OLR Report 2014-R-0090 provides information on interpreting for the deaf and hard of hearing. It includes an overview of terms and requirements for interpreting in Connecticut, a summary of interpreting requirements in three other states, and a table describing interpreter certificates.
Connecticut currently requires anyone interpreting in the state to register with the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DORS) and provide certain credentials depending on the setting and type of interpreting. Several credential organizations exist or have existed over the years, offering types of credentials or exams that have also changed over time. Table 1 in the report explains these organizations, credentials, and prerequisites for each.
States take other approaches to regulating qualified interpreters. We looked at the laws in three nearby states to provide examples. New Hampshire and Maine have statutory requirements for certification and penalties for interpreting without a certification. New Jersey, on the other hand, does not have statutory requirements for interpreters in general, but instead monitors interpreters through a state agency that maintains and provides lists of interpreters it deems qualified. Interpreters in educational settings in New Jersey must meet requirements specified in its administrative code.
For more information, read the full report.
