Washington State Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

Berle Ross, Sign Language Interpreter Contracts and Resources Program Manager

Katie Faro, Program Specialist, Sign Language Interpreter Contracts & Resources

Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Dear Berle and Katie,

WSRID is aware of the new vehicle insurance requirements contained in Contract 06125 and seeks additional clarification regarding the anticipated impact on interpreter participation and statewide access to interpreting services.

As the professional association representing sign language interpreters throughout Washington State, WSRID has received numerous questions regarding the implementation of these requirements. Interpreters have expressed uncertainty about the coverage required, the rationale for the policy, and the potential financial implications for independent contractors. WSRID has also received reports of significant variation in insurance quotes, raising broader questions regarding affordability, workforce participation, and service availability across Washington State.

In light of these concerns, WSRID respectfully requests clarification regarding several key areas:

• What factors led to the adoption of the new vehicle insurance requirement, including the decision to establish a $1 million coverage requirement?
• What specific automobile insurance coverage is required for independent contractor interpreters who use personal vehicles solely to travel to and from assignments?
• What assessment was conducted regarding potential impacts on interpreter participation, workforce capacity, and service availability, particularly in rural and underserved communities?

WSRID recognizes the importance of balancing risk management responsibilities with maintaining a strong and accessible interpreter workforce. Our intent is not to challenge those responsibilities, but rather to better understand the policy and its anticipated outcomes.

To support informed discussion and reduce uncertainty within the interpreting community, WSRID would welcome the opportunity to host a facilitated question-and-answer session with representatives from the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services and the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Such a forum would allow interpreters, consumers, and partner organizations to receive clarification and engage in constructive dialogue regarding the policy.

WSRID remains committed to supporting high-quality interpreting services and ensuring continued access for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing Washingtonians. We welcome the opportunity to continue this conversation and provide clarity on questions raised within the interpreting community.

Sincerely,

Washington State Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (WSRID) Board