Background: Sign Language Interpreting is a relatively new profession. The National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf began in 1965 and began certifying interpreters in 1972. When PA 204 was passed in Michigan, after several federal laws had been passed, DOD realized that there were few nationally certified interpreters. PA 204 was the first step in addressing interpreter quality when persons were not certified. The State Quality Assurance (QA) Screening program was modeled after the national RID's program. The QA program has improved the access for deaf and hard of hearing persons and the quality of interpreting services is better. QA interpreters follow the same code of ethics that nationally certified interpreters do and must obtain continuing education units yearly to keep their qualification level current.

State Certificate Level Descriptions:

QA LEVEL III: Intermediate Skill Level: demonstrated ability to interpret/transliterate communication between hearing and deaf or hard of hearing persons with a minimum of 88% accuracy.

Recommended for situations where there may not be an opportunity for the interpreter to stop communication for clarification.

Examples: education/tutorial situations, informal meetings and daily living skills, training, public meetings, interviews.

QA LEVEL II: Limited Skill Level: demonstrated ability to interpret/transliterate communication between hearing and deaf or hard of hearing persons with a minimum of 74% accuracy.

Recommended for one-to-one or small group situations where the interpreter may or may not have the opportunity to stop communication for clarification.

Examples: Education/tutorial situations, informal meetings and daily living skills training.

QA LEVEL I: Restricted Skill Level: demonstrated ability to interpret/transliterate communication between hearing and deaf or hard of hearing persons with a minimum of 60% accuracy.

Recommended mainly for one-to-one situations where the interpreter has the opportunity to stop communication for clarification.

Examples: Social/recreational situations, non-technical and informal meetings.

 

QA Application Forms