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  • Sunday, May 18, 2014 12:55 PM | Anonymous

    Dear NorCRID Community:

    We would like to inform you of some NorCRID happenings.  Please have your calendars ready as there are many events that we hope you will attend.

    First news that we regret to announce Mera Kelley-Yurdin's departure from the board.  We thank her for her service and are sorry to see her go.

    In two weeks, the NorCRID Central Bay Workshop Committee will host an all-day workshop on Yoga.  Highlighting the various types of yoga, multiple Deaf and hearing instructors will discuss lexical, foundational and stylistic aspects of each tradition.  Registration is open on the NorCRID website under the Events tab atnorcrid.org.

    On Saturday, June 28, NorCRID will host a Wine Booth at SF Pride as a fundraiser for earmarked funding toward a future training on LGBTQ issues.  We need volunteers for the day of the event and for the ABC certification training before the event making it legal for us to sell wine.  Please be on the look out for upcoming details on how to volunteer for the NorCRID Wine Pour Fundraiser at SF Pride.  We need your help!  Please keep an eye out for upcoming announcements and details.

    Many NorCRID members have registered to attend the RID Region V Conference in San Diego from June 25-28.  We would be happy to see you there and hear your input and ideas about NorCRID in the coming year.

    NorCRID will host a Special Election on Friday, July 25 from 6pm - 9:30 at the DCC in San Leandro.  The evening will feature a special treat with Jimmy Beldon teaching a workshop free to members to accompany the special election. You may recall the lack of quorum at the Nov 2013 Business Meeting. This means NorCRID especially needs member attendance at the July 25 Special Election to vote in interim board positions, newly nominated candidates as well as on proposed bylaw revisions. Please stay tuned for further announcements and deadlines for the special election on July 25th.  Mark your calendars and save the date!

    We invite you to look at the progress that has been made tonorcrid.org.  While there is still much to do, we hope you will get an idea of where we are headed and what potential the website has for being a resource to the NorCRID community.  Please have a look at norcrid.org and let us know of any feedback and additions you suggest.

    Hope you all have a wonderful summer ahead, and we especially hope to see you at the many events NorCRID will be a part of in the coming months:

    May 31 Yoga Workshop at the DCC
    June 28  SF Pride Fundraiser Wine Booth
    June 25-28 Region V Conference in San Diego
    July 25  Special Election with a mini-workshop (free to members) by Jimmy Beldon 6-9:30pm at the DCC.

    More information and announcements about these events coming soon!

    Sincerely,

    The NorCRID Board
    President Terri Manning
    Secretary Becca Danton
    Treasurer Jewel Jauregui
    Members at Large Matt Moyers, Genavive Esse, and Tara Holcomb


  • Sunday, May 18, 2014 12:53 PM | Anonymous


  • Thursday, May 09, 2013 12:56 PM | Anonymous


  • Tuesday, May 07, 2013 12:57 PM | Anonymous

    1. What do you think foreign/sign agencies need to be effective in providing quality sign language interpreting services?

    Vetting process A community forum:  Working with Foreign Language Agencies: What does the future hold for interpreters and Deaf people in the Bay Area?

    Notes form breakout groups


    Should go through some type of formal education/workshops to show they have knowledge of interpreter certification, process etc. Then earn a license

    Perhaps we develop an orientation package with everything they need to know

    Deaf community evaluates agency to vet them

    State Licensure/Committee for some rating/screening system with number rating or star system

    Office staff
    CDI or hearing certified interpreter should work there to coordinate for placement of ASL interpreters

    Hire a team of Deaf and hearing interpreters for consult or find appropriate Deaf leaders to advise how to hire

    Understanding of the profession

    Must understand spoken vs. sign language needs are different

    Join RID, NAD, Work closely with both

    Screen interpreters to see who is best fit for the job

    Community connection

    Agency should give back to the community

    Support the Deaf community in how to advocate for themselves and know how to ask for interpreters

    3 way feedback system from requestor, 
from interpreter , from Deaf consumer Accessible and easy to find

    Deaf/Blind requirements – they should know or be able to find out for the interpreter

