Taught by Randi Turner
Workshop Synopsis: This presentation will focus on the knowledge and strategies necessary for interpreter coordinators and their staff to work effectively with public and private service providers for the provision of interpreter services. Interpreter coordinators can be challenged with questions regarding the rights of the people they serve and their right to interpreter services. Disagreements can arise between providers such as physicians, hospitals and courts as to what is an appropriate accommodation and opinions may differ regarding what is “effective”. The client may feel they need an interpreter to achieve effective communication but the provider believes writing is sufficient. How are these types of questions and situations handled when interpreter requests are made by these entities?
Presenter Bio: Ms. Randi Turner is the Accessibility and Disability Rights Coordinator of the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities. Ms. Turner previously served as the Communication Access Specialist of the Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) for the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), and held positions at its legacy agency, the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Turner is a graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts and Sciences. She received the Outstanding Service and Excellence in Academics” award when she graduated. She holds Advanced level sign language interpreter certification from DARS-DHHS, and a Certificate of Interpretation and Certificate of Transliteration from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Through her work with the public and private sector, from the local to national level, she became a sought out trainer on ADA issues. In addition, her work as an advocate for people who are deaf or hard of hearing earned her the honored Deaf Celebration “LBJ Award.” The award signifies her “contributions toward equality and equal opportunities for people who are deaf as exemplified by the spirit of Lyndon B. Johnson and the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement at Gallaudet University.”