Issue: Business owners and consumers do not know about the 2-year pilot program called the Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF), which can reduce the expense of providing accommodations for employees.

Who is impacted: Hiring entities, consumers, working interpreters.

Proposed solution: Commission provides a public awareness campaign about the Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) that focuses on DDBHH people and small businesses. DDBHH persons will gain more access because businesses will more easily be able to afford interpreters; interpreters will be paid better and more regular wages from small businesses. Businesses will be able to provide more access and have less financial burden as their expenses are able to be reimbursed by the small business Reasonable Accommodation Fund.

Timeline: 6 months

Expected outcome: Consumers will gain more access to small business’s services. Interpreters will be paid more from small businesses.

Note: DDBHH business owners can use this fund for their own access too!

2 Commission Host Self-Advocacy Training via Train-the-Trainer

Issue: Not all consumers are confident and comfortable with advocating for interpreting access.

Who is impacted: Consumers, hiring entities

Proposed solution: Provide NAD’s Self Advocacy Training. Commission to request Corina Gutierrez from New Mexico Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to come to Minnesota for an in-person Train-the-Trainer. Develop further plan for Minnesotan DDBHH persons to train community members on self-advocacy.

Timeline: 6 months

Expected outcomes: Deaf consumers will be better educated and further empowered regarding their communication access rights, including self-advocacy, self-determination and how to work more effectively with ASL interpreters. Include how to get resolution to customer service concerns and grievances.

Note: Dendros Group is interested in supporting this work via some coordination and partial financial sponsorship for Corina’s travel expenses.

3 Commission Lead a Public Campaign to Raise Awareness about the MJB Court Interpreter Program’s ADA Grievance Procedure and Complaint Processes

Issue: The Minnesota Judicial Branch (MJB) ADA Grievance Procedure and Complaint Process are not well publicized to the DDBHH constituents who interact with the courts.

Who is impacted: consumers

Proposed solution: The Commission, in conjunction with the Olmstead Implementation Office and the Disability Law Center, will share MJB’s ADA Grievance Procedure and Complaint Process about interpreting services.

Timeline: 6 months

Expected outcome: DDBHH people will become aware of these processes. Concerns about consumers’ communication access can be processed through the ADA Grievance Procedure and Complaint Process. Hopefully the quality of services will improve, particularly if there are patterns in concerns raised.

4 Educate Potential Hiring Entities & Employers: ADA Responsibilities

Issue: Organizations who need to hire interpreters often do not understand how to obtain quality and qualified interpreting services, specifically state agencies and other employers

Who is impacted: Consumers, hiring entities, including employers and service providers, interpreters

Proposed solution: Coalition, with Commission and DEED VRS leading, coordinate gathering of already existing resources and development of new resources needed to provide easily accessible training and resources to help employers and service providers understand communication access and accommodations. An example of a training resource is “industry standards and potential associated costs to expect when hiring interpreters.” Enhance and more widely publicize the existing DHHSD resource website. The audience is employers of all different sizes.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: DDBHH people will experience increased and better services when interacting with any employers.

5 Educate All Entities on ADA Responsibilities and How to Access Interpreters

Issue: All organizations who need to hire interpreters often do not understand how to obtain quality and qualified interpreting services

Who is impacted: Interpreters, consumers

Proposed solution: Coalition, with Commission and DHHSD leading, develop a working group of consumers, customer experience representatives and interpreters to compile a list of frequent entities where DDBHH people are seeking interpreters. This working group can compile a list of targeted entities and make publicly available documents to educate entities of their responsibilities for providing interpreters, as well as resources to secure interpreters and guides on what they can expect. Example service providers are state and local government service providers, private businesses, non-profit organizations, medical and legal providers.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: DDBHH people will experience increased and better services when interacting with any employers and public servants.

Note: A system of “Deaf-Friendly” certificates could be developed. The entity can earn the “Deaf-Friendly” designation, display the certificate and be included in a database so DDBHH community members can make choices about where to go.

6 Commission Host Self-Advocacy Training via Online Videos

Issue: More online training resources are needed for consumers.

Who is impacted: Consumers

Proposed solution: Commission provide online video training or other easily accessible formats for DDBHH consumers to learn their rights, how to self-advocate, where to find resources to support their self-determination and how to effectively work with interpreters. Teach consumers how to get resolution to their customer service concerns and grievances.

Videos will include:

High stakes situations (employment, healthcare, insurance, legal settings, expensive purchases, etc.)
Potential pitfalls of various situations
Indicate what to look for in situations and how to address them

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Consumers will better understand their rights and how to self-advocate when working with interpreters. Interpreters will experience greater clarity in their work expectations when working with empowered DDBHH consumers.

Note: The Commission has a video series on accessible health care advocacy, a possible model to follow.

7 Support Professional Development for Interpreters and Transparency for Consumers via RateMyInterpreter.Com

Issue: A platform is needed to provide valuable feedback on interpreting services.

Who is impacted: Consumers, hiring entities, interpreters

Proposed solution: Coalition with MRID develop a cross-cutting working group, led by CDIs, DDBHH consumers and hearing interpreters, that would gather input and develop the process and format for information that would be included in a standard “ratemyinterpreter” concept. Many suggestions have already been shared of content to include, such as a video introduction by the interpreter, skill sets and specializations.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: DDBHH people will experience more transparency about interpreters skills and specializations. Open feedback mechanisms are also an opportunity for interpreters to gain feedback they may not receive from other mechanisms.

Notes: LingoForce may be an option to explore.

8 Establish a New Home & Community Services Interpreting Funding

Issue: DDBHH consumers are often denied interpreting services from home and community service entities due to financial constraints.

Who is impacted: Consumers, interpreters

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: Commission and DHHSD work in conjunction to establish a new legislatively funded program for businesses and organizations (both nonprofits and for profit entities) that are too small to provide interpreting, particularly for home services (plumbing, HVAC, etc.) and other professional services not typically covered by ADA or other resources. Similar to ERAF (see 3.4) and the DHHSD funded program for funerals, 12-step and other support group interpreting. A public outreach campaign would also be needed to inform both DDBHH Minnesotans and small businesses and organizations that this fund is available.

Expected outcome: DDBHH Minnesotans will gain greater access to communication in home and community based settings that have previously not been accessible. Interpreters will be compensated in settings where they may have not been working or may have provided pro-bono interpreting services.

9 Explicitly Teach DDBHH K12 and College Students about Working with Interpreters

Issue: Consumers, interpreters in both K12 and post-secondary settings, DHH teachers, college disability services

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: Commission and MDE provide training modules and guides in easily accessible formats (YouTube, Google docs) for DHH teachers and access coordinators to work with students as they learn what interpreters do, consumer rights, how to have discussions with interpreters, self-advocacy techniques, where to find resources and other ways to work effectively with interpreters.

Expected outcome: Consumers will understand their rights and have more techniques for working with interpreters to get desired results; consumers will be more satisfied with interpreting services. Interpreters will work with consumers who are more informed about what interpreters do and how to work effectively with them; interpreters will have fewer demands due to consumers’ understanding of the interpreting process.

B - Systems Change Initiatives

10 Create Centralized Website of Resources, Including a Directory of Interpreters and Specializations

Issue: Not everyone is aware of all available resources, even though some sites with resources currently exist.

Who is impacted: Hiring entities, consumers, new and working interpreters

Proposed solution: The Commission to create an online resource that includes:

● Programs serving DDBHH people

Mental health and SUD services
Social security supports - DHS

● Comprehensive directory of current working interpreters in Minnesota

● Comprehensive directory of current interpreter referral companies in Minnesota, including specialty areas and contact info

● Programs and resources for interpreters (mentorships, workshops, communities of practice, etc.)

Timeline: 6 months

Expected outcome: Having these resources readily available creates more transparency and organized information when DDBHH consumers, hiring entities and interpreters are seeking resources. Higher quality of interpreting services will be achieved because there is more knowledge for selecting interpreters for specific settings. Knowing more about interpreters, including specialty areas, also empowers DDBHH people to seek interpreters who will fit their interpreting settings. Interpreters can highlight their skill sets and work in settings where they are most qualified.

Note: While multiple resources with partial information already exist, one clear centralized location with all this information would be helpful. LingoForce is another suggested resource.

11 Complete Studies about DDBHH Communities and Interpreting Field

Issue: Insufficient demographic information about the number of deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing Minnesotans.

Who is impacted: consumers, decision makers on programs and services provided to the community

Proposed solution: Commission conduct studies to identify deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing Minnesotans. Included in these studies would be basic demographic information (location, age, etc) as well as language(s) used and accommodations or services that would benefit the individual. The study should include a more intensive study for DeafBlind individuals as this population is varied, growing in Minnesota and underserved.

Also continue the study on signed language interpreters conducted by MRID. Use some funding to support MRID’s time and effort towards this census of interpreters.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: With a better understanding of DDBHH communities’ experiences and needs, entities serving these communities can better project and prepare for providing service.

With a better understanding of Minnesota’s interpreters, programs can be tailored to improve quality and availability of interpreters.

Note: Details of the types of studies and the benefits of such studies can be found in the raw data document of the Emerging Solutions. This study can also be expanded to “quality of life” study to include topics of health, mental health, employment, housing, civic engagement and community engagement as key factors for quality of life.

12 Support Business Development by Developing a Public State Payscale for Freelancers

Issue: There is no clear or consistent payscale for freelance interpreters

Who is impacted: Students, new interpreters, experienced interpreters

Proposed solution: Some states have published pay scales for interpreters working with state agencies. A published pay scale is a general guide, not a mandatory business practice; it can guide hiring entities as well as give working interpreters a guide of reasonable compensation rates. A new task force would develop a payscale for interpreters, based on experience and other qualifications.

Review other states who have a public pay scale, often published as recommended to be used for state agencies.
Create tiers or levels, including specializations, that require credentials and other factors to achieve various pay levels.
Within the pay scale, advocate for mileage, travel time, per diem or other expenses be compensated to the interpreter.
Publish the payscale along with best practices for hiring interpreters as a way to promote transparency and educate businesses and other entities.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Transparency with some guidelines for compensation may lead to interpreters receiving higher rates of pay. Understanding compensation possible with some specializations may entice interpreters to become proficient in new areas.

Note: Consider a tiered system similar to many other professions, such as nursing.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

13 Require All Major Local News Services to Provide Picture-in-Picture Interpreters

Issue: DDBHH Minnesotans do not all have clear access to news in the local communities where they live.

Who is impacted: Consumers, interpreters

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: Commission advocate for requiring local news services to provide picture-in-picture interpreters.

Expected outcome: DDBHH Minnesotans would become more informed citizens. Interpreters, particularly CDIs, would have greater work options. Increased awareness of DDBHH communities and interpreting as a profession. Increased public awareness of ASL and normalizing ASL at public events would also create more inclusive settings.

Note: DHHSD could establish a grant parallel to their “Real-time TV Captioning of live local news programming” grant to support funding interpreters on the news.

14 Expand DHHSD Grants

Issue: There are multiple needs for interpreting supports to increase the quality and availability of interpreters, particularly in Greater Minnesota and for DeafBlind consumers.

Who is impacted: Interpreters, consumers

Proposed solution: DHHSD and coalition request greater funding to support interpreting demands in Minnesota. Currently, DHHSD has greatly beneficial grant programs – for example to support DeafBlind access, DDBHH consumers access for funerals and support groups and Greater Minnesota interpreters. However, more is needed to provide learning opportunities for prospective and current working interpreters.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: Increased quality and availability of interpreters; greater access for consumers statewide.

