Commission for the Deaf public meetings in 2023
12 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Commission for the Deaf
The Interpreter Ad Hoc Committee of the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf will discuss the Educational Interpreter Administrative Code and alternative pathways. The committee will also address the roles of Para Educators versus Educational Interpreters.
- Discussion of Educational Interpreter Administrative Code
- Review of Alternative Pathways
- Comparison of Para Educator role vs. Educational Interpreter role
- Presentation regarding recommended standards from October 20, 2023 public meeting
The committee approved the October 25 agenda and previous meeting minutes. A motion to move the Educational Interpreter Administrative Code to the full Committee was passed unanimously. The committee did not reach a consensus on alternative pathways for interpreter certification.
- Approved October 25, 2023 agenda (unanimous)
- Approved October 4, 2023 minutes
- Approved October 18, 2023 minutes
- Moved Educational Interpreter Administrative Code into Committee as a whole (unanimous)
Commission for the Deaf
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (LCD) Board of Commissioners meets quarterly to guide programs for d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing residents. This meeting includes updates on a letter sent to the Special School District (SSD) and the impact of SB98/Act 128 on the commission's program and board structure. New business items include a proposal for funding interpreted situations where the ADA does not apply, proposed rules for interpreters in education settings, and approval of committee members for an adhoc committee on court interpreter rules.
- Update on letter and meeting request to Special School District (SSD) regarding community concerns, with response received June 13, 2023
- Impact of SB98/Act 128 on Louisiana Commission for the Deaf program and board structure; subcommittee recommendation
- Proposal of funding for interpreted situations where Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) does not apply
- Proposed rules for LCD Administrative Code for interpreters working in education settings
- Approval of committee members for Adhoc Committee on Administrative Code for interpreters in court settings
The Commission adopted new qualification standards for interpreters in K-12 educational settings and approved a recommendation to explore an independent organizational structure. The board also established a committee to evaluate the 'ASL Anywhere' app and approved the DeafBlind Advisory Committee membership.
- Approved recommendation for an independent organizational structure with administrative support (Unanimous)
- Adopted new educational interpreter standards for K-12 settings (12-0, 1 abstention)
- Approved the DeafBlind Advisory Committee membership list (None opposed)
- Established a committee to determine the best use of the ASL Anywhere app in Louisiana (None opposed)
- Moved the court settings interpreter administrative code names to the executive board for approval (None opposed)
- Removed the item regarding community concerns elevated to the SSD board from Old Business as resolved (None opposed)
Commission for the Deaf
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf's Interpreter Ad Hoc Committee will meet to discuss and potentially approve revisions to multiple sections of the Educational Interpreter Administrative Code, including standards for minimum qualifications, provisional interpreters, accepted certificates, renewal guidelines, registration fees, proficiency levels, supervision, and grievance procedures. The meeting is hybrid, with public comment allowed in person or via written submission.
- Discussion of Section 3: Minimum Qualified Interpreter – standards, qualifications, and registration
- Discussion of Section 4: Provisional Educational Interpreter Standards
- Discussion of Section 6: Accepted Certificates
- Discussion of Section 7: Renewal Guidelines and Continuing Education requirements
- Discussion of Section 8: Registration Fees guidelines
The Commission approved changes to the Educational Interpreter Administrative Code, including specific requirements for Qualified and Provisional certificates. A new organizational structure for the American Sign Language Interpreter Qualification Standards and Registration was also adopted.
- Approved updated standards for Qualified Educational Interpreter Certificates (unanimous)
- Approved updated standards for Provisional Interpreter Certificates (unanimous)
- Approved renewal and continuing education guidelines for Qualified Certificates (unanimous)
- Approved new structure for Chapter 13 - ASL Interpreter Qualification Standards and Registration (unanimous)
- Approved adoption of RID and NAIE codes of professional conduct for educational interpreters (unanimous)
- Approved adding 'Alternative Pathway' to the October 25, 2023 agenda (unanimous)
- Postponed approval of October 4, 2023 minutes to October 25, 2023 meeting (unanimous)
Commission for the Deaf
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf's Sub-Committee on Restructure will review questions from members, conduct a risk analysis of two proposed structures (B and C) by Innivee Strategies, and determine a recommendation for the commission's future organizational structure. The meeting is hybrid, with ASL interpreters and live captioning provided.
- Review of Q&A from committee members submitted September 28, 2023
- Risk analysis of Structure B and C as proposed by Innivee Strategies
- Determine recommendation for future LCD structure
The Commission for the Deaf voted to recommend Option C for its future structure. This model establishes the Commission as an independent agency that receives fiscal, human resources, and budgetary support from a department.
