Join us for our next meeting! Saturday, December 3rd
12-2:30 pm at Nora Kennedy's House in Montpelier
12-12:30 Pot Luck Lunch
12:30-2:30 General Meeting
If you have items for the agenda, please send them to
Kristal at kristalhaynes@hotmail.com

The VTRID Mentorship Program presents: Join us for the 2005 -2006 cycle of the VTRID MP

The VTRID mentorship program is a professional development program created to serve ASL interpreters in the state of Vermont. The program provides an organized structure for colleagues to work together to enhance their skills. Participants can expect to expand their professional network and to receive challenging and supportive opportunities for professional growth. Program activities include group learning events, workdays with pre/post dialogue sessions, and one-to-one mentoring opportunities.

We offer a series of group work sessions that are guided by seasoned interpreters in a positive setting. Some of the topics this cycle will include: ASL Enhancement, Personal Organization Skills, Successfully serving VR clients, and Applying the Demand-Control Schema while Interpreting. Included with the group work session is access to two round table dinner conversations. These will be held once in the fall and once in the spring. This provides participants with an informal time to pose questions and dialogue with knowledgeable interpreters who have developed tools that can be of benefit to other interpreters.

One to one mentoring is also an option. Proteges can choose between working one on one with Deaf language mentors or with professional interpreters.

Program fees:

Six group meetings, as outlined above: $200 (24 hours)

One-to-one mentoring: $150 (10 hours)

* Individual workshops: $40 each (except November and March workshops which are limited to those who are enrolled in the full program)

All workshops will be potluck lunch. Participants should plan to bring something to share. Beverages will be provided. All group meetings will be held at Central Vermont Hospital in Berlin, Vermont. (10:00 am to 3:00 pm) ** Exception: "Deaf/Interpreter Community Forum" Lunch will be provided for all.

Program fees are due by November 15th. Payment for fees must be in check made payable to VTRID. Mail check to Lisa Bixler, 131 Lindale Drive, Colchester VT 05446-7612.

Any questions should be directed to Lisa Bixler at leesahbixler@yahoo.com or 802.878.7738

Workshops

Workshops sponsored by the VTRID mentorship program.

Workshops can be attended by non-mentorship participants. there is a $40.00 fee for these workshops and a check can me made out to VTRID. Mail check to Lisa Bixler, 131 Lindale Drive, Colchester VT 05446-7612.

All workshops are scheduled from 10:00am to 3:00pm. All group meetings will be held at Central Vermont Hospital in Berlin, Vermont. (10:00 am to 3:00 pm) There will be potluck lunch. Participants should plan to bring something to share. Beverages will be provided. CEU's are available. For CEU questions please email Kristal Hier at kristalhaynes@hotmail.com. For mentorship workshop questions please email Lisa Bixler at leesahbixler@yahoo.com.

** Exception: "Deaf/Interpreter Community Forum" Lunch will be provided for all.

November 19, 2005 - "Voicing Skills Workshop"

Facilitator: Stephanie Cramer

Participants will take turns voicing in teams as live deaf models present. After each teaming experience, participants will be able to dialogue in a fish bowl setting about their work. Stephanie Cramer will facilitate the discussion as participants develop strategies for self-improvement.

NOTE: This workshops is for Mentorship Participants only.

January 14, 2006 - "Taking Care of the Interpreter"

Co-presenters: Rachel Rood, MS, RD

and a certified personal trainer from "First in Fitness"

Interpreters are often so focused on the needs of our consumers that we often forget to take care of ourselves. Come learn from experts how dietary analysis and fitness tips can help us become better able to meet the demands of our profession.

February 18, 2006 - "Demand-Control Schema"

Presenter: Lynette Reep

Looking for a way to talk about the choices you make on the job? The demand-control schema is an analytical tool which allows interpreters to explore several types of internal and external work challenges and to predict how their own responses to these challenges may impact the work environment.

