Rural sign language program seeks applicants

Colorado Department of Human Services has launched the Colorado Rural Interpreter Skills Enhancement Project. The program recruits and trains American Sign Language interpreters to work in rural areas that often have little to no access to quality interpreting services for needs such as medical appointments, legal or work settings, and school events.

Sign language interpreting services are provided at no cost to the provider or the deaf consumer, making access to care more equitable and accessible.

RISE will select 12 hearing applicants who share the goal of becoming certified sign language interpreters who either live in or will take work in rural community settings.

Beginning in June, RISE students will complete eight courses, each of which is eight weeks long, followed by a 40-hour apprenticeship. Interpreting specialists will facilitate online learning while deaf language specialists will provide distance mentoring in tandem with coursework.

The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.