Note: New grant programs to benefit consumer’s access to include internship funding, mentor program funding, workshop and other professional development, stipends for interpreters seeking the BEI, scholarships for ITP students and stipends for DDBHH people and interpreters going to career fairs and ASL classes to recruit interpreters.

15 Create a Central State Government Interpreting Services Office

Issue: Burden on individual state agencies for interpreting costs; no central state model of excellence in interpreting. With the One Minnesota campaign, the philosophy falls short and penalizes entities with DDBHH employees, as well as penalizes state agencies that have to pay for interpreting services for public access and direct services to DDBHH constituents.

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: Coalition research the state expenses of interpreting services and propose a centralized office of interpreting services for state government. Office would be funded by MMB and services available to all state entities. This could streamline use of resources as well as provide a neutral central office for coordination, setting standards, advice, internships and other initiatives.

Expected outcome: State constituents who are DDBHH know of the central office for receiving services. Multiple interpreters employed by the state.

16 Recognize Less Frequent Specialty Areas of Interpreting

Issue: No widespread standards exist for some specialty areas of interpreting. Few specialty areas have associated assessments, credentialing or training programs. (The former RID Specialist Certificate: Legal, former RID Specialist Certificate: Performance Arts, Qualified Mental Health Interpreter, Texas’ BEI Medical, BEI Court, BEI Trilingual (Spanish), Deaf Blind Interpreter, ProTactile Language Interpreter, CoreCHI and NTID’s MS in Health Care Interpretation are the current “credentials” for specialized areas of interpreting.) There are no standards for measuring or training within other specializations or content specific areas.

Who is impacted: Interpreters working in specialized settings; consumers wanting interpreters with demonstrated skills and knowledge in specialized areas.

Proposed solution: Coalition convene a working group to research the need for training standards and credentialing in “new” specialized areas of interpreting.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: Conducting research will provide more comprehensive information about what speciality credentials are already available and what gap areas there are for specialty training and credentialing.

Note: Potential national partner organizations for this work could include NAD, RID/CASLI, CIT and CCIE. A consumer survey is recommended to help focus where the community will and demand for specialty training and credentialing are needed.

17 Unionize Interpreters

Issue: Some concerns have been raised about interpreters’ pay and benefits.

Who is impacted: Interpreters

Proposed solution: Coalition work to establish a union for interpreters in Minnesota. This would allow for interpreters to negotiate for better benefits and wages, improved working conditions and resources for professional development. A union could also negotiate and provide discount benefits for freelance and small referral enterprises, among other membership benefits.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: Potential for interpreters to have bargaining power for pay equity and some benefits.

Note: Interpreter work classes vary all over MN and the United States. Interpreters can be full-time regular employees, part-time regular employees, temporary casual part-time employees, independent contractors, sole proprietors, LLCs, partnerships, etc. With multiple employment categories of working interpreters, a union may be a challenge to organize without knowing who would be members.

18 Establish Licensure for Interpreters

Issue: Concerns about interpreter quality or other complaints are not being resolved via the current mechanisms of RID or interpreter referral companies..

Who is impacted: Interpreters, consumers

Proposed solution: Coalition to research effectiveness of licensing in other states. If licensure is desirable, the coalition will develop a licensing proposal for legislation.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: Interpreters would have clear requirements due to legislation. Consumers would have another venue for complaints to be addressed.

19 Centralize Referral System under Minnesota Commission

Issue: All current interpreter referral companies are for-profit entities.

Who is impacted: Hiring entities, interpreters

Proposed solution: Parallel to the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (and others), the Minnesota Commission could establish an interpreting component of their office. The interpreting department could include interpreter referral and setting standards for statewide practices, similar to Massachuestts.

With establishing an interpreting department, there is also an argument for accessing the telecommunications fund to provide for the needed services to ensure DDBHH folks are receiving needed services. Communication access advocacy and systems improvements could become a funded service under the Commission.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: Unknown what impacts would come from an interpreter referral department under the Commission. Increased competition and more options for freelance interpreters are the primary expected outcomes.

Note: MCDHH Communication Access Division - https://www.mass.gov/communication-access-services-division-cas-division

20 Make Interpreters State Employees

Issue: Interpreters working with government agencies experience varied levels of compensation, standards required, support and benefits.

Who is impacted: Interpreters working for the state, consumers of state interpreting services

Proposed solution: Minnesota Management and Budget conduct a survey to determine where all the working interpreters are based, including educational interpreters in K12 settings. MMB work in coordination with interpreters and their supervisors to create a competitive and standardized package for interpreters. Encourage more staff interpreters for the state, including shared positions that could serve constituents from more than one state agency.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: Standardized and hopefully more competitive compensation packages for state employed interpreters. Additionally, support for professional development, benefits and similar aspects of full time employment may be enjoyed by more interpreters.

Note: There is also a desire for state employed interpreters to be compensated from a central accommodation fund, not within each state agency’s budget.

21 Create Quality Specialist Position in State Government

Issue: No statewide office to support interpreting issues.

Who is impacted: Consumers, interpreters

Proposed solution: Commission or DHHSD establish a Quality Specialist position to advance interpreting related initiatives.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: One clear person and office responsible to continue advancing initiatives relating to interpreting quality and availability.

Note: Checks and balances, clear position description and transparent reporting can be built into this position to reduce it being politicized or gaining too much power. (Insert link to one proposal for 2 year pilot for this position - data below)

C - Interpreter Referral Companies

22 Host DeafBlind & Interpreter Meet-and-Greet

Issue: DeafBlind consumers are not familiar with all working interpreters who are available and have some qualifications for working with DeafBlind individuals. DeafBlind consumers are not able to expand their interpreter preference list without knowing the interpreters and their skills.

Who is impacted: DeafBlind consumers, interpreters

Proposed solution: Interpreter referral companies, either individually or collaboratively, host “meet-and-greets” to introduce DeafBlind individuals to Deaf and hearing interpreters who have had at least introductory training to work with DeafBlind individuals. With informed choice from having direct conversations with Deaf and hearing interpreters, DeafBlind individuals can determine who they are willing to work with or not. DeafBlind individuals could also share feedback with the interpreter referral companies for individual interpreters on what skill sets they could work on to improve for future work.

Timeline: 6 months

Expected outcomes: DeafBlind individuals having more informed choice. Interpreters may experience increased requests by DeafBlind individuals. Interpreters may have feedback on how to improve and work more with DeafBlind individuals.

23 Interpreter Referral Companies Host Community Conversations about Their Policies and Practices

Issue: Consumers and interpreters do not have clarity on interpreter referral companies’ policies, practices and standards. Multiple concerns were raised during community input sessions that appear to be attributable to interpreter referral company practices, including detrimental impacts to consumers due to competition among companies.

Who is impacted: Interpreter referral companies, consumers, interpreters

Proposed solution: Interpreter referral companies host community conversations to share their policies, practices etc. Leave significant time for Q & A and have staff on hand to engage in private 1:1 conversations to review specific instances that community members raise.

Timeline: 6 months

Expected outcome: More transparency for consumers and interpreters about interpreter referral companies’ practices and policies. Consumers and interpreters can share feedback with companies for their consideration to shift policies and practices.

Note: The Twin Cities Freelance Interpreter group hosted a conversation with interpreter referral companies January 11, 2024. Interpreter referral companies could connect with TC Freelance group to get more information and considerations prior to hosting a community conversation.

24 Host DDBHH & Interpreter Meet-and-Greet

Issue: Concerns have been raised about divisiveness in the interpreting and DDBHH communities. Interpreters and DDBHH community members do not have opportunities to come together with a focus on getting to know each other to be better prepared to work together in different settings.

Who is impacted: Consumers, interpreters

Proposed solution: Interpreter referral companies, either individually or collaboratively, host “meet-and-greets” to introduce DDBHH consumers to Deaf and hearing interpreters. With informed choice from having direct conversations with Deaf and hearing interpreters, consumers can determine who they are interested to work with or not. Consumers could also share feedback with the interpreter referral companies for individual interpreters on what skill sets they could work on to improve for future work.

Timeline: 6 months

Expected outcomes: Consumers having more informed choice. Interpreters may experience increased requests. Interpreters may receive feedback or areas of desired improvement.

Note: This is related to 22 focused on DeafBlind individuals. Recommend hosting a general session that includes DeafBlind individuals, as well as the focused session only for DeafBlind individuals.

25 Invest in CDI Professional Development

Issue: Deaf interpreters in Minnesota have great potential as a sustainable profession. With a larger DeafBlind population, there is more demand for DeafBlind interpreters who are Deaf in all settings. Recent trends indicate that CDIs will continue to be used for press conferences. Further, state legislation has passed that allows for CDIs in the classroom and for the expense of a CDI to be reimbursable from the state. In addition to immigrant populations and the need for CDIs in court and legal settings, there are further settings where CDIs can be a benefit for DDBHH consumers and hearing team interpreters. With this, continued investment in CDIs’ professional development is necessary.

Who is impacted: Deaf interpreters, hearing team interpreters

Proposed solution: Interpreter referral companies invest in training for Deaf interpreters. (See 11.2 re CDIs as staff interpreters.)

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Immediate increased availability and quality of interpreting services. More Deaf interpreters are employed and influencing the next generation of CHIs. DDBHH consumers gain more exposure to Deaf interpreters.

Note: Both KIS and ASLIS have CDIs on staff. More funding to expand the scope and promote CDIs in different settings while leveraging other skill sets would benefit a larger pool of Deaf and hearing interpreters.

26 Mentor Programs Focus on CDIs Mentoring Hearing Interpreters

Issue: Hearing interpreters report needing more mentoring to advance their skills. Often ASL fluency is a challenge for newer interpreters.

Who is impacted: Deaf interpreters, hearing team interpreters, consumers

Proposed solution: Interpreter referral companies receive state funding via DHHSD to hire more full-time CDIs on staff and create a program where CDIs are mentoring hearing interpreters. Staff CDIs (and CHIs) serve as mentors for interns in a graduation-to-certification model program. Mentoring training is available via CATIE Center or related sources. CDIs and hearing intern interpreters can also be assigned to interpret for consumers; thus, helping with covering interpreting demands. CDIs would be preferred mentors for hearing interpreters due to their language skills and training in interpreting. CDIs also bring the consumers’ perspectives, which will aid with empathy and increased awareness for hearing interpreters.

Timeline: Midterm

Note: This model was used successfully in New Mexico for an intern program called IN-STEP in 2006 at the Community Outreach Program for the Deaf.

27 Establish Grievance Process for Quality Control - Restorative and Timely Process

Issue: When something goes poorly in an interpreting setting, there are multiple considerations and perspectives. Sometimes there is gross negligence or incompetence on the part of the interpreter, and someone is grievously harmed. However, many concerns about interpreter performance could be resolved and harm repaired without legal or exhaustive processes.

Constructive solutions rather than harsh or destructive penalties would not only be more humane but could also build the understanding and skill of working interpreters. A restorative approach would seek to make right whatever harm has been done and restore relationships.

Who is impacted: Consumers, interpreters

Proposed solution: A coalition, led by the Commission, would institute a Restorative Grievance Process. The process would be DDBHH-centric, with education and restorative principles at the heart of the process. A quality specialist would be the primary interface for receiving the complaint, engaging the complainant to understand the nature of the concern and moving the complaint forward if the complaint is one that is actionable.

Complaints would receive an initial response within 48 hours.

Valid complaints would be reviewed by a panel of DDBHH people and interpreters. Majority of valid complaints are likely to result in restorative and constructive solutions for the interpreter to improve on their professional practice.

Measurable goals and outcomes would be included in regular and public reporting.