March 18, 2006 - "Navigating the World of Vocational Rehabilitation"

Presenter: Kathleen Fraini

"IWRP", "status 26" If you don't know what these mean, come and be guided through the world of VR by Kathleen Fraini. Kathleen has years of experience that she's willing to share with those starting out in the field. NOTE: This workshop is for Mentorship Participants only.

April 22, 2006 - "Sports Sign Workshop"

Presenter: David Del Pizzo

Do you know the difference between a tight-end and a split-end? This workshop is designed to build competence for interpreters in the field of sports. Our deaf presenter is from the Boston area and comes highly recommended. Be ready for a workout. You won't want to miss this one! May 20, 2006 - "Deaf/Interpreter Community Forum"

Interpreters and members of the Deaf community come together about what's working, and what's not. A skilled moderator will guide the discussion and bring us closer to a shared goal of successful interpreting outcomes.

VMP's Cancellation Policy for this VMP sponsored event is:

Σ If VMP has to cancel a workshop/event for any reason a full refund will be given to all registrants.

Σ Cancellations received two weeks or more prior to the workshop/activity will be given a full refund.

Σ Cancellations received between one and two weeks prior to the workshop/activity will be given a refund equal to 50% of the total registration cost.

Σ Cancellations received less than one week prior to the date of the workshop/activity will not be given a refund.

Cancellations due to emergency will be given a partial refund, to be negotiated between the registrant and the VTIRD Workshop Committee chairperson

1. FYI, the meeting is now called Deaf & Hard of Hearing Advisory Committee. I've developed several projects such as Strategic Planning, Accessibility Survey, Census, Tent Cards etc… the advisory gave some suggestions/feedback on each projects. Next meeting will discuss Olmstead Plan and will need their input on this before I do a "narratives" in the plan draft.

2. Unfortunately, we do not offer stipend for this. However, I am working on setting up meetings in 2006 with Vermont Interactive Television so people won't have to travel so far for this meeting. If you could send a rep, that would be wonderful as we need someone from VTRID!

3. My address is: 103 S. Main St. Waterbury, 05671 video phone: carrievp.zonefish.com 866-410-5787X36255 V and E-mail: carrie.foster@dail.state.vt.us

Are you interested in giving away money that isn't yours?

Being the bearer of Great news?

Being a part of the overall improvement and professional development of interpreters in Vermont?

If so, you could be the newest member of the Scholarship Committee!

If this is something that interests you, contact Elizabeth Bjerke at apuddlejumper@yahoo.com

In an attempt at resurrecting the "gossip" column from VTRID newsletters of the past, Janice Wightman is sending out a call for `gossip'. If you have any gossip you'd like to share with VTRID members, please send it on to Janice at Janice.L.Wightman@Dartmouth.EDU

An Update from RID's Region I Representative

Rachel B. Coppelli

It has been 15 months since I began serving as the Region I Representative. There have been many ups and downs (and some sideways movement as well).

As you know, our region leaders decided a few years ago to hold a conference in the summer of 2006. This will be the first Region I Conference since the one in Rochester in 1998. As we progress with the planning, I am beginning to see why we don't do this every two years, like the other regions! It's a huge amount of work! Your leaders (past, current and upcoming) are at work making plans for things like: Who will be the workshop instructors; what we will eat; when we will have a business meeting and a banquet. But, the process is much, much more than that.

Negotiations with hotels began almost two years ago. Dates were evaluated (we can't have this at the same time as X, Y, and Z conferences); where would people want to go? Will we get enough people to do the "grunt" work to pull this thing off?

The answer has been an overwhelming YES. Your affiliate chapter, VTRID, has taken on the responsibility of the AWARDS committee. Lynnette Reep, Elizabeth Bjerke and Kristal Haynes have been discussing the pros and cons of various awards that we hope will continue for many conferences to follow.

While all this is happening in our own region, there are things going on at the national level as well.

