Narrative: i. 5.

Each office is authorized to obtain the services of a foreign language interpreter/translator as the need arises (i.e. LRS has consumers who speak Spanish, French, and Vietnamese). LRS has several staff members who are bilingual. In instances where bilingual staff members are not available, translators/interpreters are secured through community resources.

In order to insure that individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard-of-hearing or blind are able to access services and offices, LRS has the following procedures:

• Staff statewide are equipped with ZOOM™ video accounts to aid in communication with consumers and have been trained in the use of this equipment. 
• Specialists for the Deaf must be skilled or be participating in training to improve skills in sign language.
• All Specialists are encouraged to attend a graduate program such as Northern Illinois University, Western Oregon University, San Diego State University or other applicable program approved by the agency. There they learn about hearing loss and the Deaf culture, and are taught basic sign language skills, if needed.
• Specific needs are assessed on an individual basis and appropriate training is obtained for each Specialist in their respective region.
• The agency has implemented a series of coursework for the Specialist for the Deaf position, which requires the completion of specific training for advancement.
• To move to the Specialist 2 level, an individual must have obtained sign language skills equivalent to a minimum of the intermediate level on the sign communication proficiency interview, (SCPI) or other applicable evaluation instrument approved by the agency, or interpreter certification equivalent to a minimum of the state’s Level III level certification and attend the orientation to deafness training or orientation to deaf-blindness training at the University of Tennessee, Northern Illinois University, Western Oregon University, or other applicable program approved by the agency.
• To advance to the Master level Specialist for the Deaf, an individual must have a Master’s degree plus sign language skills equivalent to a minimum of the advanced level on the Sign Communication Proficiency Interview, (SCPI), or other applicable evaluation instrument approved by the agency, or interpreter certification equivalent to a minimum of the state’s Level IV certification, and have taken a minimum of 9 hours of specialized college course-work in deafness or deaf-blindness related areas approved by the agency.

In order to ensure that individuals who are blind or visually impaired are able to access services and offices, LRS has the following procedures:

• Braille printers and Braille translation software is available to produce Braille translation in- house. Agency publications can be provided in alternative formats upon request.
• Specialists for the Blind complete introductory course work in Braille and continue to receive training in this area. The agency has a series of training for the Blind Specialist position, which requires the completion of specific training for advancement.
• To move to the Specialist 2 level, an individual must have a working knowledge of Braille, including Braille technology, orientation and mobility, and assistive technology.
• To move to Master-level Specialist for the Blind, a minimum of 9 hours of specialized college coursework must be completed in blindness related areas approved by the agency to include assistive technology and/or job accommodations.