Below please find the text of a letter that was submitted to Rhonda Marcum, director of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of Indiana, by the ICRID Board.
Rhonda Marcum, MSW
Manager of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services
Employment, and Innovation
402 W. Washington Street, IGCS - W453
Indianapolis, In 46204
Hello Rhonda,
Indiana Chapter of Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (ICRID) Board of Directors have been approached by some of our members with concerns regarding the state of Indiana and SCII’s business practices. We are writing in hopes that you will be able to clarify these issues for us so we can, in turn, respond to our members. Some of the points of clarification are as follows:
The roles and responsibilities of the SCII staff (Who to address with questions concerning billing, assignments, scheduling, etc.)
The process for filling assignments (Sending out emails, choosing an interpreter, mileage, etc.)
The process for evaluating interpreters (When and where uncertified interpreters are able to be placed)
Grievance procedures (for deaf clients and interpreters)
How changes in business practices are communicated to the interpreters
Status of the state contract (when is it up for renewal etc.)
We appreciate you taking the time to clarify these points for us. We strive to maintain a high level of professionalism for interpreters in the state of Indiana; and the more information we have, the better we can address concerns when our members present them to us.
Please feel free to include any information you feel will help us meet our goal.
Sincerely,
The ICRID Board
April 1st, 2011:
Hello Friends and Colleagues!
This time of year always inspires renewal, and I’ve always thought that resolu- tions should begin in spring rather than in the middle of winter. Resolutions are challenges to inspire us to change one behavior to another. When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? Challenge yourself often to do something just beyond what you believe you are capable of doing. You’ve faced challenges your entire life. Bravely letting go of the furniture to take that first tentative step led to walking; which led to running; then riding a bike. If no one ever dared to face up to challenges we wouldn’t have scuba divers, astronauts, board members or conference interpreters. And it is those of us willing to put ourselves out there that become the best of the best! Next time you see someone doing something that you perceive as a challenge, en-courage him or her with thanks for being an inspiration to you.
The 2010 ICRID Annual Conference in French Lick, Indiana was a great success after resourcefully navigating many challenges! Undertakings of this magnitude are always filled with roadblocks to be over- come. There were great workshop presenters as well as lots of catching up with friends, old and new. Thanks to Chair, Lena Van Manen and her wonderful conference committee for all of their hard work to plan and implement this event.
A major changeover for the ICRID leadership team was announced at the conference banquet. After 15 years as Awards and Scholarships Committee chairperson, David Calvert has decided to step down and pursue other endeavors at the national level. Dave has served in various capacities for ICRID through the years and remained chairperson through it all. He was instrumental in the career change of this president. The ICRID team will miss his counsel and enthusiasm! Thank you Dave, for giving so much of yourself to ICRID and the interpreting profession!
Stepping into Dave’s shoes is a young and upcoming professional, Justin Yoder from Goshen, Indiana. Justin has served on the Awards and Scholarships Committee for a while now and is ready to challenge him- self and take part in the leadership of our organization. He presented the awards for the first time at the 2010 conference banquet and did a great job. I know he is going to be a great asset to ICRID’s leadership! Wel- come to the team, Justin!
As you receive this newsletter April 1st, the ICRID Annual Spring Retreat is taking place at the Indianapolis Training Center. Go to www.icrid.org for information! There will be CEUs and lots of entertainment and ca- maraderie so don’t miss out on the fun!
Take time in the next few months to notice your colleagues and fellow ICRID members. To which of them do you look for direction? You might want to consider nominating one or more of them for an ICRID board position. This November 11-12 at the 2011 Annual Conference and Business meeting, six of the nine board positions will be up for election. Some current board members may run for an additional term, how- ever, it is always healthy for an organization of our size to have more than one choice. The job description for each board position is posted on the website.
Challenge yourself while doing your part! Join the leadership of your professional organization by running for a board position, or joining or chairing a committee! It’s all there at www.icrid.org.