Rater training will be happening this month for the CI and CT tests. RID expects this to drastically reduce the waiting time for results. The NIC test is being fine tuned and checked and double-checked for the validity of test results. Some are concerned about the delay in those results, but the Board wishes to assure you that with any new testing instrument, it will take some time to make sure that all things are working as they are intended. Please be patient as we go through this period of initial adjustment.

Educational Interpreters are being considered a part of our organization like they never have before. Plans for a fantastic conference in San Francisco (2007) have begun.

Video Interpreting and Video Relay have taken off adding new challenges as well as new opportunities for our members (please see the RID web page for an opportunity to offer feedback on the VIC Standard Practice Paper on VI/VRS). Affiliate chapters are being `born' (Region I has a new `baby' with WVRID being added as of October.

RIDs Special Interest Groups (SIGS) are undergoing some changes to become Member Sections. RID has added a board position (treasurer)

The Affiliate Chapter Relations Committee of RID is offering support and guidance to affiliate chapters through a new project called CPR: Chapter Potential Resuscitation for chapters that may be on the verge of `collapse' or who need a boost in morale.

So, you see, there are many things happening - some behind the scenes, some right under our noses.

As your Representative on the Board, I am always open to your phone calls and/or emails. Please let me know if I can do anything to support your chapter. You have a great team of leaders in your small state. And it is a wondrous time to get involved in RID at any level. I urge you all to consider getting involved with an RID committee, SIG, or volunteer to work with the Region I conference.

Back when I was first considering this position as Region I Representative, people (from other Regions) warned me "Region I is very difficult." Hmmm. . .. Although we have many challenges here, my experience has not proven that statement true at all. We have a wealth of knowledge and talent we just need to put all of our energy together to do something great. For now, the goal is to pull-off a successful conference that will not empty our dwindling bank account! Please plan to attend! I have convinced Angela Jones, RID's President to come and do a closing address. If she can travel all the way from the west coast, we should have every interpreter in New England in attendance. . . . right?

See you in Providence. July 21-23! www.ridregion1/ri3

VTRID's website is up and running!

This website has been a year in the making and VTRID is thrilled to add an on-line component to our organization. Online viewers now have access to officer and committee chair contact information, meeting dates and locations, workshops being offered, lending library information, and a downloadable membership form. Please check the website often for updates and announcements! If you have information that you would like to add to the website, send Cory Brunner an email at cory_brunner@yahoo.com

VTRID Meeting Minutes
September 22, 2005 at Lianne Moccia's house.

Meeting started at 6:30 pm
Present: Amy, Lianne, Nancy G., Janet Dickinson., Kate, Lynette, Elizabeth, Kristal, Cory, Carrie Foster, and David via VRS
**Due to technical difficulties with the cell phone's speaker phone, it was decided to disconnect from VRS - Sorry, David!**

Reports
Presidents Report - Amy: Nothing to report. This is my last meeting-woohooo!!

Treasurer's Report - David via VRS: We are doing well. In the black right now. The upcoming quarter will have more $$ coming into it. We had 50 members for FY 04-05. Please refer to budget sheet to see $$ breakdown.

Mentorship Report - Lisa via Lynette: LB and LR went to NUIEP Mentorship to see what was going on with the RSA mentorship grant. We applied for the national and local grants...we shall see what comes our way. Feds are looking to fund more long-term programs, so we may not get as much money from them as we did in the past. Our Mentorship Program is doing well, though. Current balance: $7,618.95

NERMC: Lisa obtained 5 scholarships from VTDOE for educational interpreters to attend the conference. We scrambled and were able to fill all the slots! Altogether, 10 people from Vermont attended the conference in Boston.

