The Statewide Interpreter Mentoring Program agency, on behalf of the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf will adhere to La. RS 46:2353 and provide the following services and support for individuals in Louisiana: aspiring sign language interpreters, college students pursuing degrees or certificates in Deaf studies or interpreting training, sign language interpreters currently working in the community or employed through a school system who wish to enhance their current skill level or certification, and Deaf sign language interpreters. The Provider shall: • Develop and implement robust recruitment, training, and onboarding procedures for sign language mentors. • Inform, educate, and advise the public of the availability of opportunities and pathways to actively recruit mentees/participants to participate in the Interpreter Mentorship Program. • Develop and implement various pathways for sign language interpreters to enhance their interpreting skills. • Develop processes to recruit aspiring sign language interpreters to gain exposure to the interpreting profession through job-shadowing opportunities. • Provide ongoing professional development opportunities tailored to the mentors’ and mentees’ needs. • Organize and provide a minimum of one annual training session to enhance mentors’ skill and knowledge abilities to effectively mentor.