    Develop a positive reputation in the community by reaching out, advertising and giving back to the community

    Empower Deaf consumers with education, choice of interpreter style/skill to better advocate for getting what they want

    Direct involvement from Deaf consumers (on staff, consultants)

    Solicit feedback from consumers

    Interaction with interpreters

    Provide enough information about the job such as situation, language needs

    Increase their knowledge of the interpreting field and certification system

    Develop an appropriate evaluation method for interpreters, using qualified evaluators (skilled interpreters, hearing or CDI)

    Have an open exchange of ideas and feedback

    Use only certified interpreters

    Recruit more Deaf/Blind interpreters

    Provide mentoring situations with new interpreter graduates if the Deaf consumer approves

    Need better screening process by agencies (Use CDIs to help screen)

    Improve background information about interpreters. Improve client information as well (language preference, background)

    Create a “star rating” system (1-4) of interpreters

    Require references

    Have a standardized questionnaire to assess needs

    Have a list of questions to ask of the assignment and provide more information to interpreter before accepting the job

    2. Under what circumstances would you decline to work with an agency (sign or foreign)?

    If I don’t have enough information about agency

    If the agency …

    has a poor relationship with deaf/interpreting community

    won’t negotiate pay rate and sets lower rates, which then leads to poor          quality of interpreters who are willing to work with them

    sends mass emails

    doesn’t give me enough info about interpreting assignment

    has no communication

    doesn’t give  appropriate information

    doesn’t pay on time

    doesn’t tell me who my team is

    won’t give me a team

    is unaware of CDI roles and needs (of a hearing interpreter)

    doesn’t provide enough information so I can decide if my skills are       adequate

    has a bad reputation

    pays below market rate

    shows no familiarity with the interpreting field

    pays late

    is not knowledgeable about the task of interpreting

    is unknown to me

    is from another state

    has a bad attitude

    accepts any interpreter

    lacks cultural sensitivity

    won’t provide materials for a large performance/musical type of gig

    Interpreters who accept their jobs don’t know their limits

    Geographically challenged interpreting agencies

    In Principle – don’t want to support them

    Lost trust

    Will they fill my schedule around this job?

    Books a one hour job one month out, then it cancels


    3. If you choose not to work with foreign language agencies, what are the implications?

    Less income

    Loss of relationship with client if new contract with FLA (previously contract with sign agency)

    The agencies will offer work to unqualified interpreters

    Could cause disruption of services, lack of consistency and decline in quality of interpreting services offered

    Deaf consumer may have to become more proactive in advocating for specific agencies, interpreter requests, etc. Advocating to the FLA about who they want. They have to make their needs more known or maybe advocate for something other than a FLA.

    If we don’t take the work then Deaf people don’t get services.

    Maybe need Deaf people and interpreters to set up qualifications for agencies we are willing to work with.

    Sign agencies may go out of business.

    Are FLA here to stay? Do we need to educate them?

    Deaf people aren’t aware of this situation.

    Who will provide the work, will qualified interpreters be provided with qualified teams?

    If we won’t work with (boycott) FLA it means they will lose their contract and they won’t be able to provide services. If we all agree to work with them then sign agencies will be gone. Short term suffering for long-term benefit.

    If Deaf consumers have a complaint, who should they take it to? They need to complain to the people who pay for the services. Consumers need to complain to people who pay for the services.

    Refusing to work with FLA hurts our business.

    One stop shop – want to fill all requests with one agency – tends to be government or social services that use FLA for one-stop shops. In that population, it is the hardest for Deaf to advocate for themselves.

    If we don’t work for them, it could get worse – because others will. Why not subcontract with them? FLA hire Sign agency.

    Some type of white paper could be made up that has information provided by interpreters and deaf and given to FLA so they know about the population they are serving.

    FL agencies have a network and an advantage over small businesses


    4. What does any agency need to do to be legitimate in your eyes?

    Can they run a business?

    Can they give us the info we need for a job?

    Assigning jobs first come first served isn’t always the best

    Pay on time

    Have professional communication

    Deaf friendly practices

    Doesn’t give personal information to the interpreter

    Has a relationship with both Deaf and interpreter community

    The manner in which they recruit interpreters

    Transparency of the business – what’s happening in the business,  business, policies, etc.

