OVERVIEW

The Educational Interpreter Professional Development Center (EIPDC) at Camden County College recognizes the need for the enhanced professional development of educational interpreters as well as meeting state certification requirements. This includes participation in assessment activities, professional development workshops, mentoring opportunities and additional coursework in communication systems.

EIPDC Services
The EIPDC provides educational interpreters and those interpreters exploring employment in New Jersey school settings with opportunities to:

  • obtain pre-assessment of interpreting performance in Sign Language, Cued Speech, and/or Oral Transliteration;
  • develop a Performance Skill Improvement Plan;
  • participate in professional development activities designed to improve the skill level and fluency of educational interpreting; that will in turn provide students who are deaf or hard of hearing with increased access to classroom communication and participation;
  • obtain post-assessment of interpreting performance skills following the completion of the activities outlined in the individual’s Performance Skill Improvement Plan.
Role of the Interpreter (From Guidelines for Educational Interpreting, 1997)
An educational interpreter is a professional who facilitates communication and understanding among students who are deaf, the school staff, and hearing students within an educational environment.

The educational interpreter may use American Sign Language, Manually Coded English, Cued Speech, and/or verbal English for communication between deaf, hard of hearing and hearing persons. The interpreter is trained to minimize linguistic and cultural barriers and should be considered a member of the educational team. Interpreting is a profession with national standards, a code of ethics or code of conduct, and role guidelines.

The primary role of the educational interpreter is to facilitate communication in various educational settings. These would include academic and elective classes, extra-curricular activities, meetings, assemblies, field trips, dramatic productions and other school-related activities. A job description should be developed to outline the specific role and responsibilities of the interpreter. If an interpreter has additional assignments, interpreting should always take precedence.


Historical Perspective
With the passage of the Education of All Handicapped Children Act (1975), Federal law requires that all states provide a free appropriate public education for all students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, the "least restrictive environment" means having access to peers and professionals who can communicate in the student’s own language and communication mode.

State Code
The New Jersey State Code (N.J.A.C. 6A:9-13. 18) establishes the requirements for educational interpreter endorsements to provide educational interpreting services for students who are deaf or hard of hearing in grades preschool through 12.

EIPDC Goals

  • Act as a testing center for the EIPA
  • Facilitate appropriate testing for oral and cued speech transliterators
  • Offer follow up Professional Skills Improvement Plans Meetings for those participating in the assessment process
  • Offer professional development opportunities for educational interpreters
  • Offer transcript reviews
  • Offer necessary coursework for certification

©Copyright 2004 Camden County College.
The Educational Interpreter Professional Development Center (EIPDC) is funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.