Importance of Project/Issue:

This project is a policy analysis of an issue that rises in the state of Missouri where politicians 
want to modify the certification and licensure of ASL Interpreters. The state of Missouri is the 
only state that requires ASL interpreters to be licensed AND certified through MCDHH (Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) and SCI (State Committee for Interpreters). Other states require only Certifications or other requirements. A representative wanted to modify a bill where ASL interpreters had the choice to be certified or not to interpret for the Deaf Communities. Having that high expectation of ASL Interpreters makes sure that the Deaf Community is getting high quality and thorough information and allows for them to have a 
voice and be heard that is translated in a highly mannered way. For example, If a doctor who 
was going to perform surgery did not have the high quality education and training, license and 
certification; would you allow that doctor to perform surgery on you? Or a lawyer who had the 
choice to become certified and licensed, but chose not to, and that lawyer can represent 
people in court; would you pick that lawyer or a lawyer that is license and certified? The same 
goes for ASL Interpreters; the importance and the understanding of quality of ASL Interpreters 
and their skills for the Deaf community is important. If we do not have that high quality of 
communication transparency, how does that provide equal access to communication and 
understand for the individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind? 

Skills, Competencies &/or Capacities Learned: 

• Collected and organized research related to HB 789
• Established rapport and understanding with Interpreters individually.
• Reached out and communicated with lawyers and representatives related to the bill.
• Informed and educated readers and the importance of HB 789
• Developed understanding how this policy affects both, the hearing and Deaf 
  communities.
• Strengthen ability to properly analyze and gain information on a policy.
• Demonstrate the ability to gather information and comply all the information into a 
  document.