Mentorship Program 2005-2006 Cycle (tentative)
Possibly starting in October and ending in May, and would include:
v 6 workshops
v 2 round table discussions with seasoned interpreters
v One-to-one mentoring

Workshops potentials:
Σ _ day with Janice Wightman re: organization; the other _ with an R.N. re: taking care of yourself.
Σ Sports Signs with David Delpizzo and/or Michael from Boston. Cory is in contact and is negotiating costs.
Σ Demand-Control Schema with Lynette
Σ Carole Faye & Craig Anderson
Σ Finale Possibilities: Anne Potter, Arkady Belozovsky, or Judy Caigle

Cost to participants might be more this year. Need to set up another committee meeting - Kate, Lynette and Lianne will figure out when. Committee is open to anyone! Please feel free to join. Lianne emailed people about becoming 1-1 mentors. 2 responses. She does not have the time to call people individually. Cory is willing to do some of that.

VIRS: Nancy - Feeling like VIRS cannot fill jobs as well…high demand, low resources? She is gathering percentages of requests filled/unfilled and will get that out to people later. Requests have been flooding in since August. She's noticed that many terps are already working and literally do not have time to cover these requests…How to solve the problem? Inquiry: Are there more interpreters coming up thru mentorship program? Again, Nancy would love to figure out how to get requests filled. Carrie Foster is feeling the same. She's finding it very challenging to coordinate/schedule interpreters. She would like to work with terps to figure out a viable solution.

Idea: Setting up a VRS site in VT. She knows it's a wee bit controversial, but a good idea since VT is hard pressed to find interpreters. Would more terps come to VT is VRS was set up? They could work 50% community, 50% VRS. It would ensure work. VRS could fill any "down time". Carrie asked for feedback. Discussion of pros and cons…VRS could make the VIRS situation worse; It takes a unique person to live/work in VT; Certified interpreters tend to work for VRS to get steady work, leaving the community needs to be met even less; University staff leave for VRS; Feels like VRS is "stealing" terps - all over, not just in rural places; Might be tough to set up here due to small population; Example: Boston is running into problem with lack of community terps. Sprint wants to set up a VRS site, but if they researched it, we DO NOT have enough interpreters. Tricky!

Idea: How about remote interpreting sites?! Less drive time! Sites could be in Brattleboro, WRJ, and Burlington?

Terps are working as much as they can/willing to. Odd, though, because last year we were starving for work at this time. Nancy will do stats on requests as well as what jobs from out of state are filled with VT terps. AHS trainings…could be causing the influx of requests. Carrie is thinking about creating a staff terp position up in AHS and pair with RCDs, too. More Deaf are feeling empowered to make requests. Carrie will bring all this feedback to her advisory committee. It was suggested that she also check with Lisa about up-coming interpreters, and to also check with Brenda Seitz or Terry Keegan from VCDHH, too

Library Report: Janet via Amy - 2 new additions - DVDs

Workshop Report: Cory - The MJ Workshop went well. We profited $3,116.08! Still waiting on $650 of that to come from NU. Workshop committee seems to have petered out. Cory would like to have 1 BIG workshop/year held in July. If you want to join the committee or have ideas, contact Cory. Comfort Suites seems like a good place to use again for workshops.

Scholarship committee: Elizabeth - Passed out paperwork regarding funding. They will start again with $500.00 plus the $150 left over from last year, giving them a total of $650 for scholarships. Members: Elizabeth, Stephanie, and Barb. Please see attached sheet for scholarships that were given out in FY 04-05.

Region 1 Conference: Lynette - Will take place July 2006. Lianne is on the program committee. Chairing the awards committee: Elizabeth, Kristal and Lynette. They will really start working in December to decide what kinds of awards and what the awards will look like and how to solicit those nominations.

Website: Cory - Website will be done in October. All that's needed is names of new officers and a Presidents welcome.

CEU's: Kristal - VTRID is all set to process CEU's. They are free to members; $10 for non-members.

