Communication Access E-Newsletter

Disability and Communication Access Board

 

State of Hawaii

Summer Edition                                      July 2012 

Volume 3, Issue 1  

Standing Committee on Communication Access Members 

Chair, Ann Ito
Ed Chevy
Tamar Lani   

Dr. Lucy Miller
Dr. Lawrence Scadden

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Disability and

Communication  

Access Board

919 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 101

Honolulu, Hawaii 96814

 

Phone Numbers:

Oahu: (808) 586-8121 (V/TTY)
(808) 586-8129 (Fax)

email:  dcab@doh.hawaii.gov

Maui:  (808) 984-2400

ext. 6-8121

 

Kauai:  (808) 274-3141

ext. 6-8121

 

Big Island:  (808) 974-4000
ext. 6-8121

 

Molokai and Lanai: 

1(800) 468-4644

 

Visit our Website

 

 

 Hawaii Quality Assurance System  

Continuing Education Program  

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The Hawaii Quality Assurance System (HQAS) Continuing Education Program began in February and there are seven (7) sign language interpreters enrolled in the program.

HQAS interpreters have the option to retake the HQAS test or participate in the continuing education program and earn continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain his/her credential for two years.   

The seven (7) HQAS interpreters were enthusiastic to maintain their credential and improve their skills. A few are almost complete with the program a year early!

 

The purpose of the HQAS Continuing Education Program is to provide interpreters the opportunity to develop and increase knowledge and competency in the interpreting field while maintaining their credential.  The interpreter can retake the HQAS to earn a higher competency level or apply for the National Interpreter Certificate (NIC).  To participate in the HQAS Continuing Education Program, the application fee is $100.00. 

 

Continuing education units are earned through two types of fields: Professional and General Studies.  These studies assure the public that interpreters are trained with the necessary skills to meet the definition of a qualified interpreter under the Americans with Disabilities Act in providing effective communication.

 

For more information, please contact Kristine Pagano, Communication Access Specialist by phone at (808) 447-1397 or email, kristine.pagano@doh.hawaii.gov.   

 

 
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.
Region V Conference

The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) Region V "Ohana: Celebrating Our Ties" was held at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on June 13 to 17, 2012.

A few of the HQAS interpreters attended the conference to earn their CEUs.  Two workshops were extremely popular, "Don't Get LOST in the 5-0 of Legal Interpreting" and "Mental Health Interpreting" as there is a lack of resources to provide quality instruction to improve one's legal and mental health interpreting skills.

The conference provided local aspiring Deaf interpreters to utilize their skills during the workshops.  Those who attended and worked at the conference are currently studying to become RID Certified Deaf Interpreters.

The interpreting community hopes there will be more educational opportunities to earn CEUs and expand one's knowledge in Deaf culture, ASL, and the field of interpreting.

A big mahalo to local organizations: Hawaii Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc., Gallaudet University Regional Center - Pacific and Aloha State Association of the Deaf for their countless hours to host a successful conference for sign language interpreters.



  

American Sign Language Videos  

The Standing Committee on Communication Access will develop a series of educational online videos about the Americans with Disabilities Act in American Sign Language (ASL).

 

The series of educational videos are a result from last year's conference on Communication Access.  The community wanted more educational tools to apply in their daily lives.  The four (4) online videos with captions will empower consumers to become a better advocate. 

 

The first video entitled, "Americans with Disabilities Act Title III - Effective Communication in Medical Settings" is near completion and will be posted online next month.

 

The second video shoot is done and the Committee is currently researching video editors to complete the film.   

 

The third and fourth film will begin shooting in August.   

 

For more information, please contact DCAB Board member Ed Chevy by email, dcab@doh.hawaii.gov.

 

 
Hawaii Quality Assurance System (HQAS) 

The Hawaii Quality Assurance System (HQAS) was established in 2000 and offers sign language interpreters who do not hold national certification an opportunity to obtain credentials valid within and recognized by the State of Hawaii. 

 

The next HQAS test is August 8 and 9, 2012.
The deadline to apply is July 27, 2012. 

 

Two or more candidates who live on the neighbor islands may take the HQAS or HQAS+H test on their respective island.   

 

For more information, please contact Kristine Pagano, Communication Access Specialist, by phone at (808) 447-1397 or email, kristine.pagano@doh.hawaii.gov.

 
Calendar of Events
August - September 2012 

  

August 17, 2012

State Holiday:  Statehood Day 

DCAB office closed

 

September 3, 2012 

State Holiday:  Labor Day 

DCAB office closed

 

September 18, 2012

Disability and Communication Access Board

Standing Committee on Communication Access Meeting

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 

Queen Liliuokalani Center for Student Services

Ground Floor, Room 012

2600 Campus Road 

Honolulu, HI  96822 

 

For more information, please contact Kristine Pagano by phone, (808) 447-1397 or email, kristine.pagano@doh.hawaii.gov 

 

September 20, 2012

Disability and Communication Access Board  

General Board Meeting

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

919 Ala Moana Blvd. 

Honolulu, HI  96814

 

For more information, please contact DCAB by phone (808) 586-8121 or email, dcab@doh.hawaii.gov  


 

About the Disability and Communication Access Board (DCAB)

 

The mission of the DCAB is to advocate and promote the full integration, independence, equal access, and quality of life for persons with disabilities in society.