Primary aims are to improve on interpreters’ professional practice and retain more skilled interpreters in the field, while also expanding DDBHH consumers’ understanding of what constitutes a violation of professional practice.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: DDBHH consumers would have a venue for timely complaint resolution. Interpreters would have greater ability to 1) improve upon their practice and 2) have misunderstandings resolved through a restorative process.

28 Review Model, Policies and Practices of Interpreter Referral Companies

Issue: Consumers and interpreters are unclear and unsure about how interpreter referral companies operate

Who is impacted: Consumers, interpreters

Proposed solution: Interpreter referral companies in Minnesota are typically for-profit businesses. Each also has their ties with the communities served and holds deep values in their services. Multiple concerns are raised by DDBHH consumers and interpreters that relate to interpreter referral company practices and policies. With confidentiality, information sharing from referral companies is often restrained, increasing consumers’ and interpreters’ desires for transparency.

A working group from interpreter and consumer represented entities develop a wish list of interpreter referral company practices and policies that would benefit them. Once this list is shared with companies, a response from each company would be shared with the communities impacted.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Greater clarity of what interpreters and DDBHH consumers are seeking from their interpreter referral companies. Transparent community conversations with service providers who earn income from the DDBHH and interpreting communities.

Note: A few practices already named by constituents include:

Requesting specific interpreters but being assigned a staff interpreter who is not preferred
Inability for DDBHH consumers to know what is happening with their interpreting request, disconnect of consumer not having access to information about their own services
Desire for DDBHH consumers to have access to more information about the interpreters on the company’s list - specializations, background knowledge and skills in the specific setting where they are assigned, seeing a sample of interpreter’s signing skills, etc.

29 Establish Code of Professional Conduct for Interpreter Referral Companies

Issue: Multiple concerns have been raised about interpreter referral company practices. There is no standardization of interpreter referral companies nationwide or statewide. While RID and NAD have each discussed and held groups to work on developing standards, a Code of Professional Conduct, Better Business Bureau ratings, or similar system for providing guidance to interpreter referral companies, no such systems or guidance exist.

Who is impacted: Interpreter referral companies, interpreters, consumers

Timeline: Midterm

Proposed solution: MRID collaborate with interpreter referral companies and DDBHH community to develop a Code of Professional Conduct for interpreter referral companies.

Interpreter referral companies are often critical resources that are a crux point for services. They often function as intermediaries between hearing/hiring entities, DDBHH consumers and interpreters. However, interpreter referral companies do not have formalized guidance, procedures or training. Companies are for-profit entities that strive to serve the DDBHH communities. A Code of Professional Conduct would provide a foundation upon which interpreter referral companies could base their operations.

Expected outcome: DDBHH consumers and interpreters would have a better understanding of the operations and functions of interpreter referral companies with a clearly published Code of Professional Conduct (or similar) for all interpreter referral companies operating in Minnesota.

30 Minnesota-Based Interpreter Referral Companies Create Partnerships with Other Interpreter Referral Companies in Neighboring States

Issue: Greater Minnesota struggles to fill all interpreter requests.

Who is impacted: Consumers in Greater Minnesota, overwhelmed Greater Minnesota interpreters

Proposed solution: Minnesota-based interpreter referral companies create partnerships with interpreter referrals based in neighboring states (Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa) to increase the pool of available interpreters.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: More requests for interpreters in Greater Minnesota will be staffed.

Note: It’s possible that many of the interpreters contracted with interpreter referrals in the bordering states may already be on the Minnesota-based interpreter referral companies; thus, there may not be any increase in available interpreters.

31 Interpreter Referral Companies Establish and Maintain Self-Reporting to the Public

Issue: As private businesses that serve a business and social demand for communication services, information about services is generally not shared. There is a lack of knowledge about the scope of services, issue areas and fill rates.

Who is impacted: Interpreter referral companies, system stakeholders

Proposed solution: Interpreter referral companies publish data about their services for transparency and to help guide system stakeholders and interested community members. Collected information to indicate current market, challenges and service gaps.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: System stakeholders and interested community members would have a better understanding of the challenge areas for interpreter referral companies. They could then invest resources with better direction to increase the quality and availability of interpreting services.

32 Hiring Entities Provide More Employment Options for Interpreter Compensation

Issue: Interpreters employment options are not flexible enough for retaining the interpreter workforce in some settings. A theme in reporting was interpreters needing regular full-time employment with benefits; however, not all interpreters are seeking full-time employment.

Who is impacted: Interpreters, hiring entities, consumers

Proposed solution: Workplaces seeking interpreters provide different employment options, including full-time regular employment with benefits, part-time regular employment with benefits, casual temporary employment with minimal benefits, independent contractor, and/or subcontracting through an interpreter referral company.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcomes: Interpreters having greater choices in employment are more likely to have their basic income and living needs met; fewer interpreters would leave the field due to compensation models not fitting their daily living needs.

32 Provide Co-Navigating and Other Workshops to Interpreters - revised and incorporated to 51

Issue: DeafBlind individuals express concerns about specific skill sets that very few interpreters are able to demonstrate.

Who is impacted: Interpreters, DeafBlind consumers

Proposed solution: DeafBlind grant awardee(s), interpreter referral companies, MRID or other entity provide specific training regarding ambidexterity, co-navigating, oral interpreting (for those who are hard of hearing), how to approach regular check-ins with consumers on what their communication needs are (as they may change with DeafBlind individuals) and other topics requested by DeafBlind consumers.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcomes: Interpreters develop stronger skill sets in DeafBlind interpreting; DeafBlind consumers receive better interpreting services.

33 Legislate Requiring Consumer Grievance Process for Referral Companies

Issue: DDBHH consumers often feel that concerns or complaints about interpreters are not addressed.

Who is impacted: Consumer, interpreter

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: Commission and coalition pursue legislation to require interpreter referral companies providing services in Minnesota to have a publicly published grievance process, which includes information on appeals and escalations of the grievance if the consumer is not satisfied with the result.

Expected outcome: DDBHH consumers would have clear routes for filing grievances about interpreters. Interpreters could receive critical information for improved professional practice.

Note: Research would need to be collected about current interpreter referral companies’ practices relating to grievances from consumers.

34 Lobby for Additional Funding to Strengthen Disabled-owned and BIPOC Interpreter Referral Companies

Issue: There are few successful BIPOC or DDBHH-owned (aka Disabled-owned) interpreter referral companies. While there is not any support for a start-up or ongoing interpreting referral company owner, BIPOC and DDBHH persons often experience greater inequities.

Who is impacted: Interpreter referral company owners who are DDBHH and/or BIPOC.

Proposed solution: Commission lobby with relevant state agencies (DEED VRS, DHHSD) to receive funding for business owners to support the start up and ongoing success of BIPOC and DDBHH owned interpreter referral companies.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: Interpreter referral companies owned and operated by DDBHH persons are likely to have the consumer experience embedded into its policies and practices. Interpreter referral companies owned and operated by (DDBHH) BIPOC are likely to be more sensitive to issues significant to BIPOC consumers and interpreters.

35 Accredit Interpreter Referral Companies

Issue: Multiple concerns have been raised about interpreter referral company practices. There is no standardization of interpreter referral companies nationwide nor statewide. While RID and NAD have each discussed and held groups to work on developing standards, a Code of Professional Conduct, Better Business Bureau ratings or similar system for providing guidance to interpreter referral companies, no such systems or guidance exist.

Who is impacted: Interpreter referral companies, interpreters, consumers

Proposed solution: Coalition develop an accrediting system or Better Business Bureau model for interpreter referral companies. Standards of practice, limitations and/or guidance would be developed by the coalition.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: DDBHH consumers and interpreters would have greater confidence in the operations and functions of interpreter referral companies due to a formalized system for accrediting.

Note: Coalition could wait until 29 occurs first. Then the accrediting system could be developed using the proposed Code of Professional Conduct from 29.

D - Community Building for Interpreter Recruitment and Retention

36 Centralize Information about Community Gatherings

Issue: Information about opportunities for interpreters and DDBHH community members to gather is spread out. Not all people know where to find opportunities to gather.

Who is impacted: Interpreters, consumers

Proposed Solution: Commission centralize and publicize information about community activities.

Timeline: 6 months

Expected outcome: Prospective interpreters’ ASL skills will increase. Stronger relationships developed among DDBHH and interpreting communities.

Note: There are many opportunities that already exist but may be difficult for all interested parties to find and plan for community events. Camp ASL, ASL Night Out, Charles Thompson Hall, MDS community events, etc.

37 Interpreters and Interpreter Referral Companies Donate 3% of Revenue or Provide Pro Bono Interpreting

Issue: There are interpreting needs that are not currently covered by the ADA, such as community organizations that would undergo undue hardship with the expense of accommodations. Another applicable situation is when the deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing consumers themselves become the host, such as for a wedding, funeral or personal gathering.

Who is impacted: Consumers, interpreters

Proposed solution: MRID entertain a motion at the fall business meeting to establish a 3% Club in partnership with organizations, such as Deaf Equity and Minnesota DeafBlind Association (MDBA). Establish a fund to cover interpreting needs and/or programs to support interpreter initiatives such as scholarships for interpreters.

Interpreters - and interpreter referral companies - in Minnesota commit to 3% of their income or 30 hours of volunteered pro bono interpreting hours annually. Update the publicly published list on a monthly basis, based on 3% received by the fund or pro bono interpreter hours delivered. Interpreters in the 3% Club can market themselves as part of the 3% Club.

Timeline: 6 months

Expected outcome: A tangible fund and mechanism will be established that is intended to recognize and foster the reciprocal and interrelated nature of ASL interpreting and the communities served by interpreters. Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing people will receive additional interpreting services. Interpreters will regularly practice giving back and contributing to both the future interpreting field via programs funded by the 3%, as well as interpreters directly benefiting from interpreting initiatives from this fund, such as scholarships.

38 Host Semi-Annual DDBHH & Interpreter Community Forums on Interpreting Topics

Issue: There are no current venues for developing shared understanding about interpreting issues amongst DDBHH community members and Deaf and hearing interpreters.

Who is impacted: Consumers, interpreters

Proposed solution: MRID and MADC (and other organizations as desired) partner to host dialogue among all impacted communities about interpreting related topics semi-annually. Organizations can poll members about topics to discuss. Small committee will organize the topics for discussion. Group sets ground rules for discussion together. Ongoing theme of “HOPE: visioning common goals for the long and short term in interpreters’ professional practice to best serve the DDBHH community.”

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Emerging through seasoned interpreters will have a chance to learn from DDBHH community members experiences and wishes relating to interpreting. DDBHH community members better understand the interpreting process and what interpreters need to do quality work. Ultimate outcome of some actionable items to improve the interpreting ecosystem for consumers.

Note: Interpreter referral companies are also encouraged to participate and represent in the discussion. Identified topics could include: Minnesota Hospital Consortium, new interpreter supports, collaboration for advocacy, info and resource sharing fair, etc.

39 MRID Diversify Professional Social Events

Issue: Concerns have been raised about interpreters, particularly emerging interpreters, feeling a lack of connectedness to the interpreting community. Emerging interpreters do not have opportunities to develop relationships with interpreters at all stages in their career. If interpreters have stronger relationships within the interpreting community, they have a sense of belonging, a network to support them, and are better prepared to work together in different settings.

Who is impacted: Interpreters

Proposed solution: MRID develop social and networking events to promote community, network, and professional dialogue.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcomes: higher interpreter retention due to supportive community network and sense of belonging.

Note: Example events include: game show style “get to know you as a professional”, happy hours, buddy system for new interpreters to Minnesota and to the field.