RID Conference: Elizabeth & Joan - Attached is the RID Business meeting minutes. There are also the Region 1 Caucus minutes. This was the largest conference to date; workshops were great. Good food. Cold hotel. Next conference is 2007 in San Francisco. Amy received an email from Joan P. thanking for VTRID's support. Joan will provide a report about what she learned at the conference. Elizabeth has typed up a report describing her experience at the conference as well and can be read through request via email. Feel free to email Elizabeth at apuddlejumper@yahoo.com

Old Business
Meeting Via Conferences: Amy presenting -. David did research the conference call option and the mileage and gas that is required to go to a meeting. Because there wasn't time to review the information that David collected, it was recommended that this be added as an agenda item for the December meeting. Conference calling would cost VTRID around 8 cents a minute. We should also include in the discussion potential reimbursement for mileage.

New Business
Guest: Carrie Foster - Carrie introduced herself, then talked about her position and how that might benefit interpreters. Carrie is the new director of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services through AHS. There is a strategic plan in place. For the first year she will be developing relationships within AHS; Getting people within the agency to know who she is, and to help them understand Deaf and Hard of Hearing issues. Currently, she is focusing on DCF's front line people. She would also like to develop a database regarding the numbers of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in the state of VT. There is no hard data as of yet. Carrie would like very much to work with the interpreting community to get a better understanding of what statutes are in place for interpreters in the state and to get a good perspective on what interpreters feel are pertinent issues in the state. Carrie is available at anytime for comments or questions and concerns. (Elizabeth will email a copy of minutes to Carrie). Amy added that terps have a very unique and valuable perspective on Deaf issues. Some committees do have positions slated for interpreter feedback. Carrie would love to get feedback on frustrations and barriers that interpreters have felt. Right now Carrie is very focused on AHS issues and in the future would like to work with different departments like the Agency of Employment to help reduce the barriers that are felt by Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. For interpreters a stipend incentive may make them more willing to join a committee. Janet Dickinson has experienced committees that do provide a stipend.

ELECTIONS:
Slate of officers as collected by Lianne:
President: Kristal
VP/Secretary: Elizabeth
Treasurer: David
All accepted and voted!!
YAY!!!!!!

December Meeting: Dec 10th (Saturday) - Holiday Potluck? Nora's?
Kristal will contact Nora.
What to do about meeting days? Age-old question. Next 3 meeting places and times and approaches and babysitters will be discussed at Dec meeting.

Gas Prices: Lynette - 8 cent increase to mileage recently. That remains only until the end of December. LR asked Jan Sherman about that. There is the possibility that after the mileage goes back to $0.405, people could start charging portal-portal.

Multi-Chapter Members: Lynette - A NH terp wants multi-chapter membership because she lives on the VT/NH/MA border. Could she join as a supporting member? Would other states be up for that? Many feel that if you want full membership benefits, you should pay full rate. David sent out list of VTRID benefits. Workshop announcements are sent to all, regardless of membership category.

VIRS/Request Discussion: Lynette & Nancy - Frustration was expressed regarding holding dates, and waiting at length for other terps to respond. Lynette wants people to please call in and respond to VIRS…it's frustrating waiting! People need to be responsible. Others feel not too crazy about the notion of "holding" for a job. What's a reasonable holding period? If you are holding, VIRS will let you know when you're officially confirmed. If you say you're holding, VIRS expects you to be waiting. If you can no longer wait - CALL to drop the hold so that VIRS knows. On the VIRS Advisory Board agenda: setting a policy around "holds". Nancy is thinking about sending out an email about this issue. Kristal mentioned that an email has already been sent to people on this subject…maybe should send again. Agencies and other referral customers are also quite frustrated with the situation. This problem affects us all. A Letter from terp perspective and VIRS perspective to be sent to all (LR&NG).
o What jobs are not getting filled? (types) Everywhere. Anything.
o Nancy passed out VIRS policies and procedures. http://www.virs.org/ForInterpreters/policies_prnt.html Do not have to sign the last page. Most important to look at policy on replacing yourself.

