La. Admin. Code tit. 67 § VII-308

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section VII-308 - Interpreting Program

A. Role and function of the interpreting program is to:

1. promote the understanding and implementation of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) through education and informing businesses and organizations responsible under the ADA of their obligation in providing auxiliary aids and services when needed to communicate effectively with people who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing.

2. promote the development of the state's interpreter workforce through the support of interpreter training programs and continuing education;

3. develop and maintain the criteria for standardizing the qualifications and practices of the interpreter workforce which advance best practices related to the needs of the state's interpreting workforce and d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing communities; and

4. maintain a statewide, public-facing registry of interpreters which is accessible via the commission's website.

B. The eligibility requirements for the interpreting program are as follow:

1. the commission may provide limited funding for American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services or other auxiliary aids to individuals or entities to ensure access to public and private services when resources are unavailable or the ADA is not applicable. The commission may seek reimbursement for costs incurred on behalf of ADA covered entities.

a. Situations which may be approved include, but are not limited to:

i. state and local government services when access is essential to the public and not otherwise covered under the ADA;

ii. emergency medical services;

iii. urgent situations which may critically impact a person's physical or mental health;

iv. interim occupations needs such as job interviews; and

v. public/community/civil service meetings crucial to public awareness such as during a disaster or weather related events.

b. Funding may not be used for interpreting services related to religious services or settings, education-related activities under the supervision of the Louisiana Department of Education or other higher education institutions, or personal circumstances.

c. Special determinations may be considered for DeafBlind individuals.

C. Consultation. The commission will consult with the following entities for advisement with the assessment of this program:

1. the board of commissioners;

2. the Louisiana Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf board; and

3. professional interpreters representative of the state of Louisiana.

La. Admin. Code tit. 67, § VII-308

Promulgated by the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, LR 491398 (8/1/2023).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated pursuant to the authority in La. R.S. 46:2353 and R.S. 47:1061.