40 MRID Resolve to Host Annual Anti-Racism Workshops

Issue: Interpreters of color have regularly reported experiencing explicit and subtle racist acts and microaggressions. As DDBHH consumers of color are woefully underserved by not having interpreters who reflect their identities, there is a need to support and encourage more interpreters of color in the field.

Who is impacted: Interpreters

Proposed solution: MRID resolve to host at least an annual anti-racism workshop.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcomes: Higher retention of interpreters of color; DDBHH consumers of color experience greater satisfaction in interpreting services

41 Recruit to ITPs via Signing Community Housing

Issue: Limited opportunities for prospective interpreters to gain an immersion experience.

Who is impacted: Prospective interpreters

Proposed solution: Coalition, particularly with state service agency representatives, develop, advocate and implement ASL housing - Community Housing for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing, with volunteers or stipend positions for ASL-as-a-second-language learners. These ASL learners can apply to interpreter training programs, be co-enrolled in ITPs or move into other careers where having ASL competency will benefit DDBHH individuals by reducing reliance on interpreters.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: More ASL skilled ITP students and DDBHH community housing option.

Note: There are different DDBHH/ASL living centers. PAH! in New Mexico is one example.

E - Certified Deaf Interpreters

42 Explore Interest in Community of Practice for CDIs in K12 Settings

Issue: Some DDBHH students require interpreting skills that can only be provided by Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs). Currently, there are challenges with school districts hiring CDIs despite legislation in place to provide for CDIs in classrooms and the funding reimbursement to school districts for CDI services.

Who is impacted: DDBHH children in mainstream educational settings, educational interpreters

Proposed solution: Starting with a presentation at the Collaborative Education Conference (CEC), raise awareness of the benefits of CDIs in the classroom. From this presentation, gauge for interest in a community of practice and/or a working group to advance having CDIs in the classroom for students who could benefit from CDI services.

Timeline: less than 6 months, CEC occurring November 1-3, 2024

Expected outcome: DDBHH students would have better educational outcomes; therefore, allowing for becoming better educated citizens with higher employability. Improved support and job satisfaction for K12 interpreters and increased quality of K12 interpreting services.

43 Revise K12 Educational Interpreters’ Mentor Program

Issue: Some interpreters in K12 settings report feeling the need for more support as they are starting their careers. Interpreters in K12 settings are often working on waivers as they have not met the professional standards for their positions. Limited opportunities for interaction with DDBHH adults to improve language skills.

Who is impacted: DDBHH children in mainstream educational settings, educational interpreters

Proposed solution: Minnesota Department of Education/Brightworks invest in an increased number of trained mentors for working interpreters who are still working on waivers, particularly CDIs. Follow research based evidence on professional practice needed for gaining critical skills in interpreting, including prep meetings and debriefs, live observations, teamed interpreting assignments and case conferencing. Mentoring would need to occur at least once a week in each ongoing class for effective learning.

Timeline: Midterm

44 Minnesota Judicial Branch Court Interpreter Program Hire Staff CDI

Issue: The Minnesota Judicial Branch (MJB) does not have linguistically and culturally relevant expertise to coordinate interpreters for the DDBHH constituents appearing for court proceedings. Particularly as DDBHH constituents in legal settings are sometimes vulnerable persons with disabilities due to language deprivation, the need for linguistically and culturally relevant expertise is necessary for ensuring protection of rights for these Minnesotans. Currently, MJB has instructed that hearing interpreters (who are contacted first for assignments) are not able to request CDI teams; only the DDBHH constituent or the judge is permitted to request a CDI. This is problematic because often judges and DDBHH consumers are not aware that a CDI is an option nor how it might benefit the accuracy of the proceedings.

Who is impacted: Consumers, court interpreters

Proposed solution: Commission partner with MJB to advocate for funding to hire a legally-qualified staff CDI qualified. Primary duties would include language assessment, advisement on interpreting coordination and interpreting for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans. The staff CDI would also provide training to prospective interpreters and court staff, advise on quality standards for working interpreters and provide orientations to working in the courts for ASL interpreting.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: MJB will provide better services for and avoid any violation of rights for DDBHH Minnesotans. DDBHH Minnesotans will experience justice more on par with their peers who do not have a hearing loss. Hearing and Deaf interpreters for the courts will have greater confidence that services are being provided appropriately to DDBHH Minnesotans appearing in courts.

45 Minnesota Judicial Branch Revise Policy to Honor Hearing Interpreters’ Requests for CDI Teams

Issue: The Minnesota Judicial Branch (MJB) does not have linguistically and culturally relevant expertise to coordinate interpreters for the DDBHH constituents appearing for court proceedings. Particularly as DDBHH constituents in legal settings are often vulnerable persons with disabilities due to language deprivation, the need for linguistically and culturally relevant expertise is necessary for ensuring protection of rights for these Minnesotans. Currently, MJB has instructed that hearing interpreters (who are contacted first for assignments) are not able to request CDI teams; only the DDBHH constituent or the judge is permitted to request a CDI. This is problematic because often judges and DDBHH consumers are not aware that a CDI is an option nor how it might benefit the accuracy of the proceedings.

Who is impacted: Consumers, court interpreters

Proposed solution: Commission, Disability Law Center and the Olmstead Implementation Office collaborate to work with MJB to schedule CDIs for DDBHH constituents when hearing interpreter teams make the request.

Timeline: Midterm

Note: Hearing interpreters certified by RID are required to abide by the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct, which includes the below tenants. Source RID.org.

“2.0 PROFESSIONALISM Tenet: Interpreters possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific interpreting situation.

“Illustrative Behavior - Interpreters:

“2.2 Assess consumer needs and the interpreting situation before and during the assignment and make adjustments as needed.

“2.4 Request support (e.g., certified deaf interpreters, team members, language facilitators) when needed to fully convey the message or to address exceptional communication challenges (e.g. cognitive disabilities, foreign sign language, emerging language ability, or lack of formal instruction or language).

“2.6 Judiciously provide information or referral regarding available interpreting or community resources without infringing upon consumers’ rights.”

46 Promote K12 Educational Certified Deaf Interpreters

Who is impacted: DDBHH children in mainstream educational settings, CDIs

Proposed solution: The Commission partner with the Department of Children, Youth and Families and the Minnesota Department of Education 1) to explore the challenges and benefits for implementation and 2) to develop an outreach plan to educate school districts and families on the benefits for CDIs for some DDBHH students in K12 settings. Include exposure/education for DDBHH students annually and empowering youth for self-determination of such services within their IEPs.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Greater awareness and choice for better educational outcomes for Minnesota’s DDBHH youth and their families. Learning opportunities for hearing interpreters working with CDIs in educational settings.

47 Reframe CHI and CDI Teams

Issue: There are insufficient best practices documented on CDI and CHI team settings

Who is impacted: Students, new interpreters, experienced interpreters, consumers

Proposed solution: A working group led by MRID research existing content and develop best practices for hearing interpreters working with CDIs, from potential settings for CDI teams to debriefing, including terms to use for requesting and explaining the benefit of working with a CDI team. This content would be the basis for a curriculum for workshops and lessons in ITPs.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Prospective through seasoned hearing interpreters will gain a better understanding of benefits and approaches for working with CDIs. DDBHH consumers receive greater quality of interpreting services.

F - DeafBlind

48 Provide ProTactile and Communication Intensives for DeafBlind Minnesotans

Issue: Many DeafBlind individuals do not always have exposure to ProTactile. Often interpreters have greater access to training than DeafBlind Minnesotans. Some DeafBlind consumers may not always know what communication works best for them if they haven’t had exposure, nor do they have training on how to instruct interpreters to work with them best. Often, interpreters walk into assignments with DeafBlind individuals not knowing what communication works best for them, often resulting in frustration and potentially failed communication on both sides.

Who is impacted: DeafBlind consumers

Proposed solution: Commission, State Services for the Blind and MDBA collaborate to provide Communication, ProTactile and Self-Advocacy training opportunities for DeafBlind community members. After DeafBlind consumers have this training, they are better able to collaborate and guide interpreters on what works best for them as DeafBlind consumers.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcomes: DeafBlind individuals can choose whether or not to incorporate ProTactile and/or other modes of communication. DeafBlind consumers guide interpreters on how best to communicate with them. Interpreters work with DeafBlind consumers who are better able to articulate their communication needs to interpreters.

49 Conduct a DeafBlind Minnesotans Study

Issue: More information is needed about the quality of life for DeafBlind Minnesotans

Who is impacted: DeafBlind consumers, service providers

Proposed solution: Commission and SSB contract for an in-depth study on DeafBlind Minnesotans. The study can include demographic information, service needs, service barriers, communication preferences and identifying gaps or barriers for DeafBlind individuals in their daily lives.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Understanding that there are severe gaps for DeafBlind individuals to experience full participation in many areas of life, having data to show the areas of challenge will support requests for funding and programs needed to create greater equity for DeafBlind individuals

Note: Content of this study would overlap with the overall DDBHH study recommended in 11.

50 Host DeafBlind Convention in MN

Issue: More information is needed on all services and resources available to DeafBlind Minnesotans

Who is impacted: DeafBlind consumers, interpreters who gain a better understanding of successfully interpreting with the DeafBlind community

Proposed solution: Commission partner with SSB and DeafBlind organizations to host a DeafBlind Convention (a gathering of DeafBlind Minnesotans). This convention would serve multiple purposes including:

Making space for DeafBlind individuals to connect socially and professionally
Creating opportunity to gather information for the DeafBlind study (5.5A)
Sharing information about Minnesota state resources available for DeafBlind individuals

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: A greater understanding of the communication needs, barriers to services and gap areas for DeafBlind Minnesotans could be gathered. Further information could be shared with DeafBlind Minnesotans about services and programs available. DeafBlind Minnesotans can connect and learn with and from each other.

Note: This would be a predominantly DeafBlind space, with the program set with significant input from DeafBlind community members. Topics already identified to address within the DeafBlind community’s discussion include PT/EF, DB interpreter, PT interpreter, intervener, co-navigator.

51 Host ProTactile Language Interpreting Intensive in Minnesota

Issue: More interpreters are needed to cover DeafBlind interpreting requests

Who is impacted: DeafBlind consumers, interpreters, hiring entities

Proposed solution: The awardees for DHHSD’s DeafBlind Grant to invite identified DeafBlind trainers and host an onsite ProTactile Language Interpreting (PLI) intensive training for Minnesota-based interpreters. Topics which could be included: training regarding ambidexterity, co-navigating, oral interpreting (for those who are hard of hearing), how to approach regular check-ins with consumers on what their immediate communication needs are in any setting and other topics requested by DeafBlind consumers.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: A larger pool of interpreters with skills for working with DeafBlind persons.

Note: Interpreters are strongly encouraged to complete the online “Protractile Theory Certificate” program at any time; interpreters are required to complete this online program prior to the onsite PLI intensive. If funding does not allow a full PLI Intensive, consider hosting more advanced DeafBlind interpreting workshops.

52 Establish Minnesota-based ProTactile House for DeafBlind

Issue: Many DeafBlind individuals do not always have exposure to ProTactile. Often interpreters have greater access to training than DeafBlind. While there is ProTactile Training offered at a ProTactile House in the Seattle area, it is expensive to travel and study there.

Who is impacted: DeafBlind consumers

Proposed solution: Commission, State Services for the Blind, Department of Human Services Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division and Housing Supports, DBSM and MDBA collaborate to explore funding options for a ProTactile House for living and training. Structure determined by DeafBlind Protacile leaders.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcomes: DeafBlind individuals can choose whether or not to incorporate ProTactile and/or other modes of communication. After DeafBlind consumers have this training, they are better able to collaborate and guide interpreters on what works best for them as DeafBlind consumers. Interpreters work with DeafBlind consumers who are better able to articulate their communication needs to interpreters.

