The Missouri State Committee of Interpreters (SCI)
The Missouri State Committee of Interpreters (SCI) is a committee that handles the “legal” side of sign language interpreters throughout the state of Missouri. It is comprised of members actively involved in the community so as to maintain appropriate understanding of how to carry out interpreting laws.
Purpose and Processes of the SCI
Once a sign language interpreter is certified, the SCI issues an original sign language interpreting license and handles the renewal of those licenses on an annual basis. They do this by partnering with the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) to ensure that all sign language interpreters have completed their Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and have current certification. If a sign language interpreter is not certified and/or does not complete the correct number of CEUs on an annual basis, then the SCI will not issue a license. The SCI also issues licenses, monitors active licenses, and designs licenses for practicum students and other non-standard sign language interpreting licenses.
How often do they meet?
Other than licenses, the SCI also must have a specific number of meetings a year but may not have one if there is no specified need. In these meetings, the Missouri State Committee of Interpreters address license concerns, but they may also schedule a closed meeting to discuss private information regarding sign language interpreters.
As in the Board of Certification of Interpreters (BCI) meetings, SCI meetings are open to the public except for any closed portions. SCI meetings are held in Jefferson City but are often moved around the state to be in the areas of constituents. Additionally, it is common practice for an SCI meeting to be held on the Friday of the Missouri Statewide Sign Language Interpreters conference usually held annually in the fall.
What about complaints?
During closed and sometimes open meetings, the SCI also addresses any complaints filed. A common complaint example is as follows: a Deaf consumer knew that the interpreter was not licensed but they interpreted anyway. Or perhaps the sign language interpreter was licensed, but they accepted a job or were sent to a job that was outside their skill level (see Skill Level Standards). The board is presented with the sign language interpreters’ names as well as the accusation. Proper legal proceedings take place, and an attorney for the interpreter(s) may also be present.
Who and how many people are on the SCI?
The SCI has seven (7) members: five (5) sign language interpreters and two (2) public members. They reserve one of the public members for a Deaf citizen. At meetings, you will also see a state attorney and often a representative from the Missouri State Licensure office. Different from the BCI and the Commission, the SCI partners with MCDHH but they are not under MCDHH. For more information on the SCI you can find information on their website: http://pr.mo.gov/interpreters-about-the-committee.asp
Resources:
Meeting information and minutes from prior meetings
Photo Credit:
https://pixabay.com/en/committee-room-meeting-capitol-1022791/