Meeting adjourned at 8:06pm

ASL Festival at Northeastern University April 7-8, 2006

Message from VIRS

September 29, 2005

Hello to All of You -

VIRS needs your help in addressing a persistent problem. When we put out requests for assignments - via phone message, email or text messaging - a frustrating percentage of interpreters do not respond to us with whether they ARE or ARE NOT available. We are usually pretty sure that this non-response indicates a `not available.' However, this is not always the case and in the meantime, VIRS is left with quite a list of names, no definitive answers and an unfilled job.

This situation affects fellow-interpreters as well. You may be holding that time until we find a team, and if this takes a long time, you may lose other work. AND the requestors are also impacted by the long wait: they'll call asking about the status of their request and we have to tell them that we still have not heard back from some of the interpreters (which would indicate that there is still hope that the job might be filled). Several requestors have actually complained, wondering WHY the interpreters cannot respond promptly with a simple yes or no.

Many of you do get back to us quickly and faithfully - obviously this plea is not addressed to you. But to those of you who just think we'll `know' that you're not available, we earnestly beseech you to GET BACK TO US as SOON as you're able. A one-word answer is all we need - it truly can take only a minute - but it would smooth and speed our process enormously, would enable VIRS to perform in a more professional manner, and would enhance cooperation with your fellow-interpreters.

Thank you for your assistance in improving communication & HAPPY FALL !!

Nancy Groff & Julie Albetski
Vermont Interpreter Referral Service

RID San Antonio Conference- Information brought back by our Representative RID Business Meeting 2005
State of the Association

Financial Status
2004 was the most successful financial year.
2005 will likely have a surplus, too.
One new staff was added in accounting.

Program Updates
Membership = 11,808
Publications = JOI & Monograph

Ethics Committee
Structure Change
Code of Professional Conduct was passed
Grievance Process becoming more efficient

Certification Maintenance Program
2004 = 12 new sponsors joined
2.5% of members "lost" certification due to not keeping up with CEUs
1,414 NAD certified interpreters are in the program

National Testing System
NAD-RID collaboration
National Interpreter Certification Test is modern and has relevant topics CI & CT
Those taking this test are finding results taking far too long to come in. Limited funds have been allocated to help speed up the process.

Other
RID will establish a research grant for those who wish to do research on interpreting related topics.

Resolution was passed: RID urges USDOE/RSA, without interruption, to expedite the process for establishing continuing education development funds for the cycle start date of October 1, 2005…Or, extend the current cycle until the funding cycle is decided.

Region I Caucus July 11, 2005 San Anotnio, TX
RID Region I Representative ---- Rachel Coppelli
814.789.4173
rbcoppelli@earthlink.net

7:12 called meeting to order

There are 13 Affiliate Chapters (A.C.) in Region I. Delaware is currently in an inactive status and West Virginia is working toward becoming a Region I affiliate chapter.

Region I Exchange Coupons are available - to receive a complimentary Region I Conference registration. Suggested donation is $5 for arms length of tickets, or $1 for one coupon.

[This earned $300 toward the Region I Conference --- THANKS to all who donated!]

Introductions of past RID Representatives, Hartmut Teuber was introduced and Joanne Jackowski (who was not able to attend) was thanked for being instrumental in getting Region I back together again and planning for a conference.

Request was made for more membership feedback. Rachel reiterated that RID is a member-driven organization. Communication flows in both directions between the Region I representative and the Affiliate Chapter Presidents. The appropriate channel is to communicate via the A.C. president. However, emails or phone calls direct to Rachel are acceptable.

Video Relay - Please attend meetings regarding Video Relay and provide input.

Individual reports from each A.C. have been included in a handout available tonight. If you have questions for individual chapters, please contact those presidents. Feedback is welcome as to if we should continue this practice (or written reports) or not.

Introductions of each A.C. President or representative from that chapter, and other chapter officers present.

