Louisiana Sign Language Interpreter Registration Oversight Committee
The Louisiana Sign Language Interpreter Registration Oversight Committee (IOC) was created by the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf Board of Commissioners to serve as an advisory group on matters related to requirements for sign language interpreters in the state. The charge of this committee is to make recommendations to the Board about the development and implementation of sign language interpreter minimum qualification standards, registration requirements, compliance, and grievances in accordance with RS 46:2353. The Committee’s membership consists of qualified and knowledgeable members with professional sign language interpreting knowledge and experience, which enables them to represent the concerns, needs, and recommendations of d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing persons and the sign language interpreting workforce in Louisiana.
The Interpreter Registration Oversight Committee helps develop and improve:
- Minimum qualification standards for sign language interpreters
- Registration and compliance requirements
- Grievance policies and procedures
The Committee serves as the reviewer of all valid grievances received by the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf. This process allows concerns about interpreter registration or services to be reviewed and resolved in a transparent and timely manner.
Meetings
All meetings held by the Committee are open to the public with both in-person and virtual options (hybrid). Locations vary.
- Upcoming Meetings (coming soon)
- Previous Meetings (coming soon)
Membership of the Committee
The Louisiana Sign Language Interpreter Registration Oversight Committee (IOC) will have at least three members and no more than seven members.
- The Committee’s goal is to have statewide membership representation with individuals from diverse backgrounds to represent all people across Louisiana. Members should have knowledge and experience in:
- Sign language interpreting
- Professional credentialing
- Various work settings
- Serving and supporting d/Deaf, DeafBlind, hard of hearing, and non-signing communities
- Understanding the larger issues impacting the interpreting profession
In addition, membership must include:
- Louisiana Registered Interpreters holding Generalist, PreK-12 Education, and Court/Legal registration.
- Louisiana Registered Interpreters who are Deaf or hard of hearing
- Black, indigenous, and other communities of color
- One d/Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing sign language user who serves on the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf Board of Commissioners
- Consultants or non-voting members, if requested
Membership Criteria
In order to serve on the Interpreter Registration Oversight Committee, each member must:
- Be a registered interpreter with the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf
- Deaf interpreters may hold provisional registration, but preference will be given to Certified Deaf Interpreters holding valid state registration.
- Document a minimum of three years of professional, post-credentialed experience
- Complete the state of Louisiana’s Annual Ethics Training for public bodies
Note: Members may also be required to provide an annual financial disclosure statement.
Members are encouraged to participate in activities of the d/Deaf, DeafBlind, hard of hearing, and sign language communities, such as the Louisiana Association of the Deaf (LAD), the New Orleans Black Deaf Advocates (NOBDA), and the Louisiana Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (LRID), or other local associations.
Current owners or executive directors of sign language interpreting agencies responsible for providing interpreting services in the state of Louisiana are prohibited from membership.
Duties of the Committee
Monitor Standards: Recommend changes as needed to the minimum qualifications and rules for sign language interpreters to be listed in the Louisiana Interpreter Registry.
Manage Requests: Review and recommend actions for special requests, such as registration deadline extensions, rule exceptions, or appeals from interpreters.
Handle Complaints: Investigate violations or grievances involving interpreters and recommend how the Commission should respond.
Report Progress: Provide regular written updates to the Board of Commissioners. These reports include:
- Details on meetings (dates, locations, and attendees)
- New policy or standard recommendations from the past quarter
- Updates on disciplinary cases, including specific findings and the reasons for recommendations
Regular Meetings: Host meetings at least twice a year, with extra meetings as needed, following LAC Title 46: LXXII- Professional and Occupational Standards, Sign Language Interpreters.
Transparency: Conduct all business in accordance with state Open Meetings laws to ensure transparency.
Terms of Membership
Membership with the Interpreter Registration Oversight Committee lasts for two years. After two years, members may reapply to serve another term. However, no member is allowed to serve more than two consecutive terms.
All members must maintain good standing by attending all meetings and actively contributing to the work of the Committee.