🚀 go-pugleaf

Ted,
     I hope that you get this message as it has been quite some time since you posted the one that I'm responding to . I teach in a small
program for the hearing impaired in Billings, MT.  We have 4 interpreters on staff who are just beginning to go online.  One issue which we would like to discuss is that of interpreter training and evaluation.  Here, due to low hourly wages and next to no in state
training opportunities, we have a difficult time employing and keeping
interpreters with high levels of signing competencies.  Our staff of interpreters, nonetheless, are a dedicated group of interpreters who are creating their own opportunities for additional training - through contact with local groups (SHHHH, informal deaf adult coffee clubs..), videotapes, telecommunication courses, peer tutoring, ....
We are interested in finding out if any of the training centers offer materials to assist interpreters in isolated locations and also what do other interpreters in similar situations do.  Secondly, beyond NRID certification evaluation, what other formal interpreter evaluations exist - esp. any that we could use here in our self-help program.  We are attempting to give more structure to this aspect of our program.  Hopefully, in time, we can successfully seek greater recognition of the skills and contributi
ons of our interpreters. Any information you can share on job descriptions and approaches for improved PR as well as training and evaluation will be much appreciate
                                  Meg

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