- Approved recommendation of Option C for future LCD structure (5-0)
Commission for the Deaf
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf's Interpreter Ad Hoc Committee will meet to discuss and potentially approve multiple sections of the Educational Interpreter Administrative Code, covering standards, qualifications, fees, proficiency, supervision, and grievance policies. The meeting includes public comments and approval of previous minutes and agenda. No votes or dollar amounts are specified in the agenda.
- Old Business: Sections 3, 4, 6, 7 of the Educational Interpreter Administrative Code (minimum qualified interpreter standards, provisional standards, accepted certificates, renewal guidelines)
- New Business: Sections 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 1, 2 (registration fees, proficiency levels, supervision, grievance policy, exemptions, definitions, jurisdiction)
- Public comments allowed (2-minute limit per person) or written statements 24 hours prior
- Meeting held hybrid at Bienville Building, Baton Rouge, with ZOOM option
- ASL interpreters and live/remote captioning provided
The Commission for the Deaf Interpreter Ad Hoc Committee approved the minutes from September 20 and the agenda for October 4. The committee voted to move several sections of the Educational Interpreter Administrative Code into the Committee as a whole. No other substantive decisions were recorded.
- Approved September 20, 2023 minutes (unanimous)
- Approved October 4, 2023 agenda (unanimous)
- Moved Educational Interpreter Administrative Code Sections 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 into Committee as a whole (unanimous)
Commission for the Deaf
The Board of Commissioners Sub-Committee on Restructure will research and discuss information regarding Structures B and C. These structures were recommended by Innivee Strategies during the August 18, 2023, public meeting.
- Review of organizational Structures B and C recommendations from Innivee Strategies
The Sub-Committee on Restructure reviewed information on Structures B and C as recommended by Innivee Strategies. The committee requested further research and answers from the consultant for the next meeting.
- Approved the agenda
- Moved to Committee of a Whole to address new business
- Requested research and answers from Innivee Strategies regarding Structures B and C
- Moved out of Committee of a Whole
Commission for the Deaf
The Interpreter Ad Hoc Committee is reviewing various sections of the Educational Interpreter Administrative Code. Discussions include standards for qualified and provisional interpreters, renewal guidelines, proficiency levels, and supervision requirements.
- Review of Section 3: Minimum Qualified Interpreter standards and registration
- Review of Section 4: Provisional Educational Interpreter Standards
- Review of Section 6: Accepted Certificates
- Review of Section 7: Renewal Guidelines and Continuing Education requirements
- Discussion of new sections regarding proficiency, supervision, and grievance policy
The Interpreter Ad Hoc Committee approved changes to the Educational Interpreter Administrative Code regarding qualification requirements for qualified and provisional certificates. The committee also established continuing education and renewal guidelines for qualified certificates.
- Approved September 6, 2023 minutes as corrected (Unanimous)
- Approved September 20, 2023 agenda (Unanimous)
- Approved qualification requirements for Qualified Interpreter Certificates, including degree/credit and EIPA test standards (Unanimous)
- Approved requirements for Provisional Interpreter Certificates, including a three-year non-renewable term (Unanimous)
- Approved renewal guidelines for Qualified Educational Interpreter Certificates, requiring 100 hours of professional development (Unanimous)
- Deferred Section 6 (Accepted Certificates) to next meeting to review reciprocity law
- Deferred Sections 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 to next meeting
Commission for the Deaf
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf's Interpreter Ad Hoc Committee will meet to discuss and potentially approve sections of the Educational Interpreter Administrative Code, including provisional standards, accepted certificates, renewal guidelines, proficiency levels, supervision, and grievance policy. The committee will also consider approval of previous minutes and the agenda, and take public comments.
- Discussion of Section 4: Provisional Educational Interpreter Standards
- Discussion of Section 5: Qualified/Preferred Educational Interpreter Standards
- Discussion of Section 6: Accepted Certificates
- Discussion of Section 7: Renewal Guidelines
- Discussion of Sections 10-14: Proficiency levels, Supervision, Grievance policy, and Repeal/Denial/Suspension/Revocation
The committee approved specific educational and performance requirements for minimum qualified and provisional educational sign language interpreters. These updated standards, including certification levels and exam requirements, will be presented to the LCD.
- Approved August 23, 2023 minutes (Unanimous)
- Approved September 6, 2023 agenda (Unanimous)
- Approved updates to Section 3 Minimum Qualified Interpreter standards regarding educational requirements, performance ratings, and NAD certification levels (Unanimous)
- Approved Section 4 Provisional Educational Interpreter Standards for presentation to LCD (Unanimous)
- Deferred Sections 5, 6, and 7 to the next meeting
- Deferred Sections 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 to the next meeting
Commission for the Deaf
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf's Interpreter Ad Hoc Committee will meet to discuss rulemaking for educational and court interpreters. They will review sections on minimum qualifications, provisional standards, and accepted certificates. Public comments are accepted.