    Who set up the agency and what for?

    Website – do they have one? If so, it should be accurate

    What are they about?

    Who has worked with them – their experiences good or bad

    They should have a Deaf or CODA on staff to advocate

    Coordinator must know ASL or hire someone ASL proficient

    Experience hiring and working with ASL interpreters

    Some agencies are often not willing to put their info in writing, only want to make agreements orally. If they aren’t willing to document it, maybe they aren’t kosher.

    Mission statement

    Root of the problem – why are FLA taking over?

    Should be involved in a Deaf professional organizations, have visibility to Deaf community and be involved in Deaf events

    Strong business background, know how to bid, etc.

    Give back to the Deaf community and 3-way feedback: from requester, consumer, and interpreter

    Agency should be involved with providing interpreters for 911 and legal/health emergency situations

    Set-up a reference site like thumbs up, info about the agency, etc.

    Reputation in the community

    Website – clear and easy to glean info about business practices and should contain reviews

    Communication access through the web. How to communicate with them; vlog, VRS, VP, etc.

    Facebook, twitter .

    Who makes up the pool of interpreters?

    Ethical

    Accepts preferences from consumers

    Honors Deaf person’s requests

    After hours availability

    Knowledge of interpreting process

    Should have a pool of interpreters with specialized skills

    Shows a concern for interpreter’s working conditions


  • Tuesday, May 07, 2013 12:57 PM | Anonymous
    DCC
    1-4pm
    Moderator: Jim Brune

    Agencies in attendance:
    Francine Kuipers, CEO and owner of Accent on Languages,
    Phuong-Lan Thi Do with LanDo Interpreting,
    Taryk Rouchdy from International Effectiveness Center  IEC,
    Koy Saephan from Excel.


    Bios:
    Francine Kuipers, CEO and owner of Accent on Languages: Francine Kuipers was born in France and moved to California in 1978. She was the principal of the French American School until 1985. She taught French and Spanish at various schools in the US, France and the University in Peru.

    Francine has founded 5 language companies since 1986: Linguatheque of Los Angeles, Access Language Services, Accent on Languages, Accent on Culture, and Berkeley Language Institute (which focuses on training translators and interpreters).

    As a linguistic and cultural consultant, Francine has been involved in various cultural programs in France, Peru, China, Russia and the West Bank. She is passionate about languages and the promotion of cultural sensitivity. She developed language and cultural programs sold in schools throughout the world and used by the US soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

    Phuong-Lan Thi Do: LanDo Interpreting is located in San Francisco. Lan Do has a B.A. in Business management.  She established Lan Do Interpreting in September 1993. Prior to that she was the Director of The Language Bank, Inc. in San Francisco, director of Seward County Community College Refugee 4. Program, Liberal, KS and a Case-manager/ interpreter-translator, Springfield Area Council of Churches Refugee Program, Springfield, MO
    Lan do is Fluent in English, Vietnamese, and Conversational in French.

    Taryk Rouchdy from IEC: Taryk Rouchdy was born in Alexandria Egypt in 1942. He holds an M.A. in Philology and an M.A. in Shakespearean Era. He is Fluent in 5 languages and semi fluent in 4 more. He Moved to the United States in 1967 and founded International Effectiveness Centers in 1972.

    Koy Saephan from Excel:   Koy Saephan, founder and CEO of Excel Interpreting, LLC has over 13 years of experience as a professional language interpreter and translator. Ms. Saephan received her B.A. in English Literature from U.C.L.A., and completed over two years of law school before launching Excel Interpreting, LLC.
    In 2000 she became the first registered court interpreter for the Mien language in the State of California. Ms. Saephan’s commitment to the Sacramento community is demonstrated by her past and present volunteer work: Chair of Lao Family Community Development, Inc. and board member of United Iu-Mien Community.
    Additionally, Ms. Saephan held the position of Educational Outreach Project Coordinator for the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office where she translated written materials addressing victim violence, statutory rape, and parenting into four languages – Mien, Hmong, Lao and Lahu.

