Act 57

Sign Language Interpreter and Transliterator
State Registration Act of 2004

• Defines the term, “qualified interpreter”.
  
  
  • According to The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) a qualified interpreter is “an interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary”. However this language is vague. The Act, Section 1725.2 Definitions clearly defines it.
    
    
• Empowers persons who rely on interpreters for communication by providing the following:
  
  
  • Can elect to use a non-registered interpreter. This is exception # 5, in Section 1725.4. State registration required. The person who is deaf requests the non-registered interpreters and completes the appropriate form.
    
    
  • Can file a grievance with ODHH, if he or she feels that the interpreter is violating Act 57.