CFDA Number: 84.160C (Experiential Learning Model Demonstration Center), 84.160D (Interpreter Training in Specialty Areas)
Program Type: Discretionary/Competitive Grants
Program Description
The Training of Interpreters for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Individuals Who Are DeafBlind program establishes interpreter training programs or provides financial assistance for ongoing interpreter programs to train a sufficient number of qualified interpreters throughout the country to meet the communication needs of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and individuals who are DeafBlind by:
(a) Training interpreters to effectively interpret and transliterate between spoken language and sign language and to transliterate between spoken language and oral or tactile modes of communication;
(b) Ensuring the maintenance of the interpreting skills of qualified interpreters; and
(c) Providing opportunities for interpreters to raise their skill level competence in order to meet the highest standards approved by certifying associations.
The competition for this program was designed to fund projects that provide training to working interpreters in one of five specialty areas to effectively meet the communication needs of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and individuals who are DeafBlind receiving vocational rehabilitation (VR) services and/or services from other programs, such as independent living services, under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehabilitation Act).
In FY 2021, the Department made seven awards in the following specialty areas: increasing skills of novice interpreters; advanced skills for working interpreters; and projects in the field-initiated areas of interpreting in healthcare, including interpreting for hard-to-serve populations and promoting equity in healthcare interpreting; interpreting for individuals who are DeafBlind; atypical language interpreting; and improving rural interpreting skills.
Eligibility
State and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations, including American Indian Tribes and institutions of higher education. There were no specialty eligibility requirements for this program. The Performance Period is five years.