53 Pursue Legislation for DeafBlind Students in K12 Education

Issue: DeafBlind youth, parents, education systems

Who is impacted? DeafBlind youth

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: Department of Education (Minnesota DeafBlind Project), the Commission, Metro Deaf School, Minnesota Academies for the Deaf and Blind, and DeafBlind partner organizations advocate for financial support and legislation for a curriculum and implementation of a DeafBlind institute model for DeafBlind students to experience the range of communication options and philosophies.

Expected outcome: DeafBlind youth exposed to more communication options and philosophies from an earlier age; thus, DeafBlind youth would become more autonomous and thrive earlier by knowing their options and finding what is most successful. Especially as sight and hearing may change throughout a person’s lifetime, already having exposure to these options will prepare DeafBlind individuals for potential future communication methods.

54 Educate DeafBlind Youth in ProTactile

Issue: DeafBlind youth will benefit from accessing ProTactile but the information is not currently being shared with students and families

Who is impacted: Primarily DeafBlind youth, parents, school districts

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: Department of Education (Minnesota DeafBlind Project), the Commission and DeafBlind partner organizations create opportunities for DeafBlind youth in schools to learn and practice Pro-Tactile communication.

Expected outcome: DeafBlind persons experiencing greater communication and contextual information from an earlier age are more likely to be autonomous and experience better educational outcomes with greater access to information.

Note: Metro Deaf School and Minnesota State Academies for the Deaf and Blind would be critical partners to advise on already existing programs and opportunities for DeafBlind youth

G - Greater Minnesota

55 Educate Health Care Systems on the Need for On-Site Interpreters

Issue: Decision makers in health care settings make decisions that negatively impact the deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing community and interpreters.

Who is impacted: Consumers, interpreters, health care systems

Proposed solution: As many hospital systems are shifting to VRI services only, there is a need for education to maintain policies and contracts to allow for on-site interpreters in healthcare settings. The coalition, with the Minnesota Department of Health and DHHSD as the co-leads for this project, will provide education and outreach to all medical providers regarding the ADA and Joint Commission Standards. Using NAD resources as a basis, provide clear and direct information to administrators regarding medical providers’ responsibilities to provide on-site interpreters for some situations.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcomes: DDBHH patients will gain better health outcomes due to better communication access.

Note: The Minnesota Hospital Consortium is a valuable partner for this endeavor.

56 Educate Health Care Systems on the Best and Inadvisable Uses of VRI

Issue: Lack of standardization on VRI in healthcare settings

Who is impacted: Consumers, interpreters, health care systems

Proposed solution: As VRI services in healthcare settings are non-standardized nor regulated, the coalition, with the Minnesota Department of Health and DHHSD as the co-leads for this project, will provide education and outreach to all medical providers regarding VRI standards and best practices. Using NAD resources and other sources of information for VRI, provide clear and direct information to administrators regarding the need, while also providing explicit instructions for hospital staff to use VRI effectively. Patient choice for on-site interpreter requests are still to be honored. Instructions to hospital staff reinforce the ADA guidance that DDBHH people instruct the providing entity on their communication needs. Contact information for requesting an on-site interpreter is also included.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: DDBHH patients will gain better health outcomes due to better communication access.

Note: The Minnesota Hospital Consortium is a valuable partner for this endeavor.

57 Seek or Create a Grant to Assess Medical VRI Services Statewide

Issue: Standards are nonexistent for VRI in healthcare settings

Who is impacted: Consumers, VRI interpreters, VRI providers, healthcare systems

Proposed solution: As VRI services in healthcare settings are non-standardized nor regulated, the coalition, with the Minnesota Department of Health as the lead for this project, will seek a grant to conduct a statewide VRI in medical settings assessment. The grant would hire a contractor to travel throughout the state, evaluating VRI equipment and clinic protocols for its usage. Contractor reports to the Minnesota Interpreting Coalition and the relevant medical system with a scorecard and recommendations for each setting. From these reports, the Commission determines necessary policy changes and ensures their implementation. Conduct routine checks (every 2 years) thereafter.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: DDBHH patients will gain better health outcomes due to better communication access.

58 Advertise Interpreting in Greater MN as an Attractive Career to Recruit ITP Students

Issue: Not enough people are aware of interpreting as a possible career and we have a shortage of interpreters. This issue is amplified in Greater Minnesota

Who is impacted: ASL students, interpreter training program, consumers, hiring entities in Greater Minnesota

Proposed solution: In addition to DHHSD’s grant programs to support Greater Minnesota interpreters, use the same techniques for recruiting ASL students and ITP students from mainstream audiences, high schools and career fairs in Greater Minnesota. Coalition, in partnership with DHHSD and relevant ITPs, advertise the ITP options and mentoring/internship options that fit the lives of individuals who do not have access to Twin Cities resources.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Increased number of available interpreters in Greater Minnesota.

Note: For those needing training, consider University of Northern Colorado or other low cost/no cost virtual ITP options. For those needing continued professional development, internships or mentorships, consider 1) DHHSD grants and 2) establishing a program to mirror Colorado’s rural interpreter program (Colorado Commission for the Deaf invested in a rural interpreter PD program, 18 months with compensation and mentoring).

59 Enhance Broadband Internet Access in Greater Minnesota

Issue: Broadband internet access in rural areas is often insufficient for the high quality of video conferencing capabilities needed for effective interpreting via video.

Who is impacted: Consumers in Greater Minnesota; interpreters in Greater Minnesota

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: Commission and partner entities select and send representatives to the State of Minnesota, DEED Office of Broadband Development public meetings to advocate for DDBHH issues.

Expected outcome: With greater broadband internet access in rural areas, receiving VRI and VRS interpreting services will provide greater access for DDBHH Minnesotans in rural areas. Working interpreters in rural areas will have more options for video remote work.

60 Regulate the Use of VRI in Critical Settings

Issue: VRI is often stated as the only choice a DDBHH Minnesotan has for their communication access; it is often budget and lack of awareness that drives decisions from the providing entity to have contracts that only offer VRI.

Who is impacted: Consumers, interpreters

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: To build upon and reinforce the ADA, Commission work with a coalition to institute legislation in Minnesota that prioritizes DDBHH citizens preferences regarding VRI usage, particularly in areas that impact life, health and freedom such as medical, mental health and legal settings. Currently, providers of services have been increasingly using VRI for citizens, often due to contracts entered. Legislation changes would require service providers to consult with DDBHH citizens prior to determining the use of VRI or on-site services. Legislation would force providers to enter into contracts that allow for both onsite interpreting and VRI, as well as developing procedures for ensuring DDBHH Minnesotans have input to their communication access.

Expected outcome: DDBHH citizens will receive greater access to critical areas for well-being and freedom. Interpreters who work in these specialized settings would have greater confidence that the format of the interpreting the consumer is receiving is meeting their needs.

61 Secure Funding for a Rural Interpreter Mentoring/Professional Development Program

Issue: Greater Minnesota interpreters wanting to advance their skills have limited opportunities.

Who is impacted: Greater Minnesota interpreters

Proposed solution: Commission and DHHSD collaborate on legislation and funding to enhance DHHSD’s rural interpreting programming OR create new legislation and funding for an 18-month training program, plus 6 months of mentoring. Minnesota can look to Colorado’s program for structure and lessons learned. Colorado’s program was a focus on raising interpreter skill levels to successfully become certified. All participants would receive compensation.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: More certified and qualified interpreters in Greater Minnesota.

Note: More details on Colorado’s rural interpreter programming can be found on their website.

62 Secure Funding for Greater Minnesota ITP

Issue: Interpreter Shortage. Specifically, Minnesota’s ITPs are all in the Twin Cities. While Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD has an ITP and College of St. Scholastica in Duluth is considering an ITP, the rest of Greater Minnesota would only have online ITP options.

Who is impacted: Consumers and prospective interpreters in Greater Minnesota

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: Coalition of stakeholders explore the feasibility of establishing a “traveling” ITP which could be hosted in at least 3 Greater Minnesota locations. A traveling ITP would move locations periodically to provide training in different locations in Greater Minnesota. Coalition considered OSEP or state funding for this ITP.

Expected outcome: Increased access for DDBHH persons living in Greater Minnesota; increased educational options for prospective interpreters in Greater Minnesota.

Note: Traveling ITP to collaborate with ITPs in the Metro.

63 Promote ASL for All High School Programs

Issue: Interpreter shortage

Who is impacted: ASL students, ITP programs, ASL teachers

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: Commission, MDE and coalition to develop and organize efforts to promote offering ASL classes in more of Minnesota’s high schools, ideally all high schools. Additionally, encourage more ASL 3 level classes as this leads to higher proficiency for college entrance to ITPs.

Expected outcome: Greater employability for DDBHH as ASL teachers, increase the flow into the interpreter pipeline and increase the overall number of people who have some familiarity with ASL and Deaf and DeafBlind culture.

Note: Particularly as there is research about the benefits of learning ASL, benefits for both the general hearing population as well as DDBHH people can be highlighted. This effort would require significant collaboration with MDE and other entities.

64 Campaign to Support Interpreters in Greater Minnesota Being Hired by Local State Agency Offices

Issue: Consistent work options for Greater Minnesota freelance interpreters has been a challenge. Only interpreter referral companies are included in the vendor list for the state.

Who is impacted: Working interpreters; consumers

Proposed solution: Commission and coalition work with local state agency offices (DHHSD, DEED VRS, Courts) to provide more consistent work opportunities for interpreters in Greater Minnesota. Work with Minnesota Management and Budget to allow independent/freelance interpreters back to the state vendor list. Work with DEED VRS to hire staff interpreters in Greater MN that can also support community needs.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: Greater Minnesota interpreters can expect more consistent employment. DDBHH Minnesotans in Greater Minnesota will receive more interpreting services, particularly in state settings.

Note: This solution could also be expanded to be a public/private partnership. Interpreters could be employed through state agencies half-time and half-time in the private sector (medical, private business, etc).

65 Develop Legislation and Mechanism to Prohibit Unqualified K12 Educational Interpreters

Issue: School districts, particularly in Greater Minnesota, may be hiring “Langauge Facilitators” and “ASL Paraprofessionals” who are functioning in the role of an interpreter. While a Paraprofessional with ASL competency may be a valid need, oversight is needed to ensure that school districts are not hiring unqualified individuals to serve as working interpreters.

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: Commission in partnership with MDE pursue legislation or rulemaking to ensure that school districts are not renaming the interpreter position to a different title and thereby avoiding hiring only professional interpreters to fill an interpreting function.

Expected outcome: Higher quality interpreting services resulting in better educational outcomes for DDBHH students.

66 Establish Fund to Offer Moving Bonuses to Out-of-State Interpreters Moving to Minnesota

Issue: Low supply of interpreters in Minnesota

Who is impacted: Consumers, hiring entities, interpreters (instate and outstate)

Proposed solution: Coalition seek funding to provide moving bonuses to out-of-state interpreters moving to Minnesota. Additional bonuses for interpreters moving to Greater Minnesota.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Increased availability of interpreting services in Minnesota

67 MDE Partner with DHHSD Internship Grant for Greater Minnesota K12 Educational Interpreters

Issue: K12 settings in Greater Minnesota are struggling to fill interpreting positions with qualified individuals. DHHSD’s ASL Interpreting Student Internship for Greater Minnesota grant is seeking internship sites.