    Questions for panelists:
                                                              
    1. Start by briefly telling us a little about your agency.                                                       
        •    How long your agency has been in existence
        •    Where you are located
        •    How long you have been providing ASL services
        •    How many people work for your agency (interpreters, staff)

    IEC:IEC has been in existence since 1972.  IEC is headquartered in Corte Madera and SF. IEC has been providing ASL since 1992. They use about 350 interpreters in the North Bay and also serve 11 other states. The North bay is their prime location.

    Excel: Excel is located in Sacramento and has been in existence since 2000.  About 6 people work at Excel. Excel began providing ASL in 2009.

    LanDo: Lan do was founded in 1993. They are located in SF and started providing ASL services in 1999. There are 9 full time staff members with over 500 sub contractors all over the US.

    Accent: Accent on Languages islocated in Berkeley and was established In 1997. Before that, Ms. Kuipers had another company which she established in 1986.  They provide services in all different languages.  They started providing ASL about 7 years ago.  They have combined about interpreters 200 locally, and more in other locations.  Currently they are focused on local and state contracts.
              
    2. Please tell us a bit more about your agency. 
        •    What led you to decide to add ASL to your services?
        •    What type of contracts you have which require ASL interpreters.
        •    Does anyone on your staff sign well enough to communicate with Deaf / Hard of Hearing consumers?
        •    What professional organizations relevant to ASL interpreters and the Deaf community are you a member of?

    IEC:  Began providing ASL for personal and business reasons.  His sister became blind and it was a learning experience to see how handicapped people function.  Two weeks after his sister went blind, he got a call from Contra Costa County requesting an ASL interpreter.  He Didn’t know much at the time and understands the concerns of the community.  Twenty years later, it is still a learning experience.  Providing ASL has been a great endeavor. He is impressed with the affection among the Deaf/interpreting community.  He wants to participate and do his best to serve the Deaf community.  No one on staff can sign, but he has hired an interpreter to come and teach the staff sign language starting in March.

    Excel: When government agencies put contracts out for bids, they want all the languages in one contract, a one stop shop.  Ms. Saephon has lobbied government agencies to separate out ASL,  but to no avail.  DMV, CSR, OAH, are three contracts they have that require ASL but there are few requests. So Excel is forced to provide ASL.  It has been a huge challenge.  At one point Excel wanted to bid on a 1 week project hoping to get to know the interpreters and the community.  Excel was awarded the contract but dealing with ASL interpreters was not a positive experience.

    LanDo:  in 1999 Lan Do bid on a state contract  to provide services to the DMV.  The contract required all languages be provided.  They bid and won the contract so they had to provide ASL interpreters.  Every time there is an ASL request, Lan Do becomes nervous.  Many of the request are for legal settings. It often takes a lot of time to fill the request. She spends an immense amount of time  looking for interpreters and/or referrals.  If not successful, then she subcontracts with BACA.  She always goes with certified Interpreters. She is doing the best she can.

    Accent:  From 1986 until about seven years ago there were no ASL requests.  However, Alameda County was required to hire an agency in the same county to provide services so they approached Accent about a contract.  Accent felt this was a challenge.  There is a lot of distrust of her agency.  It has required a lot of work to build a pool of interpreters.  She has subcontracted with other agencies to get ASL interpreters.  CMAS (California Multiple Award Schedule). They are a member of RID.

    3. What has your experience been working with ASL interpreters?

    IEC: Very impressed with ASL.  It is difficult to interpret spoken language into sign.  His experience is that sign language interpreters (SLIs) are very ethical, especially when taking work. The commitment from the interpreters to the Deaf community is phenomenal. He experiences skepticism from the community and understands why.

    Excel: There has beena lot of resistance and difficulty.  Ms. Saephan has no relationship with Deaf organizations, so doesn’t feel confident providing interpreters. She was yelled at by an ASL interpreter who said that the interpreters don’t get work because of SLAs. Often interpreters don’t respond to the calls/emails for requests. She feels interpreters don’t want to be blacklisted by accepting work from SLAs.  There is a sense of loyalty to ASL agencies.

