Right on Time Qualification of Spanish Interpreters In Iowa

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Right on Time! Qualification of
SpanishInterpreters In Iowa

2008
Armando Villareal, Administrator Rhonda Talton,
Interpreter Program Coordinator
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Content

• A little bit of history
• Iowa Interpreter Program
• Minimum requirements, General Interpreter Program
  (QGI)
• Minimum requirements, Specialized Interpreter
  Program (QSI)
• Project Goal 2006-2007
• DMACC accredited to deliver curriculum
• Maintenance of qualification status
• Words in action!
• Where to start?
• Contact Information

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A little bit of history

• What is the background of the Iowa Interpreter
  Program?
• Iowa Code 216A adopted new Chapter 2
• Qualification of Spanish Language Interpreters
• Who is in charge?
• The Iowa Division of Latino Affairs/DHR
• Who would be benefited?
• Everybody!
• Access to the Statewide Roster of Qualified
  Interpreters

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Iowa Interpreter Program
Qualified General Interpreters (QGI)
Qualified Specialized Interpreters (QSI)
HEALTH
COURT
SOCIAL SERVICES
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Minimum Requirements Qualified General
Interpreter

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Pass criminal background check
• Have a high school diploma or the equivalent
• Pass a proficiency language test (English
  Spanish) computer skills test

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Minimum RequirementsQualified Specialized
Interpreter

• Must be a QGI in good standing
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Pass criminal background check
• Have a high school diploma or the equivalent
• Pass a proficiency language test (English
  Spanish) computer skills test

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Project GOAL 2006-2008
95 trainees complete a general and/or
specialized interpretation program
95 qualified interpreters are part of the
statewide roster
76 qualified interpreters working
At least 19 qualified specialized interpreters to
obtain a national certification
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DMACC Accredited to Deliver Curriculum
General Interpretation 12 CREDITS 2 semesters
Specialized Interpretation 8 CREDITS 1 semester
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Maintenance of Qualification Status

• Continuing Education Requirements
• 30 contact hours every
  five years.
• Ethical and professional
  conduct in good
  standing.

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Words in Action!

• Sixty three students enrolled for General
• Interpretation
• Application for Summer is OPEN
• Deadline April 28 2008
• Convenient schedule
• Training across the state through ICN
• Minimum of 3 students per site

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WHERE to Start?

• Follow the steps and download the applications
  online at http//www.iowalatinoaffairs.org/Pages
  /IntepreterSteps.htm
• Steps
• 1. DMACC
• 2. IDLA

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Contact Informationwww.iowalatinoaffairs.org

• Rhonda Talton
• rdtalton_at_dmacc.edu
• Lucas State Office Bldg.
• 321 E. 12th St.
• Des Moines, IA 50319
• Phone [phone]
• Fax [phone]