funding is available to provide sign language interpreter services for assignments and events
Minimum Standards for Sign Language Interpreters
Sign language interpreting is a job that affects the public health, safety, and welfare of d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals who use sign language to communicate. In Louisiana and many other states, this job is regulated by law to make sure these individuals and the public receive qualified sign language interpreting services. A skilled sign language interpreter workforce is critical to ensure effective and real-time communication access for everyone who uses sign language to communicate.
To provide interpreting services in this state, all sign language interpreters must meet minimum standards, or show active progress toward meeting the standards, and apply to be included on the Louisiana Interpreter Registry. Provisional registration status is available for interpreters working to make progress toward meeting the full registration requirements.
Registration of Sign Language Interpreters
In compliance with Act 128 of the 2022 Regular Legislative Session the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf developed an accessible, centralized, and searchable registry of qualified sign language interpreters in Louisiana. The goal of the Louisiana Interpreter Registry is to improve access to interpreting services for d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals. Sign language interpreters listed on the Registry have met the state’s minimum qualification standards and requirements for work in Louisiana.
Visit the Louisiana Interpreter Registry website to locate or verify the registration of a sign language interpreter in your area, or for sign language interpreters to apply to be a registered interpreter in the state or to manage their registration information.
Sign Language Interpreter Grievance Policy and Process
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf accepts grievances and complaints from any person or organization, including self-reported concerns from Commission staff or members of the Board of Commissioners. Complaints may be filed against any person or entity in Louisiana that uses the title of sign language interpreter, performs sign language interpreting services, or compensates an individual for sign language interpreting services, regardless of whether the individual is properly registered. A complaint may address concerns related to an interpreter, interpreter service, registration requirements, or the grievance policy and procedures of the Commission.
More information coming soon!
Sign Language Interpreter Workforce Support
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf supports the certification and ongoing professional development of sign language interpreters by providing a variety of supports, such as:
- In-person and virtual workshop and training opportunities through Louisiana-based organizations
- Continuing education for certification maintenance with Commission-sponsored approval of continuing education units through the Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf Certification Maintenance Program
- Interpreter Mentorship Program that provides opportunities for career exploration, college internships, one-on-one coaching, and facilitated study groups
- Offer professional certification exams and assessments at no cost to sign language interpreters through a partnership with the Center for Assessment of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) and Boys Town National Research Hospital Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Center
Community-Based Sign Language Interpreter Services
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf may provide limited funding for sign language interpreting services when access to public and private services is necessary but unable to be provided.
Some examples include:
- Due to the size of an organization/business/agency or its funding capabilities
- Emergency situations
- Other urgent situations that may have a critical impact on a person’s physical or mental health
Additional situations may be approved by the Commission on a case-by-case basis. Services for religious, educational, or personal use circumstances will not be approved.
Note: Special considerations may be provided for DeafBlind individuals. The Commission does not schedule sign language interpreters directly. You must contact one of the Commission’s Regional Support Centers in your area for assistance.