LAC 46:LXXII.101. Definitions

A. Unless specifically provided herein or the context clearly requires otherwise, the following words and terms used in this Part are defined as follows. Accredited—an educational institution maintaining a certain level of educational standards as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Active—the registration status of an individual who has achieved and maintained the required minimum professional qualification standards and registration requirements set forth in this Part and is approved to actively provide services in the state of Louisiana. American Sign Language (ASL)—a complex visual language distinct from English, which encompasses unique grammar and syntax, including phonology, morphology, and semantics, through movements of the hands, body, and facial expressions, and is used primarily by individuals who are Deaf in the United States. Applicant—an individual seeking an original or renewed sign language interpreter registration with the Louisiana Interpreter Registry. Board of Commissioners—the group of individuals named or appointed to support the work of the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf pursuant to R.S. 46:2352. Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) Certification—an industry-recognized test that assesses and certifies the skill level of individuals seeking to become certified sign language interpreters in Texas and other states. The BEI is operated by the Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Deaf—a condition of or person with some or complete absence of auditory sensitivity, regardless of when the hearing level was identified, and is most often represented with a lowercase letter "d". Methods of communication may include American Sign Language or spoken English. The term "Deaf", when written or expressed with an uppercase letter "D", specifically refers to a group of deaf individuals who identify as a cultural and linguistic minority with specific languages, namely visual or tactile methods of communication, and social mores. DeafBlind—a condition of or person with concomitant visual and auditory sensitivity that subjects the individual to extreme difficulty in gaining independence in daily life activities, achieving psychosocial adjustments, or obtaining a vocation. Deaf Interpreter—a d/Deaf or hard of hearing language specialist who provides specialized interpretation, transliteration, and/or translation services in American Sign Language or other visual and tactile communication used by individuals who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and/or hard of hearing. Defendant—an individual who received a grievance against them and answers or defends in various proceedings. Direct Supervision—the act of a Registered interpreter providing direct mentoring, support, and guidance to a sign language interpreter holding a Temporary Practice Permit during an assigned interpreted service. Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA)—two comprehensive tests created and administered by Boys Town National Research Hospital to assess the skills and knowledge of sign language interpreters working in educational settings. Grievance—a formal declaration of complaint of a potential violation of the requirements outlined and submitted in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined in this Part. Hard of Hearing—a condition of or a person with total or partial inability to hear sound, but often not to the extent that the person must rely primarily on visual communication. Individualized Education Program (IEP)—a plan or program developed to ensure that a student who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services. Interpreter Education Program—an academic program providing opportunities to develop cultural, linguistic and interpreting skills, values, professional knowledge, and ethical decision-making. Louisiana Commission for the Deaf—the principal agency of the state established to promote the general welfare of d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and/or hard of hearing residents of Louisiana. Louisiana Interpreter Registry—the state’s registry of sign language interpreters approved to provide interpreting services for d/Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing individuals in Louisiana. The Louisiana Interpreter Registry is accessible on the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf website. Louisiana Supreme Court Office of Language Access—the state’s Justice Department providing persons of Limited English Proficiency with meaningful access to court programs, proceedings and activities. National Association for Interpreters in Education (NAIE)—a national organization that promotes best practices and professional standards to ensure equitable access to education for d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and/or hard of hearing students. National Certifying Body—a national organization, such as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, that certifies the qualification of sign language interpreters, sets professional conduct, and promotes and advocates for qualified and effective sign language interpreters in all spaces. Provisional—temporary registration, with restrictions, for sign language interpreters who meet the minimum provisional standards as established in this Part. Registered Interpreter—sign language interpreters who have met and maintained the minimum professional qualification standards and registration requirements defined by the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf and outlined in this Part. Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)—a national organization that governs and certifies the qualification of sign language interpreters, sets professional conduct, and promotes and advocates for qualified and effective sign language interpreters in all spaces. Revoked—registration status of a sign language interpreter who has had their active status reversed, either temporarily or permanently, due to a violation established by state law, or as defined in this Part, and therefore is ineligible to provide services. Sign Language Interpreter—a trained professional who facilitates communication between spoken English, and American Sign Language, or other visual and tactile communication used by individuals who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and/or hard of hearing. Sign Language Interpreting Services—the professional practice of a third party facilitating communication between an individual(s) who uses sign language and an individual(s) who uses spoken language, which allows for accurate and accessible communication in various settings as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Americans with Disabilities Act identifies situations in which these services are required. Temporary Practice Permit—temporary registration, with restrictions, for individuals practicing the service of sign language interpreting under the part-time support, or direct supervision of a Registered Interpreter.