    LanDo: It takes a long time to fill the requests because she only looks for top interpreters.  She relies on referrals.  She has good relationships with the sign language agencies  and has tremendous respect for SLIs because their work requires use of both their hands and mouth while spoken language interpreters only work with their mouths.

    Accent: The commitment from the SLI surpasses that of other language communities.  She doesn’t feel like an expert in the area of ASL but wants to learn more.  It is challenging is to find good interpreters that are available.  Recently, Accent had a request for two day job and it was hard to find one interpreter that could do both days.  Every interpreter could only do portions.  She ended up sub contracting it to an ASL agency.

                                                              


    4. Are you aware of the impact Spoken Language Agencies have had on the interpreting and Deaf communities?

    IEC: He received a link from Robin Mills about the question of agencies being certified.  He feels it is necessary. He feels everyone here is commited to what they do.  Many agencies don’t screen interpreters; they just hire on the spot.  But IEC is committed to providing quality service.

    Excel: Excel has tried to form alliances with ASL agencies but feels they make it difficult.  Fees and cancellation policies are unrealistic and outrageous.  Excel knows that there is a  feeling that the quality is being compromised because there is a lack of knowledge on the part of SLAs. Foreign language and ASL services don’t differ much.  Certification doesn’t equate with being qualified. She knows that CI/CT has been around a lot longer. When she has  tried to defer to ASL agencies, she has felt shut out.  There is a positive attitude from the interpreters who are willing to work with her.  Her business has been impacted because they have to spend many hours and days looking for ASL interpreters. Some SLAs are in it are just in it for the business. As the  daughter of an immigrant, she understands the need for quality interpreters.

    LanDo: Lan Do is not aware of the impact.  She does not take ASL-only contracts.  She asks friends/colleagues to help with ASL requests and now refers request to ASL agencies.

    Accent: Accent has mixed feelings because the implication is that the impact is negative, and she doesn’t see it that way.  Before bidding and writing a proposal, she makes sure that she has the resources.  She has reached out to interpreters in the area where the contracts are, but got a violent response from one person who owned a small agency herself. She feels she is providing work to interpreters.

    5. Hiring of ASL interpreters;
        •    How do you screen ASL interpreters?
        •    Do you have a minimum number of years experience and/or
        •    certification(s) requirement?

    IEC: The Deaf/ASL interpreting  community is small and everyone knows each other. he feels that is the best screening process.  He takes referrals.  Sometimes consumers make recommendations.

    Excel: Excel asks the requesting party the nature of the assignment.  She tries to get all the details.  Then she reaches out to the interpreter that seems to be the best match.  If it is a legal assignment, she looks for someone with legal certification. But it is difficult.  She doesn’t hire anyone with a certification less than NAD III.  She hopes that interpreters are honest when speaking of their qualifications.  She knows that there needs to be some accountability.  Foreign language  interpreters also can’t jump into a trial just because they have their legal certification.  It takes time and experience.  When interpreters decline to work with SLAs,  they are declining to work with the people who need the services.

    LanDo: Screening is hard for SLAs with such a small amount of requests for ASL.  She doesn’t formally screen. New interpreters usually are referred by current interpreters.  Interpreters have a choice about working with LanDO.  If she can’t find an interpreter, she goes to a sign language agency. She is not trying to taking work away from the community but doing it to survive.

    Accent: relies on referrals.  She trusts that people are qualified.  She only uses certified interpreters who have a minimum of several years of experience.
                                                              

    6. Business practices;
        •    What determines the rate you pay interpreters?
        •    Do ASL and spoken language interpreters get the same rate?
        •    Do all ASL interpreters get the same rate?
        •    What are your billing procedures? (2 hr. min, mileage, parking etc.)
        •    Can Deaf consumers request specific interpreters? If so, how?
        •    Can consumers get confirmation of their assigned interpreters?
        •    How do you match interpreters to assignments?
        •    What mechanism for feedback do you have? For interpreters? For Deaf consumers? For hearing consumers?
        •    Do you use CDIs? Do you know why CDIs would be used?
        •    Do you have working relationships with any ASL agencies? (i.e. do you ever subcontract?. If so, why?)
        •    What sets your agency apart in providing ASL services?
        •    What do you see as the biggest challenges you face in providing ASL services?

