Press Announcement-Mentorship Initiative To Increase Pool Of Certified Interpreters

From: CSD - Aug 19, 2004

PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT
Release date: August 19, 2004
Contact: Erin Casler, CSD Public Relations Department
ecasler@c-s-d.org
(605) 367-5761

MENTORSHIP INITIATIVE TO INCREASE POOL OF CERTIFIED INTERPRETERS

CSD Establishes Program for Interpreters for the Deaf in Minnesota

SIOUX FALLS (August 19, 2004) – CSD has established a mentorship program for interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing in Minnesota. This program was created to help interpreters become certified per national and state regulations after they graduate from interpreter training programs.

The mentorship program is designed to fill a critical need for real world experience for interpreters who have recently graduated from interpreter training programs. A gap exists between interpreter training programs and professional certification due to the need for practical experience before becoming certified.

Pre-certified interpreters will further develop their linguistic and cultural mediation skills as they complete the requirements of this program. The mentorship initiative is to provide pre-certified interpreters, interpreters and mentors with avenues for continued growth. The ultimate goal of this mentorship program is to maintain the reputation of excellence that CSD has come to enjoy.

"We have recognized an opportunity to support the interpreting community, and ultimately the consumers of interpreting services, by providing this program," said Ann Marie Mickelson, Senior Vice President of Interpreting Operations, "and CSD looks forward to maximizing this opportunity to bridge the gap between ITP programs and real world experience by providing a viable mentoring solution."

Deaf people and highly seasoned, qualified interpreters will work with protégés. An advisory committee comprised of certified interpreters, interpreter mentors, interpreter referral specialists, deaf mentors, deaf blind consumers, consumer organizations and interpreter educators will support this program's objective.

For more information on how to become a part of this program as a mentor or protégé, please contact Aimee Whyte Solomon, Mentorship Coordinator/Deaf Mentor at awhyte@c-s-d.org

About CSD – CSD (also known as Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc.) was established in 1975, primarily to provide sign language interpreting services to deaf and hard of hearing adults in South Dakota. Today, CSD employs over 3,000 individuals in offices across the nation, providing a broad continuum of social and human services programs, as well as telecommunications relay services. CSD is a private nonprofit agency dedicated to providing quality services; ensuring public accessibility; and increasing awareness of issues affecting the deaf, hard of hearing and individuals with speech disabilities. For more information, please visit www.c-s-d.org.

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