Deaf Mentors Today
With the inclusion of Deaf Mentors, parents and other individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing within the EI system, we must be aware of the need for interpreters, the rates involved and that laws that govern disability accommodation and accessibility. Please be aware and sensitive to the fact that the ADA: Americans With Disabilities Act, requires the provision of interpreters.
It is our responsibility as CFC's to provide qualified interpreters upon request for provider meetings and IFSP's. (Deaf Mentors are trained to go into family homes for the provision of direct service without an interpreter, but they will most likely need one for meetings and IFSP's).
If an interpreter is needed for participation in an IFSP meeting, the service can be authorized and an enrolled interpreter should be used. Again, interpreters are enrolled under Family Support, not credentialed.
If an interpreter is needed, as required by the ADA, for participation in a provider meeting, the CFC must provide this service. Since the service cannot be authorized through Early Intervention, the interpreter does not need to be an enrolled provider. There is a considerable list of certified/registered interpreters available throughout the state that you can access.
The EI system has established rates for enrolled interpreters. There is no limit established by Early Intervention for non-enrolled interpreters.
You will find that interpreters have fairly well established rates . Rates for interpreters generally range from $20 to $35 per hour, however keep in mind that they also charge a 2 hour minimum rate regardless of how long the assignment lasts (15 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes).
You will need to determine how you can pay these rates within each CFC.
For a list of interpreters statewide, you can visit the website of the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission at http://www.idhhc.state.il.us . You will also find information about public accomodations and the provision of interpreters at that same site at http://www.idhhc.state.il.us/obligations/publicAccommodations.htm