    IEC: Yes, the pay scale is high, but ASL interpreters are worth the high rate.  IEC pays mileage and parking when necessary, but IRS does not like independent contractors to get reimbursement from agencies.  IEC sometimes gets requests, especially for gender.  Sometimes in hospitals, the Deaf person requests a specific interpreter.  ASL interpreters have more of a relationship with Deaf consumers and community.
    We do match client and interpreter depending on the nature of the job, for example medical, legal, educational, etc.  When forced to we’ll use CDI’s but it depends on the assignment.  In terms of feedback, they rely on the client’s feedback.  The Deaf community is quick to criticize or compliment.  IEC keeps track of feedback, especially in terms of preferences.

    Excel:  ASL interpreter rates are similar to spoken language.  The rate changes with setting, for example legal, medical.  Sometimes interpreters charge a partial day.  Excel is willing to pay parking and mileage. ASL interpreters do get more than foreign language interpreters.  And ASL interpreters know that FL agencies have a harder time finding ASL interpreters that are qualified.  It is unclear what “certified interpreter” means. Does it mean, agency certifies or a national qualified body determines certification?  She sees the problem in both spoken language and ASL world.  We depend on our past experience with individual interpreters.  We get as much information as possible.  “Medical” can mean many things, so we ask for more information.  We also provide the name of the interpreter when we assign the person to the job.

    Feedback: Excel encourages all participants to provide feedback and follow up with the interpreter in terms of what worked, etc.  It is not always possible, but they try to be available, thru email or phone calls.   We ask about the interpreter’s experience (background) and  the different kinds of jobs they’ve accepted before.
    The difficulty in working with ASL agencies is in regards to minimum hours and cancellation policies. Sometimes they just don’t respond at all.  But we’ve had a few working relationships with Bay Area sign agencies, but challenges with distance and resources.  ASL is very small part of our business.  We understand the Deaf community is small and close-knit.  Right now, we’re working on getting a CDI for a rural job.  We used the RID website and referrals. The problem is that one person let her certification lapse, but the state requires certifications and they don’t really understand “certified” either.  To pick a particular person who is appropriate, depends on the details.  What language?  Are other advocates present?  Etc.  We try our best to pick the best interpreter possible with sensitivity.

    LanDo: They ask the interpreter what they rate is.  If they can afford it, they pay it.  They are willing to pay out of pocket if the ASL interpreter charges more than what the contract pays.  For Spanish, they bid low because the competition is high. Most of the time ASL interpreters get paid more than spoken language interpreters because there are less ASL interpreters available. They require NAD level 4 or CI/CT certification.  The Deaf client can request.  If she has a good relationship with a Deaf consumer, they can call her directly with problems.  ASL interpreters can get confirmation through relay services.   We match interpreter to nature of the assignment.  For example, if it is a legal assignment, they use legally certified interpreters.  If it is a conference, they use conference interpreters.

    They do match interpreters with clients.  In terms of feedback, they provide a form with all of the interpreters for evaluation.  We hope that the client provides honest feedback.  Most has been positive.  Working with ASL agencies: we have a good relationship.  We believe in networking because we have less experience with ASL assignments than the ASL agencies do.   Good communication means having a qualified interpreters.  It takes a lot of time to find one good ASL interpreter.

    Accent: The rate for interpreters, spoken or ASL is generally the same but it varies.  But language and qualifications/certifications do come into play.  Most interpreters have their own rate.  Some contracts allow the agency to pay a certain rate, and others don’t.  Accent uses a scale.  A two hour is a minimum is the standard.  Mileage and parking varies too.   For ASL contracts they don’t deal with the consumers directly, for example, when working with a social workers they ask that we try to be consistent.  Sometimes there is a request for gender.  But Accent has less choices because they don’t have a large pool of interpreters.  Again, they rely on the ethics of the interpreters.