Who is impacted: Interpreters, school districts, DDBHH students in Greater Minnesota

Timeline: Midterm

Proposed solution: DHHSD’s Interpreting Student Internship for Greater Minnesota Program and MDE partner to advocate for school districts to hire interpreters who are receiving mentoring under the Greater Minnesota Internship Program.

Expected outcome: DDBHH students in Greater Minnesota receiving interpreting services, interns experiencing K12 settings and potentially specializing in educational interpreting

H - Educational Interpreting in K12 Settings

68 Create and Share Resources for Advocating about Quality Interpreting Services with K12 Education Administrators

Issue: Severe shortage of interpreters in K12 settings due to hiring and staffing practices of K12 administrators (principals, human resource offices, special education directors)

Who is impacted: DDBHH children in mainstream educational settings, educational interpreters, school districts, parents and guardians

Proposed solution: A coalition, in conjunction with the Commission, Department of Education and working educational interpreters selected via MRID and Brightworks would work together to develop succinct materials to share with administrators (PELSB, special education directors, human resource departments, principals and other decision makers) and families of children who are DDBHH. Materials would educate about the need for highly qualified hearing and Deaf interpreters in the classroom. The packet of materials would include a sample standardized job description for educational interpreters, to clarify requirements and scope of responsibility, including participation in IEPs and professional development.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: DDBHH students would have better educational outcomes; therefore, becoming better educated citizens with higher employability. Improved quality and availability of educational interpreters.

Informing administrators and families about the need for qualified hearing and Deaf interpreters, in conjunction with licensing educational interpreters through PELSB, would significantly improve the working conditions due to clear and appropriate scope of work, higher pay, recognition and support.

69 Create Roster of Interpreters Qualified to Work in K12

Issue: There is no public roster of Certified Interpreters qualified to work in K12 educational settings.

Who is impacted: Consumers, interpreters, hiring entities

Proposed solution: Interpreter referral companies work with Minnesota Department of Education to create a public roster of Certified Deaf Interpreters and Certified Hearing Interpreters qualified to work in K12 settings.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcomes: Hiring entities will be able to find interpreters who are qualified to work in K12 settings. Hiring entities can verify whether applicants are qualified to work in K12 settings or if they need to work on waivers and receive focused supervision and mentoring until the interpreter becomes qualified.

Note: This public roster may also need an additional layer of work to check with qualified interpreters whether they are willing to work in K12 settings.

70 MDE Promote NTID Course for Provisionally Licensed K12 Interpreters

Issue: Provisionally licensed K12 interpreters need resources for flexible professional development.

Who is impacted: DDBHH children in mainstream educational settings, educational interpreters

Proposed solution: Minnesota Department of Education/Brightworks invest in this RIT/NTID Certificate in Educational Interpreting coursework for Minnesota’s K12 provisionally licensed interpreters.

Timeline: Midterm

Note: MDE may already make this coursework accessible to K12 interpreters; recommend providing more awareness, support and added compensation for interpreters to take advantage of this course.

71 License K12 Interpreters through PELSB

Issue: School districts operate differently on hiring K12 interpreters, resulting in a lack of standards and quality control

Who is impacted: DDBHH K12 students, Deaf and hearing educational interpreters in K12 settings

Proposed solution: Require a license to provide interpreting services in educational settings in Minnesota. Ideally licensing would be a parallel process to licensing teachers, with similar education and credentialing expectations. Establish a licensing committee to determine the rules and the process for licensing. Determine if licensing would be under an interpreting licensing board or under PELSB.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: DDBHH students would receive higher quality interpreting services in their critical years of language and cognitive development; therefore, their quality of life will be improved for the duration of their life through educational, vocational, physical and mental health and overall autonomy. Educational interpreters would experience higher levels of professional expectations, greater job satisfaction and higher rates of compensation. More interpreters would choose to work in K12 educational settings.

Note: Every educational interpreter who interacted with Interpreting Forward expressed strong positive support for PELSB licensing of K12 educational interpreters.

72 Prevent Repetitive Motion Injury and Burnout by Hiring Team Interpreters in K12 Settings

Issue: K12 educational interpreters are not regularly provided team interpreters, thus leading to burnout and repetitive motion injuries.

Who is impacted: Educational interpreters

Timeline: Midterm

Proposed solution: MDE advocates for school districts to hire additional “float” interpreters who can provide support and relief by teaming with regular staff interpreters.

Expected outcome: Higher retention of educational interpreters

73 ITPs Include K12 Education Components in Curricula

Issue: There appears to be inconsistent curricula about K12 educational interpreting within ITPs. K12 educational interpreters wish for more formal education about EIPA and IEPs specifically.

Who is impacted: Prospective K12 educational interpreters

Proposed solution: Minnesota’s ITPs review their curricula on educational interpreting and determine if any revisions necessary. ITPs can also ask for input from graduates from their programs in the past 5 years.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Interpreting students will be better prepared to work as K12 educational interpreters. K12 students will receive better services.

74 Advocate for Legislative Limits and Standards for K12 Interpreting Services

Issue: K12 educational interpreter standards are not closely regulated; DDBHH students suffer when placed in mainstream settings with no interpreter or an unqualified interpreter. Current job requirements, oversight, compensation and other crucial areas for ensuring highly qualified and valued interpreters for DDBHH youth are insufficient. Educational interpreters have great concerns and desire for more standards and support.

Who is impacted: Educational interpreters, DDBHH students

Proposed solution: Commission, MDE, PELSB and a coalition work together to organize and promote a legislative initiative to advocate for limits and standards for K12 interpreting services – and to hold school districts accountable to abide by these standards. Considerations for inclusion in legislation: level of language proficiency, explicit number of classroom working hours, inclusion of interpreter in IEP team and setting competitive compensation packages.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: Higher standards and compensation for educational interpreters will entice more interpreters to work in K12 education. Better outcomes for DDBHH students in mainstream K12 education.

Note: While legislation may be successful, including a reporting and follow up aspect to the legislation will be critical.

I - Medical Interpreting

75 Advocate for Health Care Systems to Develop Welcome Packets

Issue: Consumers need more information about resources in health care systems

Who is impacted: Consumers in health care settings, health care systems, interpreters

Proposed solution: Minnesota Department of Health and Department of Human Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division leading, in partnership with the Minnesota Hospital Consortium, will guide the development of welcome packets for each healthcare system. Welcome packets would include:

Contact list of healthcare systems interpreting offices and patient care advocates
ASL explanations of patient self-advocacy supports available in health care
ASL explanations of how healthcare systems interpreting works
ASL explanations of how to register a complaint, including examples of valid complaints and complaints that are outside of scope for the healthcare system to address
ASL explanations of how to access legal resources and how to make formal complaints

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: DDBHH patients will experience better health outcomes as their ability to advocate for their communication access needs increases. Interpreters will be better able to focus on the primary task of interpreting, knowing that patients have greater self-determination in their healthcare.

Note: This in conjunction with 2 DSAT Training for Self-Advocacy and 82 Community Health Worker initiatives are expected to have a significant impact on health outcomes due to increased self-efficacy of DDBHH people in their healthcare.

76 Support Critical Specialty Areas of Interpreting: Encourage More ASL-Fluent Mental Health Professionals for Direct Access to Mental Health Services

Issue: Consumers do not have enough access to interpreters for mental health services.

Who is impacted: DDBHH consumers seeking mental health services

Proposed solution: Commission, MDH and DHHSD spotlight careers in mental health services for DDBHH persons as an area needing more professionals able to communicate directly with consumers.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Greater awareness of need for mental health professionals to provide direct services to DDBHH consumers

77 Increase Number of Qualified Mental Health Interpreters via Grant Funding

Issue: Consumers do not have enough access to interpreters for mental health services. Time and funds to attain a Qualified Mental Health Interpreter (QMHI) Certification are a challenge for many working interpreters. Minnesota has only one QMHI Supervisor.

Who is impacted: DDBHH consumers seeking mental health services, interpreters

Proposed solution: DHHSD create a new one-time grant for increasing the number of QMHIs in Minnesota, including support for more QMHI supervisors. The time and funds to pursue a QMHI would be supported by this grant. Additionally, funding provided to compensate already certified QMHIs to provide supervision to new QMHIs in Minnesota.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: More highly qualified interpreters for mental health and SUD services

78 Increase Compensation for Medical and Mental Health Qualifications

Issue: Interpreters who have received additional training are not compensated more for medical nor mental health appointments.

Who is impacted: Interpreters

Timeline: Midterm

Proposed solution: Interpreters develop their contracts with interpreter referral companies and other hiring entities to compensate additionally when demonstrating qualifications in the areas of medical (RIT’s medical specialty masters, BEI’s medical certificate, or equivalent) or mental health interpreting (QMHI). This added compensation is intended only when interpreting in medical or mental health related assignments.

Expected outcome: Higher retention of more qualified interpreters in these specialty areas.

79 Strengthen Joint Health Commission’s Standards for Provider Accountability and Patient Choice

Issue: The culture and language standards of the Joint Health Commission are not strong or detailed enough to provide protections and best practices for DDBHH patients to have full communication access.

Who is impacted: Consumers, healthcare systems

Proposed solution: A coalition, with the Minnesota Department of Health and the Commission leading, work with the Joint Commission to strengthen and make more explicit standards regarding patient choice for communication access.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: Patients will have better health outcomes due to improved communication access.

Note: After strengthening the standards, also conduct a campaign to share rights and process information with DDBHH consumers and hospital administrators and staff.

80 Pursue Legislation for Automated and Transparent Requests in Health Care Settings

Issue: DDBHH patients who are the direct consumers of interpreting services are disconnected from information regarding requests for interpreters for their appointments. This adds a layer of communication for all parties, and this causes greater stress to DDBHH patients.

Who is impacted: Consumers, healthcare systems

Proposed solution: A coalition, with Minnesota Department of Health and the Commission leading, pursue legislation that would mandate automated interpreter request systems within scheduling software for medical providers. Patients could access interpreter request notes (when requested, interpreter assigned, etc).

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: Patients will have better health outcomes due to improved communication access and experience greater confidence and less stress knowing that interpreting services will be provided.

81 Establish a Health Care Systems Advisory Board

Issue: Consumers and interpreters need a way to advise hospital systems on successful communication access.

Who is impacted: Consumers, interpreters, healthcare systems

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: A coalition, with the Minnesota Department of Health leading, develop community advisory boards for medical systems. Advisory Boards would consist predominantly of DDBHH constituents, one hearing interpreter, one Deaf interpreter, and DDBHH Community Health Workers. Advisory Boards would work with patient relations offices to provide feedback regarding services and identify areas for policy and systemic improvement.

Expected outcome: DDBHH people will have better health outcomes due to improved communication access.

Note: Consulting with the Minnesota Hospital Consortium is advised.

82 Promote Community Health Workers for Health Care Settings

Issue: We need more community health worker services.

Who is impacted: Consumers, community health workers, interpreters

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: DHHSD, Commission, MDH and coalition advocating for funding for Community Health Worker (CHW) pilot program. Pilot program to include creating the list of current DDBHH CHWs, support for more individuals becoming CHWs if needed, public information campaign about CHWs in the DDBHH community, advocacy for medical providers hiring CHWs and direct compensation for CHWs.

Expected outcome: DDBHH Minnesotans will have better health outcomes due to improved communication access.

Note: Consulting with the Minnesota Hospital Consortium is advised. Hiring a coordinator and having regular reporting and continuous improvement plans will be critical for this program to be successful.

J - Court/Legal Interpreting

83 Develop Legislation to Regulate the Minnesota Judicial Branch (MJB) Court Interpreter Program Advisory Committee

Issue: There are many issues with achieving effective communication access in legal settings.

