Frequently Asked Questions
Do Sign Language Interpreters Have To Be Certified in Arkansas?
No, however, they do need to have a certification or a credential and a license. If a person is Nationally Certified, then they do not need to be State Credentialed but still need the State License. If an Interpreter works Video Remote Interpreting, they would need to comply with the States’ licensing as well.
Licensing, for the state of Arkansas, can be done through the Arkansas Department of Health, but only after receiving an interpreter certification or credential.
National Certifications can include the NIC (National Interpreter Certification), or the CDI (Certified Deaf Interpreter). This can be through the RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf), or CASLI (Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation).
State Credentials can include the QAST (Quality Assurance Screening Test), EIPA (Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment), or the BEI (Board of Evaluation of Interpreters). Note that the BEI is a Texas certification that Arkansas also recognizes.
The EIPA only applies to Interpreters working in K-12 settings, this credential does not apply to other settings.
What are the State Regulations and Laws?
The following links will provide information on State Laws and Regulations.
Arkansas Standards for Educational Interpreters and Transliterators PDF:
https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/rulesRegs/Arkansas%20Register/2016/jan2016/005.15.15-002.pdf
UALR Arkansas Interpreter Licensure Law:
https://ualr.edu/interpreting/arkansas-interpreting-licensure-law/
ADH Advisory Board for Interpreters for the Deaf:
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/advisory-board-for-interpreters-for-the-deaf
JUSTIA US Law Arkansas Code:
https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/2010/title-25/chapter-15/subchapter-1/25-15-102
RID State Regulations:
https://rid.org/programs/gap/state-by-state-regulations/
ARID Code of Professional Conduct:
https://arkansasrid.org/resources/nad-rid-code-of-professional-conduct/
Do Clients Have Rights?
To be added
How Do You Become an ASL Interpreter?
To be added
What are Your Terms and Conditions?
To be annonunced
What is HIPPA Compliance?
To be added
Where Can I Find Professional Development Opportunities?
According to the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services:
QAST Level Interpreters are required to earn 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) each calendar year (January 1st – December 31st) to maintain their current QAST level. Workshops, webinars, and academic coursework must be completed in the current calendar year. At least 3 CEUs are required in the content area of Professional Ethics and the remainder in the content area of Professional Skills Development.
Here are several links for CEUs:
Protactile Language Interpreting
Where Can Events in the Community be Found?
Community events can be found in several places. Links will be provided on our Community Page. There are various group meetings, silent dinners, coffee socials, movie nights, and so much more.
What are the Rates for Your Services?
The rates of our services vary depending upon a wide range of circumstances. Please contact us to speak with our scheduling team in order to get a quote. Click the button below, or call us at (501)-224-2521.
What are Other Things to Know?
To be added