Greetings WSRID members,
In January, the Board members of WSRID agreed to sign a Joint letter of support for HB2221. The goals of HB2221 directly align with WSRID's Mission, and we are currently considering how our organization will continue to support this work moving forward. Here is a copy of the letter:
JOIN LETTER OF SUPPORT:
Community Coalition for WA Interpreters
Jan 5, 2024
Washington State Legislature
Attn: Representatives and Senators
Olympia, WA
Subject: Joint Letter of Support for Community Efforts to Address the Statewide Interpreter Shortage
Dear Washington State Legislature,
We, the undersigned organizations, collectively express our unwavering support for the community-led initiatives aimed at addressing the critical statewide shortage of American Sign Language and ProTactile Interpreters in Washington State.
As representatives of diverse organizations committed to promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and equitable opportunities for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing, we recognize the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by our community members in accessing essential services, education, employment, and cultural experiences.
The proposed one-time statewide study, designed to identify the pressing needs for more sign language interpreters, aligns seamlessly with our shared mission and values. This comprehensive study will play a pivotal role in understanding the current landscape, identifying areas of high demand, and formulating strategies to enhance interpreter services throughout the state.
The impact of the interpreter shortage on our community is profound, affecting every aspect of life. From educational settings to healthcare, legal contexts, workplace interactions, and cultural events, the absence of adequate interpretation services creates barriers that hinder full participation in society.
We commend the dedication and foresight of the community advocates driving this initiative and recognize the importance of collaboration between multiple organizations, legislators, and other stakeholders to address this pressing issue. Our joint commitment to this cause reflects our shared belief that the proposed study will pave the way for informed decision-making and positive change.
We, the undersigned organizations, stand firmly in support of these collective efforts and believe that collaboration is essential to create a more inclusive and accessible environment for all residents of Washington State. By working together, we can foster a community where language barriers no longer impede the pursuit of education, healthcare, employment, and cultural engagement.
Thank you for your commitment to this cause, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact that our joint efforts will bring to our community.
Sincerely,
API CHAYA, Seattle, WA
Deaf Spotlight, Seattle, WA
DeafBlind Service Center (DBSC) Seattle, WA
Hands and Voices, Seattle, WA
Hearing Loss Association of America-Washington State Association (HLAA-WA), WA
Hearing, Speech and Deaf Center (HSDC), Seattle/Bellingham/Tacoma, WA
Manos de Washington, WA
Puget Sound Association for the Deaf (PSAD), Seattle, WA
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., Seattle, WA
Washington State Association of the Deaf (WSAD), WA
Washington State DeafBlind Citizens (WSDBC), Seattle, WA
Washington State Registry of the Interpreters for the Deaf (WSRID), Seattle, WA
More to come…
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