Introduction of Joy Carney, from the Scholarship and Awards Committee, who spoke on the dearth of nominations for national awards. She encourages all members to go home and start preparing nominations for submission to the national office.

Cathy Cogan, from Northeastern University informed us that the 5 year cycle of the RSA grant is ending and may die on September 30th. This coming Friday it ends if a Request for Proposal (RFP) is not received. This is the federal funds that greatly support education programs for interpreters of the deaf.

There will be no awards at this Region I caucus, however there will be awards at the Region I conference. Watch the website for more details to be posted soon.

Angela Jones and Jimmy Beldon (RID President and Vice President) addressed the members.

Bill Moody, from New York, spoke to the members regarding the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI) and a resolution to support the interpreters from developing countries to attend future international WASLI meetings. Therefore a resolution will be made during the Wed business meeting to make the "donate a day's pay" campaign an RID program, enabling members to claim such donations as tax deductions. The pulse of the members demonstrated strong support for the resolution.

Question/Concern from members regarding delay in CI/CT test results.
Members have experienced up to ten months in waiting for results of tests. [The Board recently agreed to offer a 6 month extension to those whose results are coming in after their 5 year expiration for the GWT.]
This has led some to loss of income or inability to work, because of legislation in their state requiring national certification.
RID has known of this situation for several years, and has done nothing to rectify the situation.

[Actually, the Board has authorized many incentives to the raters to do more tapes more often, but the influx of those wanting to take the CI/CT tests was overwhelming and surprising.]

While the CI/CT test is dying out - it is still available and RID needs to follow the 3 month guideline of processing the test rating. [The guideline is actually 120 days, not 90]

CDI, present in room, states there is also a CDI lag in test results of up to 6 months. Why is this occurring when there is NO phasing out of the CDI test? [Rachel will check on this and report back to the affiliate chapter presidents]

Suggestion made from member - At the conclusion of the 3 month period for your test to be rated - figure out what financial impact this is having on your income and send an invoice to the RID. This will demonstrate to the RID Board the full impact of their disregard for members professional certification. [See above - the guideline is 6 months and the Board and National Office are - and have been - trying to find a solution to this back log]

A member who formerly was a CI/CT rater, explained the time consumed by being a rater and encourages others to go for trainer rating.

A member suggests that RID placate persons waiting for CI/CT test results by offering free NIC test and a jump to the beginning of the line for testing. [We are already offering the NCI to those who took the old GWT at a discounted rate if they switch over to the new test - the cost to provide rater training is/was enormous so `free' testing so not likely.]

Region I Conference Planning

Audrey Rosenberg, co-chair of the Region I conference, gave a powerpoint review of the conference as it is planned. The conference theme is Region I Reuniting Interpreters in Rhode Island, or RI3. The conference will occur July 21 - 23, 2006 in Providence, RI at the Providence Marriott. All committee chair positions are filled EXCEPT for the Friday and Saturday night entertainment. At the conclusion of the presentation, Connecticut RID agreed to chair the entertainment. [Thank you CRID for re-accepting that responsibility!]

The coupon exchange for conference reimbursement was drawn and the recipient of the reimbursement was Cindi Brown, from Pennsylvania.

Meeting was closed at 8:52 pm.

Post-Notes from Rachel:
1. During the caucus a member suggested that the business meeting during Region I Conference in 2006 NOT be held at 8:00 am. I thank you for the feedback and the conference planners are looking into the feasibility with the other committees and the hotel contract.

2. Please do not expect that by following the suggestion of one member that your CI/CT tapes can be rated in ANY order other than that which they have been received. It is the policy of RID to send the tapes to raters in the order that they are received by the NO staff. Many states have legislation either passed or pending, and RID is not able to show favoritism by rating any one person's or any one state's before the others.

3. I thank all of you who took time to attend the Region I Caucus and I welcome your comments and feedback!

4. Thank you Cindy Allen (PARID) for taking notes!

VTRID Library holdings Please refer to the link location on the navigation bar to your left.