1. April 2009 Copyright © 2009 Mississippi Department of Education 1 Education Interpreters SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING

2. April 2009 Copyright © 2009 Mississippi Department of Education 2 Education Interpreters Effective July 1, 2005, no person shall provide interpreting services for consumers who are deaf or hard of hearing for a fee unless the person is registered with the Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing of the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services.

3. April 2009 Copyright © 2009 Mississippi Department of Education 3 Education Interpreters Description of duties may be:  Direct communication with peers and professional personnel  Direct instruction in the child’s language and communication modes  Interpreting services to deaf/hearing-impaired students  Instructional or supervisory work in teaching independent living skills to deaf/hearing-impaired students NOTE: These individuals must not be used as substitutes or for other duties unless their salary is prorated.

4. April 2009 Copyright © 2009 Mississippi Department of Education 4 Qualifications Eligibility for Funds  Must possess a provisional registration, or  Quality Assurance Level 1 (or higher), or  National Certification (NAD/RID), and  Be registered with the Mississippi Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing

5. April 2009 Copyright © 2009 Mississippi Department of Education 5 Process Request interpreter(s) by September 15, 2009. Have superintendent sign the assurance statement. Must submit application before allocation of funds are determined. Amount of reimbursement is determined by the number of interpreters and the amount of available funds.

6. April 2009 Copyright © 2009 Mississippi Department of Education 6 Intent To Not Utilize Submit the Nonparticipation Assurance Form if your district will not utilize the funds allocated. Form must be signed and dated by the Superintendent. Form is due to the Office of Special Education on September 15, 2009.

7. April 2009 Copyright © 2009 Mississippi Department of Education 7 ODHH (Office of Deaf & Hard of Hearing) Application ODHH approves all educational interpreters. Complete the application and submit all information for processing.

8. April 2009 Copyright © 2009 Mississippi Department of Education 8 MDE Educational Interpreter Application Complete the application form and send to MDE. Form is due to the Office of Special Education on September 15, 2009.

9. April 2009 Copyright © 2009 Mississippi Department of Education 9 MDE Educational Interpreter Application (cont’d) Update the application when an interpreter resigns or is a new hire. List all interpreters on one form until all lines are used. Include a copy of the interpreter’s license. All forms, application form or Intent to Not Utilize form, must be submitted to MDE before allocation of funds.

10. April 2009 Copyright © 2009 Mississippi Department of Education 10 Guidelines after approval A provisional registration is only good for one calendar year. After that year, one may apply for a second provisional. The interpreter must show where they have been trying to pass the Quality Assurance Test and improving their skills. Examples are attending workshops, conferences, or meetings. The District must show that there is a hardship. The second provisional is approved by a panel. If denied, one may appeal but the decision to grant the second provisional remains with the panel. MS Code 37-33-173 prohibits individuals from providing interpreting services for a fee unless they are registered with the Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing.