Breakout Room 2 Notes

Language Access Work Group

Notes from 

Meeting 3 Breakout Room 2

August 22, 2023

Breakout Room 2 Participants                                       Breakout Room 2 Facilitator

Tara Bostock                                                                          Herminia Esqueda

Helen Eby

Tony Griego

Hugo Nuñez

Casey Peplow

Jennifer Price

 

 

Homework: Please share what would you like to see in a draft recommendation, or what have you already shared in a draft recommendation, regarding the first two main components of the Preliminary Elements of Medical Interpreter Testing and Certification information sheet: testing entities and technology.

 

  • Seems like a decision has already been made regarding a testing entity, instead of refining and updating the state’s system that already exists. This reduces the work of this work group to justify that decision and limits creative thought.

  • Prometric and other sites can be done. Accessibility is a challenge due to space. Narrow cubicles are difficult for people in wheelchairs.

  • What kind of accommodations?

  • Currently, entities are doing online proctoring; DSHS could contract them out.

  • Contractors will see restrictions, such as remote only. Interpreters with disabilities will have additional barriers. Site translation is not realistic.

  • Blind interpreters do not want to limit their possibilities. Emphasize getting them certified.

  • JAWS (Job Access With Speech) and Braille are not always available for blind testers but should be integrated into remote settings and testing centers.

  • I am not completely opposed to an outside entity, but it would have to be strictly monitored. This discussion is valuable to make either the state entity or an outside entity functional and successful.

  • While it is desirable to provide ADA accommodations for testing candidates, spoken language interpreters are mostly freelancers. Disabilities, such as blindness or using a wheelchair, will have a negative impact in these individuals’ marketability. Blind interpreters cannot do sight translation, one of the three modes of interpreting. Wheelchair bound interpreters will struggle to provide onsite interpreting.

  • Disabled candidates may need extra time and/or a human reader, depending on the modality. Accommodation can be provided with modifications and additional cost.

  • Testing organizations exist but testing at a Prometric center (contract) in various communities should also be included.

  • Offer VRI (Video Remote Interpreting) on a non-Zoom platform. Cannot do 'share my screen' function.

  • ADA accessibility? Screen readers? Auxiliary aids?

  • An interpreter in a wheelchair providing services at a facility covered under the ADA has a right to accommodations.

  • Tester has to have accessible accommodations.

  • ADA obligations are limited for interpreters with disabilities.