- Interpreter Ad Hoc Committee Overview & Objectives
- Rulemaking – Educational & Court Interpreter Template
- Section 3 Minimum standards qualification requirements and registration
- Section 4 Provisional Educational Interpreter Standards
- Section 5 Qualified/Preferred Educational Interpreter Standards
The Interpreter Ad Hoc Committee approved the minimum standards for qualification requirements and registration for educational sign language interpreters. The committee also established a schedule for four future meetings in September and October 2023.
- Approved minimum standards qualification requirements and registration for educational interpreters (7-0)
- Approved future meeting dates for Sept 6, Sept 20, Oct 4, and Oct 18 (6-0)
- Approved agenda with amendment to move Future Meeting Dates to Roman Numeral V (unanimous)
Commission for the Deaf
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf Board meets quarterly to guide programs for d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing citizens. Old business includes finalizing the DeafBlind Advisory Council and discussing a response from the Special School District to a prior letter. New business covers a funding proposal for ADA-exempt interpreted situations, legislative impacts, and the executive director search.
- Update on letter sent to Special School District (Oct 26, 2022 special session; response received June 13, 2023)
- Proposal of funding for interpreted situations where Americans With Disabilities Act does not apply
- Impact of SB98 (Act 128) on Louisiana Commission for the Deaf program and board structure
- LCD Executive Director search
- Finalize recruitment and objectives for DeafBlind Advisory Council
The Commission voted to eliminate one organizational structure option and form a committee to research two other models for greater autonomy. The board also approved a new logo and the membership list for the interpreting adhoc committee.
- Approved interpreting adhoc committee membership list
- Eliminated 'Option A' board structure and formed committee to research 'Option B' and 'Option C' (14-0, 2 abstentions)
- Denied motion to adopt 'Option C' independent structure (2 yes, 3 no, 11 abstain)
- Approved new LCD logo
- Approved minutes from April 21, 2023
Commission for the Deaf
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf holds its quarterly board meeting. They will discuss health equity for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals, including group homes and communication access in healthcare. Also on the agenda: a request for funding for DeafBlind employment support, a letter regarding Capitol accessibility, and updates on community concerns to the Special School District.
- Discussion of health equity topics including group homes, assistive living, and ADA compliance in healthcare
- Request for Louisiana Rehabilitation Services to fund DeafBlind Support Service Providers program
- Consideration of actions to elevate community concerns to Special School District board
- Discussion of interpreting for situations where ADA does not apply
- Request for letter to legislature regarding Capitol Accessibility Recommendations Report
The Commission approved the creation of a subcommittee for Health Equity for DHHDB and an ad hoc committee to update administrative code regarding interpreting procedures. The board also authorized letters to the state capital regarding accessibility and to ABL regarding Support Service Provider recruitment.
- Approved creation of ad hoc committee to investigate administrative code updates for interpreting procedures
- Approved establishment of subcommittee to address Health Equity for DHHDB
- Approved motion to send a letter to the capital regarding lack of accessibility improvements
- Approved motion to write a letter to ABL regarding SSP recruitment, training, and hiring concerns
- Approved agenda wording change from 'admitted patients' to 'all healthcare facilities'
- Deferred New Business item number 3
Commission for the Deaf
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (LCD) Board meets quarterly to guide programs for deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing citizens. This meeting includes updates on the LCD Administrative Code per Act 128, a request for adult group homes/assistive living, and a letter to the Special School District. New business covers interpreter efficiency in ERs, medical staff ADA compliance, foster care capacity, a leadership cohort, and the executive director search.
- Update on LCD Administrative Code drafting and changes per Act 128
- Request for adult group homes/assistive living and training for professionals
- Consideration of elevating community concerns to Special School District Board
- Discussion of interpreter access in emergency room settings
- Plan and timeline for Executive Director search
The Commission approved a motion to begin researching and discussing housing options, including assisted living and nursing care for DDBHH people. The board also approved extensions for the Leadership Cohort and the Executive Director search. Other items included reports on budget balances and interpreter registries.
- Approved motion to start discussions on housing, assisted living, and nursing care for DDBHH people
- Approved extension of the Leadership Cohort and Executive Search to March 2023
- Approved October 21, 2022 and October 26, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved agenda with revisions to wording regarding healthcare facilities
- Deferred agenda item on building capacity for Deaf children in foster care