    They do match interpreter to the assignment.  They try to find the best person for the job.  Feedback: we ask our clients for feedback, we don’t have contact with the consumer directly, only the client.  For example, if interpreter is late, they let me know.  The only difference between ASL and spoken language is sub-contracting to another agency.  It is never needed for spoken language assignments, but required sometimes for ASL jobs.  We do not profit from sub-contracting.  But the goal is to serve the community.
                                      
    7. Community involvement
        •    How do you participate in the Deaf community?
        •    How do you give back to the Deaf community?
        •    How would you like the Deaf community to become involved? (or Do you see a way for the deaf community to be involved?)                                  

    IEC:  How to support the community: We are in negotiation with several large retailers to provide video interpreters on computers, free of charge.  Also, providing dual language interpreting for travelers to other countries, using other languages than English.  We have that advantage to provide both spoken language interpreters and ASL at the same time.

    Excel: Again, there’s been resistance.  She knows as a SLA, the problem won’t go away.  Excel gives back by being visible–in her own immigrant community and giving back by serving on boards and volunteering.  Excel wants to be a part of the ASL/Deaf communities, but the door has to be open.  Excel is willing to support financially, too.  As we experience challenges, maybe there’s a point person to whom we can express our concerns, someone with better info and networking to guide us.  Excel wants to learn more, be more involved, support the people we provide services for.  It’s the same for spoken lg clients, too.  Please let Excel know how we they be more involved.  When initially invited to the panel, Ms. Saephan was terrified to come.  But when she showed up, she felt the vibe was positive.  Excel will come to Deaf community events, just let her know.

    LanDo: Lan do is not involved, but not from lack of effort. They work with ASL agencies from across California.  When they received the invitation for the panel, they thought it was a great opportunity to meet the community. They look forward to more future opportunities.  Maybe there can be a gathering with spoken language interpreters.  They hope to be welcomed  into the community.  The goal is not money, but providing the best service.


  • Tuesday, April 30, 2013 12:59 PM | Anonymous

    Saturday, March 16, 2013
    
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
    4:00 PM -7:00 PM meet and greet with the new RID executive director, Shane Feldman
    Deaf Community Center
    1550 San Leandro Blvd. San Leandro, Ca 94577
    .3 CEUs  

    There is tremendous community interest in ensuring that the quality of American Sign Language interpreting services provision in the Bay Area is of optimal standards.  This panel is an opportunity for sign language interpreting agencies, the Deaf community, and ASL interpreters to engage in a dialogue in regards to the provision of ASL interpreting services by sign language agencies. There will be a moderated panel with prepared questions, followed by questions and answers from the audience.  

    Space limited to 100 participants
    RSVP to:norcridevents@gmail.com

    Please include your FULL NAME and email address include your RID number if you will be requesting CEUs

    Please RSVP to register by3/12/13. There is no cost to attend but an RSVP is required to reserve a space.  Non- registered attendees will be seated if space allows.

    The panel will be presented in ASL. ASL voice interpreters provided. Requests for accommodations by2/28/13
    PENDING: .3 CEUs will be $10 at the door, cash and check only.Please bring your RID member number if you will be requesting CEUs.

    Refreshments sold by members of FHA-HERO chapter at California School for the Deaf in Fremont.


  • Sunday, April 14, 2013 12:59 PM | Anonymous

    The 2013 NorCRID Board has set an ambitious agenda to make improvements to NorCRID operations, expand member benefits, and support opportunities for the exchange of ideas, best practices and healthy community collaborations.

    The NorCRID President and entire Board call to you for help to initiate improvements and activities. Tasks range in number of hours needed of your time. If you are able to avail yourself and join a committee, any help would be greatly appreciated in setting NorCRID toward its goals.

    Below is a list of various committees needing volunteers:

    1. By-Laws Committee (help NorCRID streamline and update operations)

    2. Social Events Committee (get involved in fun activities)
    3. NorCRID Historians Committee (preserve NorCRID’s past)
    4. Ad Hoc Tasks Committee (as needed for CMP, Membership, etc.)
    5. Study Group Leaders (new and experienced interpreters gathering for discussion)

    We sincerely appreciate any hours you may spare for NorCRID. We have a great year planned ahead and hope, with your help, to accomplish our goals. Please contact Terri Manning at norcridvp@gmail.com to join our efforts.


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