Quality issues include:

Inconsistency of interpreters assigned
Struggle to assign CDIs
Working interpreters having no consistent venue for sharing necessary feedback regarding the work conditions

Who is impacted: Consumers, hiring entities, interpreters

Proposed solution: Commission put forth legislation to reinstate an Advisory Committee for the MJB Court Interpreters’ Program. Commission to coordinate and advocate with state government entities (legislature, governor’s office and court system). Multiple quality issues identified within the Court Interpreters’ Office and coordination of interpreters can be remedied by a policy advisory group of interpreters.

Advisory Committee would be developed based on input from current and recent past SC:Ls familiar with signed language interpreters, spoken language interpreters and MJB.

Timeline: 6 months

Expected outcomes: Consumers will receive better services in the court system. Interpreters will experience better working conditions.

Notes: While there is movement within the MJB towards establishing an advisory committee, there is no legislative requirement for MJB to comply with recommendations and may disband the advisory committee at any time.

84 Provide Legal Interpreting Workshop Series

Issue: Insufficient number of qualified interpreters for legal interpreters.

Who is impacted: Consumers, court interpreters

Proposed solution: Coalition partner with MJB to provide a legal interpreter training series of workshops for Deaf and hearing interpreters. Legal training series to include introductory through advanced training. Partner this training series with a BEI Court Certificate scholarship program (100).

Timeline: Midterm

85 MJB Enforce Policy to Reinstate Rule 8 Prioritizing SC:Ls

Issue: The Minnesota Judicial Branch (MJB) does not have linguistically and culturally relevant expertise to coordinate interpreters for the DDBHH constituents appearing for court proceedings. Rule 8 is a policy that requires scheduling staff of the courts to attempt to schedule SC:Ls first. Administration has approved that scheduling staff no longer need to follow Rule 8, thus resulting in any interpreter on the roster or through a subcontracted agency be sent for any proceedings. Advice on best practices from SC:Ls has not been accepted.

Who is impacted: Consumers, court interpreters

Proposed solution: Commission, Disability Law Center and the Olmstead Implementation Office collaborate to work with MJB to return to this best practice of seeking the most qualified interpreters first for DDBHH Minnesotans in the legal system.

Timeline: Midterm

86 MJB Incorporate BEI Court Certification

Issue: Insufficient number of qualified interpreters for legal interpreters. The RID SC:L is no longer offered.

Who is impacted: Consumers, court interpreters

Proposed solution: Commission work with MJB to change their policy of who is contacted first when seeking interpreters. MJB is to prioritize the qualifications of interpreters as follows:

RID SC:L
BEI Court
Legally qualified interpreters as demonstrated by a training and/or experience portfolio (This process has not yet been developed. Recommend this be referred to an Interpreter Advisory Committee. See 83 - Advisory Committee)
Court rostered interpreters

Timeline: Midterm

Note: If interpreters are challenged to afford the travel and testing needed to take the BEI generalist and then BEI Court credentials, the coalition partners with MJB to seek scholarship funds to support interpreters seeking the BEI Court credential. See 2.4 for generalized BEI scholarship fund.

87 Study Court Interpreter Program Compensation Practices

Issue: Minnesota Judicial Branch (MJB) Court Interpreter Program has recently changed their compensation practices, making court interpreting less appealing to interpreters. This negatively impacts DDBHH Minnesotans in court proceedings as well as court mandated classes, meetings, therapy and training.

Who is impacted: Interpreters, consumers

Timeline: Midterm

Proposed solution: Coalition conduct a thorough study of the compensation practices of the MJB Court Interpreter Program.

Expected outcome: Higher retention of more qualified interpreters in courts.

K - ASL in High School to Recruit New Interpreters

88 Establish a Professional Group for ASL Teachers

Issue: Unfortunately, Minnesota’s ASLTA chapter in Minnesota disbanded. ASL teachers have fewer supports and have no central organization for standards and initiatives impacting their ability to advance their work for the benefit of their students.

Who is impacted: ASL teachers, ASL students, interpreter training programs

Proposed solution: Minnesota-based ASL teachers form a new active organization for ASL teachers. This organization could be a special sub-committee under MADC or a related organization.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Increased recruitment of ITP students due to stronger coordination and supports for ASL teachers.

89 Develop a Tool Kit for School Districts to Establish ASL Classes

Issue: Interpreter shortage

Who is impacted: ASL students, ASL teachers, school districts, interpreter training programs

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: Coalition, co-led by ASL Teachers, Commission and MDE, develop and organize a tool kit to share with school districts. This tool kit can include: reasons and benefits of ASL classes, ideal qualifications for ASL teachers, recommendations where to advertise for qualified teachers and recommended curricula.

Note: Particularly as there is research about the benefits of learning ASL (Deaf Gain and cognitive benefits for learning ASL), benefits for both the general hearing population as well as DDBHH person can be highlighted. This effort would require significant collaboration with MDE and other entities.

For recruiting ASL instructors, emphasize role models that reflect the DDBHH communities and student bodies by having more teachers of color, male teachers and LGBTQIA teachers represented in all ASL education opportunities.

90 Develop Policy Standards for ASL Teachers

Issue: Interpreter shortage

Who is impacted: ASL teachers, ASL students, school districts, interpreter training programs.

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: Coalition, co-lead by ASL teachers, Commission and MDE, work on legislation to support changes in PELSB licensure process for ASL teachers; review related and parallel legislation regarding diversifying workforce and heritage language legislation for teachers.

Note: For recruiting ASL instructors, emphasize role models that reflect the DDBHH communities and student bodies by having more teachers of color, male teachers and LGBTQIA teachers represented in all ASL education opportunities.

L - Recruiting to Interpreter Training Programs (ITPs)

91 Recruit ITP Students from High School ASL Classes

Issue: We need more prospective interpreters to enroll in Interpreter Training Programs to ultimately replace the interpreters who either retire, reduce their workload or leave the field for another career.

Who is impacted: Interpreter training programs, interpreters, consumers

Proposed solution: A small work group convened by the Commission can compile a list of 1) people and entities who are willing to attend ASL high school classes to recruit Interpreter Training Programs and 2) a list of high schools teaching ASL and contact information for coordinating class visits. High school ASL classes are an identified area for recruiting interpreters. While the majority of ASL programs at college require students to retake ASL classes in college, ITP students recruited from high school ASL classes have greater exposure and are demonstrating further interest by continuing studies.

Timeline: 6 months

Expected outcome: Deaf consumers will have increased access to interpreting services due to larger numbers of ITP students being recruited.

Note: ASL students benefit by learning of prospective new careers and setting personal goals for themselves. Several entities are already doing some of this work; currently identified are DHHSD, ASLIS and Sorenson.

92 Recruit ITP Students from Career Fairs

Issue: We need more prospective interpreters to enroll in Interpreter Training Programs to ultimately replace the interpreters who either retire, reduce their workload, or leave the field for another career.

Who is impacted: Interpreter training programs, interpreters, consumers

Proposed Solution: As high school, college and community career fairs are an identified area for recruiting interpreters, the Commission will convene a small work group to compile a list of 1) people and entities who are willing to attend career fairs to recruit new interpreters and 2) a list of career fairs in all sectors, including the contact people who are coordinating those career fairs. The connecting of coordinators of career fairs and people to attend and recruit from these career fairs appears to be the missing piece. Identifying who would take on the central coordinator’s role would need to be determined.

Timeline: 6 months

Expected outcome: Deaf consumers will have increased access to interpreting services due to larger numbers of ITP students being recruited.

93 Return to RSA Model for Recruiting HS Students to ITPs

Issue: High school ASL students are not aware of interpreting as a career option. Interpreter training program enrollment is down.

Who is impacted: ASL students, interpreter training programs

Proposed solution: Coalition create a funded program of ambassadors to visit high schools and colleges to recruit interpreting students for colleges and universities. Research would need to be conducted to find, update and/or create recruiting materials.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Greater availability of interpreting services. As the high school to proficient interpreter timeframe is 5-10 years, the positive impacts of this initiative would be realized in the Long-term.

Note: RSA is the Rehabilitation Services Administration, which previously had an Interpreting Ambassadors program which recruited high school students to become interpreters.

94 Establish ASL Summer Camp as Feeder to ITPs

Issue: While Camp ASL and high school ASL classes are strong supports for ASL fluency, having additional options as entry points for people to become ASL fluent are still lacking.

Who is impacted: ASL students, interpreter training programs

Proposed solution: Working group or coalition research the feasibility of an ASL summer camp, similar to Concordia Language Village summer camp. If not within Concordia Language Village, then explore an independent ASL summer immersion experience to enhance fluency. This camp would be open to high school students.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Increased recruitment of ASL students that may enter interpreter training programs, potentially leading to an increase in available interpreting services. More people in the greater community with some exposure and understanding of ASL and Deaf culture.

Note: Report of one ASL teacher having contacted Concordia Language Villages with this suggestion and being told that it was too expensive to establish an ASL Village.

95 Develop Publicly Funded Scholarships for ITPs

Issue: Interpreter shortage

Areas of Impact: Prospective interpreters, interpreter training programs

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: Commission and coalition seek funding for publicly funded scholarships to make getting an ITP degree affordable.

Expected outcome: Increased number of ITP graduates

Note: Preference can be given to BIPOC interpreters, Deaf and hard of hearing people seeking ITP education, male interpreters, and interpreters in Greater Minnesota.

96 Recruit to ITPs via Student Loan Forgiveness

Issue: Often, people are opting out of college programs due to high student loan debt that may be incurred.

Who is impacted: Prospective students

Proposed solution: Coalition explore student loan forgiveness programs. If there are no programs that ITP graduates could use, begin a process to advocate for student loan forgiveness at the state and/or federal level.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: More ITP students enrolled because of financial supports that allows for student loan forgiveness.

Note: A parallel process could be conducted with scholarships.

M - Recruiting New Interpreters (not via ITPs)

97 Advertise Interpreting in MN is an Attractive Career: Short Advertising Videos

Issue: Not enough people are aware of interpreting as a possible career and we have a shortage of interpreters.

Who is impacted: ASL students, interpreter training program, consumers, hiring entities

Proposed solution: MRID form a committee (of DDBHH community members, ITPs, interpreter referral companies and interpreters) focused on ways of demonstrating interpreting in MN as an attractive career move for qualified interpreters living elsewhere. Coalition lead the creation of short, high quality promotional videos. Consideration of where to advertise these videos - mainstream media, targeted social media, college fairs, etc.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Greater availability of interpreters in Minnesota.

98 Recruit Interpreters from Other Professions

Issue: Insufficient skilled hearing interpreters to cover interpreting needs

Who is impacted: Hearing interpreters

Proposed solution: Coalition advertise and recruit from other professions where hearing bilingual ASL/English professionals are working. Ideally, recruiting would happen out-of-state. Potential target hearing recruits include hearing ASL teachers, educators of the deaf, paraprofessionals working with deaf students, social workers, case workers, and other related fields.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: increased number of available hearing interpreters.

99 Develop Alternative Pathways to Certification

Issue: Not all prospective interpreters find ITPs as the most effective route for them to become interpreters. Alternate pathways to gaining a bachelor's degree to sit for RID certification are not well documented. This may be particularly true for BIPOC interpreters and those seeking to become Deaf interpreters.

Who is impacted: Potential interpreters

Proposed solution: MRID, ASL educators, ITP representatives, Metro State University, CATIE Center and others involved in professional development form a working group to develop alternatives to traditional ITPs.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: More new interpreters, particularly from underrepresented groups that would not typically go to an ITP, would have some guidance for becoming an RID certified interpreter.

Note: MSU has experience with graduates from associates programs attaining their self-designed bachelor’s at MSU. This is one model of preparing prospective interpreters to attain RID certification. Other pathways need to be explored.

100 Secure Funding for BEI Certification Scholarships

Issue: Interpreter shortage. Certification tests are cost prohibitive, especially for new interpreters without secure income. RID Bachelors’ degree requirement to sit for certification limits the pool of otherwise qualified interpreters. EIPA is only for educational settings. Texas offers the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) Certification Program but requires travel to Texas for the testing, which can be cost prohibitive for some candidates.

Who is impacted: Prospective interpreters

Timeline: Long-term

Proposed solution: Commission and/or DHHSD seek legislative funding to offer scholarships and/or travel stipends for Minnesota based interpreters seeking RID and/or BEI Certifications. Alternatively, MRID or interpreter referral companies could consider a micro grant program for supporting new interpreters seeking certification.

Expected outcome: Increased number of certified interpreters.

Note: Outside of K12 education, most entities hiring interpreters require RID certification. A related conversation would be to encourage allowing the BEI as an accepted certification by Minnesota’s interpreter employers. The BEI program also offers a trilingual (Spanish), court and medical performance test.

N - Interpreter Training Programs

101 Review Historical ITP Results

Issue: Comprehensive and accessible data about ITP results is not readily available.

Who is impacted: Prospective students and exiting students

Proposed solution: ITPs share data, which they do have. ITPs also collaborate with CIT and CCIE to determine what data to gather and report to assist with 1) prospective students decision-making and 2) program improvements for ITPs.

Relevant ITPs include:

North Central University
Saint Paul College
St. Catherine’s University
Augustana University, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
University of Northern Colorado - online program
Metro State University - no interpreting degree, but many students create their own degree in interpreting and sit for RID certification after completing their studies at MSU

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Identify what other information is needed to make program improvements.

Note: Gathering information on the outcomes for students from these ITPs is the first step for further discussion on revisions to programming for any ITP. Any ITP that has gone through CCIE’s accreditation process will likely also have some recommendations for improvement.

102 Emphasize Direct Community Experience as Part of ITPs

Issue: Many new interpreters appear to have a disconnect from the DDBHH community experience, according to some DDBHH people and seasoned interpreters’ perspectives. Consumers report interpreters’ skills are not as strong, and the understanding and empathy, which are important aspects for successful communication and interpretation, are missing due to the lack of connection with DDBHH people’s experiences.

Who is impacted: Consumers, interpreters

Proposed solution: ITPs develop more programming and requirements for interpreting students to engage directly with the DDBHH community. Service learning, shadowing DDBHH people to observe their management of interpreting services and community service type activities with DDBHH organizations and individuals are a few suggestions shared.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Interpreting students will become better interpreters by having greater exposure, gaining more experiences and enhancing their ASL skills and understanding of Deaf culture through these interactions. In the process, familiarity amongst students and DDBHH community members will aid in developing professional relationships later.

Note: Fostering a “give back” mentality for new interpreters will also return the interpreter mindset to an older concept of mutuality and giving back to the community.

103 Encourage Community Input on ITP Curricula

Issue: Consumers and ITPs do not have general regular communication about ITP curriculum.

Who is impacted: Interpreting students, ITPs, consumers

Proposed solution: ITPs host forums for consumers and students to share their program, curriculum, modules covered and opportunities for consumers and community members to be engaged in program activities to support students’ growth.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: With this information sharing about what is being taught, consumers and students can offer input to ITPs’ curricula.

Note: Several suggestions were made for skills and approaches that ITPs could incorporate. Information sharing with the community is a preliminary step towards community input about ITPs’ curricula.

104 Diversify Faculty at ITPs

Issue: Disproportionate representation of white interpreters to a more racially diverse DDBHH community members. BIPOC DDBHH community members rarely receive culturally appropriate interpreters.

Who is impacted: Consumers, particularly BIPOC consumers. Prospective interpreters, particularly BIPOC interpreters.

Proposed solution: ITPs seek out and hire more racially diverse interpreter trainers. Consider incentives for racially diverse faculty to move to Minnesota.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: Having more racially diverse faculty is expected to recruit and retain more racially diverse interpreting students.

105 Emphasize ITP Curricula to Aid in Certification

Issue: Students graduating from ITPs struggle to gain certification.

Who is impacted: Students and new interpreters

Proposed solution: ITPs emphasize skills and knowledge to assist students achieving certification.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: More students and new interpreters better prepared to attain certification after graduating from their ITPs.

Note: This solution is likely tied to 101 - the review of ITP outcomes to determine how many students are gaining certification and how long after graduating from ITPs.

106 Teach Freelancing and People Skills in ITPs

Issue: Consumers and seasoned interpreters describe some newer interpreters as not having people skills, soft skills or freelance business skills.

Who is impacted: Consumers, interpreters

Proposed solution: Review what is taught to ITP students, both directly and indirectly. If people skills and freelancing business skills are not being taught, incorporate both in the interpreting curriculum.

Timeline: Long-term

Expected outcome: Interpreting graduates will be more prepared for running their freelance business; consumers may have better interpersonal experiences with interpreters.

Note: Before assuming these skills are not taught in all ITPs, check what is being taught in ITPs.

O - Certification Supports for Emerging Interpreters

107 Centralize Mentorship/Internship Program Information on a Website

Issue: Interpreters need more information about mentoring, internships and support opportunities.

Who is impacted: Interpreters, both those news to the field and those who are experienced and seeking support

Proposed solution: Commission centralize information on mentorships in Minnesota. By centralizing information about mentorships, prospective and currently working interpreters are able to identify opportunities for continued advancement in their careers.

Timeline: 6 months

Expected outcomes: Quality of interpreting services will improve and DDBHH consumers will experience greater quality and availability of interpreting services. Interpreters will have easier access to professional development. Availability of interpreting services will improve due to supports in place for interpreter development.

Note: Dendros Group is prepared to support this work by coordinating to centralize information.

108 Centralize Workshops and Courses for Interpreters on a Website

Issue: Interpreters would benefit from a one-stop shop to learn about all workshop opportunities available to them.

Who is impacted: Interpreters. As interpreting skills and knowledge develop, consumers and hiring entities will benefit too.

Proposed solution: Commission centralize a directory of workshops/courses in Minnesota. By centralizing information about workshops, prospective and currently working interpreters are able to identify opportunities for continued advancement in their careers.

Timeline: 6 months

Expected outcome: Quality of interpreting services will improve and DDBHH consumers will experience greater quality and availability of interpreting services. Interpreters will have easy access to professional development.

Note: Dendros Group is prepared to support this work by coordinating to centralize information. Additional workshops can be requested of MRID and local interpreter referral agencies. Many topics of continued professional development that have been suggested include 1) skills building in general practice and specialized settings, 2) financial and retirement planning and 3) how to give and receive feedback, self-care (including physical to reduce injury and emotional to reduce vicarious trauma) and how to operate a business (including tax planning).

109 Model Typical Interpreting Career Paths

Issue: Prospective interpreters or interpreting students often do not have a clear idea on what it is like to become a skilled interpreter or what an interpreting career looks like.

Who is impacted: Students, new interpreters, experienced interpreters

Proposed solution: A working group, likely through MRID, develops multiple “typical trajectories” of an interpreting career, including current market trends of compensation. As many prospective interpreters are not clear on what a typical interpreting career may look like, it’s difficult to have realistic expectations regarding the length of time to become a proficient interpreter and an interpreter that specializes in different areas. Further, the financial aspect of interpreting is a challenge to understand without understanding the typical career path of an interpreter.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Potential for increased availability of interpreters as clarity and understanding a potential career path with specializations could motivate new interpreters to enter and remain in the field. Mid-career interpreters may also appreciate more clarity about different specialty options to 1) diversity into specialty areas and/or 2) reduce burnout and increase compensation in some settings.

110 Increase and Enhance Paid Internships with Active Mentoring

Issue: Interpreters need more opportunities for internships and/or mentoring in their field.

Who is impacted: Students, new interpreters, experienced interpreters

Proposed solution: Coalition help to identify new and expanded paid internships. While there are already multiple internships and mentorships possible in Minnesota, there are still gap areas for 1) novice interpreters seeking sustainable employment while receiving mentoring and 2) seasoned interpreters seeking mentoring in new specialty areas. After the current internships and mentorships are compiled and documented, relevant interpreting hiring sites would be encouraged to 1) improve upon and expand supports already provided in already existing internship programs and 2) establish new paid internships and/or mentorship opportunities with targeted professional development plans. Additionally, some current internship and mentorship sites may seek feedback for improving their current practices.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Increased recruitment and retention of students and working interpreters due to structured internship and mentorship support. Increased quality of interpreting services due to professional development within these opportunities. Greater DDBHH consumer satisfaction with improved quality and availability of interpreting services.

Note: Funding may need to be sought in these gap areas. The Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) is one route for small businesses to hire an intern to work alongside an experienced interpreter; mentoring theory and support are available through programs like the CATIE Center.

111 Expand Communities of Practice to Focus on Retention of Emerging Interpreters

Who is impacted: Interpreters

Proposed solution: Interpreter referral companies pay into a fund to support a new Community of Practice developed by the Whole Interpreter Enterprises (Arlyn Anderson) focused on retention of emerging interpreters.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcomes: Increased retention of interpreters

P - Retention of Interpreters

112 Centralize Information about Communities of Practice on a Website

Issue: Interpreters often experience vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and related issues due to working in stressful settings. Interpreters need mental health supports in place

Who is impacted: Interpreters

Proposed solution: Commission centralize and promote communities of practice (COPs) as a means of support, connection and information sharing for interpreters. Current COPs include:

PSCPI, IIRAS, developed by the Whole Interpreter Enterprises (Arlyn Anderson)
MRID’s Educational Interpreter Community of Practice
Twin Cities Freelance Interpreters Group
Brightworks for Educational Interpreters

Share information about COPs as they support interpreters’ mental health and longevity in the field. Commission create this listing of reflective practice groups and other communities of practice in a central repository website. These groups also allow newer interpreters to develop and strengthen interpreting and decision-making skills, create community and learn self-care tools early to protect against vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and burn out.

Timeline: 6 months

Expected outcome: Increased availability of interpreters due to greater retention of interpreters as they have more support. Increased quality of interpreters due to reflective practice bringing greater awareness and professional practice to the work.

Note: Identify additional needs for communities of practice and reflective practice groups as time continues. Also need consideration about where new COP and reflective practice groups should be housed, such as in a state entity or separately.

113 Hiring Entities Provide More Employment Options for Interpreter Compensation

Who is impacted: Interpreters, hiring entities, consumers

Timeline: Mid-term

114 Develop More Communities of Practice as Professional Supports for Interpreters

Issue: Interpreters need more opportunities to develop soft skills and a support network.

Who is impacted: Students, new interpreters, experienced interpreters

Proposed solution: Coalition, with MRID as lead, identify and promote additional Communities of Practice needed in Minnesota. Communities of Practice, focused on developing skills and practices as well as ethical case conferencing, have been demonstrated to improve quality of practice, develop skills and provide mutual support to members.

Timeline: Midterm

Expected outcome: Interpreters will experience greater support in their professional practice, leading to higher retention rates and more quality in interpreting work. Sharing these COPs as highlights of working in Minnesota may be a selling point for interpreters coming into the field or moving to Minnesota. DDBHH consumers will experience greater quality and availability of interpreting services.

Note: see 112 Support Interpreters’ Mental Health, information sharing about already existing communities of practice.