Deaf Education Certification

Question: Sign Language Interpreting in Michigan without certification is illegal? I'm waiting to hear back yet again from the state of Michigan on this, however there seems to be some contradictions. One is the that a qualified interpreter is deemed as being certified by the Michigan Quality Assurance test or Nationally certified. However apparently there was an exception to that brought out here by the State of Education: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Deaf_Interpreters_Act_9.8.08_250541_7.pdf A couple months later, the QA test was suspended so they can improve it and make it better and this FAQ was released: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dleg/RQST_2656_DRAFT__5_-_FAQ_QA_Suspension_Nov._19_2008_257576_7.pdf There it says: 13. Does this mean I can work in Michigan as an interpreter without credententials during the QA suspension? No, according to 2007 PA 204 you must hold either valid QA or national credential and register with the DODHH to work in Michigan as a Qualified Interpreter. Failure to comply with this requirement will subject a sign interpreter to penalties. It does not say anything about exceptions. Is there something I'm missing. I was told previously that there is an interim to this law, it has not been made public. I don't really get all of the legal things. Many people are aware of this though and continue working without certification. Also with the suspension of the QA they cannot currently work toward getting certified. Why do laws have to be so confusing and seem like partial laws? If they can be punished this means it is illegal, no? Anyway, just wondering if any one knows the answers. I am waiting to hear back once again from the DODHH Legislative Lead.

Answer: Could it be possible that some of these people are working as a candidate for certification? I don't know how this works in Michigan, but here in Illinois you can interpret in "illegal" situations if you are. Like someone I know only has credentials to interpret in schools, but when she signed the contract with the interpreting agency she works for she had to agree to take a couple other tests. Illinois requires that an interpreter be a level 4 or 5 to interpret in medical situations, on job interviews, etc., and this person is nowhere near that level. But, as a "candidate for certification" she has interpreted at a couple simple medical appointments, etc. Supposedly, when you are a candidate for certification you can do whatever under a qualified interpreter's supervision, and in her case that meant she was matched with the client and situation, not that a certified interpreter was present... It's true that those people in Michigan can't take the QA test while it's suspended, but they could have agreed to take it when it's ready again or to take the national test???

Question: How can we do a mass education on service dog laws/etiquette? As a disabled person with a service dog, I find that the vast majority of people are completely uneducated on service dog laws in the US. Despite that, they dish out "advice" and "knowledge" that is completely inaccurate as if they are experts. This really does cause the service dog community people problems because businesses try to deny access, people act inappropriately towards our dogs, we are forced to fight for our rights. Honestly, I believe that is people were just properly educated, this problem would be greatly reduced. Here are the most common misconceptions in the US: 1) Service Dogs must be certified/registered. Truth: there is no service dog certification/registration. 2) Service Dogs must be vested and/or have an ID card. Truth: No identification is required. 3) Service Dogs can only be of a certain breed/size. Truth: Any breed is capable of being a service dog. 4) You have to be blind/deaf to have a service dog. Truth: Anyone with a disability that the dog can mitigate can have a service dog. 5) The dog doesn't have to do anything. Truth: The dog must be trained to mitigate the disability. So, what would be the best, most affective way to educate the masses? I feel that this is important as the use of service dogs is increasing drastically in this country.

Answer: 1. Use the press. Get PSAs (Public Service Announcements) made or articles published in local papers. Write a letter to the editor. Be careful what you write. 2. Do educational programs at schools. Kids disseminate information faster than anyone, even town gossips. You poor information in and they spit it back out to all their friends and family. Kids also grow up eventually to be parents themselves and educate the next generation. I said to be careful what you write. What I mean is that it isn't necessarily smart to mount a campaign telling everyone on the planet just how easy it is to fake a service dog and how to do it. I don't go out of my way to discuss certification or ID because doing so does not in the end actually help people with service dogs. If an individual with a service dog is having difficulty with a specific business, it is best handled privately, with an exchange of the ADA Business Brief and the toll-free number for the DOJ's ADA information line, not by telling the universe all they have to do is claim a dog as a service dog and no one can do anything about it. So I wouldn't publicize your first and second points. I'd just refer them to the official sources to get the info themselves if they're that interested. In the last 10 years I've seen fakery increase more than four-fold. It's because 1. fake registration/certification scams and 2. pet owners are becoming educated on the ADA and are taking advantage of what they consider loop holes. You even see open discussions of just how to pass of a pet as a service dog in breed lists because show people want to fly to shows. If you want to know why regulations changed in the airline industry making it significantly harder for people with certain (invisible) disabilities to fly, this is why. Sometimes too much education isn't a good thing. Not when it helps the wrong people do the wrong thing.

Question: Rate My Resume. Want to get an idea of what employers think when they view my resume.? Profile Motivated, personable early childhood professional with two degrees, certification in one state, and a 10-year track record of successfully operating infant, toddler, preschool and pre-k -1st grade classrooms. I am talented in ensuring that classrooms are operating according to state licensing rules and regulations. I quickly master technology: advanced in Microsoft Office Suite, Internet Research, Publisher, Excel and PowerPoint. I am diplomatic and tactful with professionals and non-professionals at all levels. I am flexible and versatile – able to maintain a sense of humor under pressure. I am poised and competent with demonstrated ability to easily transcend cultural differences. I have the ability to thrive in most environments. Last but not least, I have excellent team-building skills. Skills Summary �IEP Report Preparation �Written Correspondence �General Office Skills �Customer Service �Scheduling �Maintaining records �Marketing �Professional Presentations �Computer Savvy Professional Experience COMMUNICATION: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION �Prepare complex reports for student’s Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) and ensure accuracy within required deadline. �Design center-wide newsletter and classroom newsletter. �Conduct small-group meetings to discuss overall operation of classroom as well as to strengthen teamwork. CUSTOMER SERVICE/MARKETING/PROBLEM SOLVING �Oversee office operations and provide impeccable customer service: oIncreased center enrollment in absence of a director. �Implement strategic marketing plan for increased enrollment: oCreate special promotions, write/design print and outdoor advertising. �Won over a very diverse group of teachers to work together on a common goal: o75% of behavior issues in classrooms decreased tremendously DETAIL MASTERY & ORGANIZATION �Managed all aspects of day-to-day operations as a teacher/assistant director, program coordinator and the role of a director: oCompliance with state licensing rules and regulations. oCompliance with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) rules and regulations. oFinances: ordered equipment and materials according to budgeting allowances. oSupervision of a maximum of 10 staff. Employment History ACADEMY OF ANGELS – MARS, CA Sign Language Teacher, 2011 to Present ALL INCLUDED SCHOOL OF THE DEAF – PLUTO, AK, URANUS, CO Teacher of the Deaf, 2009 to 2010 CARE OF THE WORLD CENTER – Saturn, DE Program Coordinator, 2008 to 2009 START THE PROCESS SCHOOL – Swellville, MI, Hickory, FL Assistant Director/Teacher, 2006 to 2008 Education INTERESTING SCIENCE EDUCATION COLLEGE – Crekclox, PA. Master of Science – Early Childhood Education, 2009GPA: 3.68/4.0 SKY HIGH UNIVERSITY – Holyiland, OH. Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, 2000GPA: 3.28/4.0

Answer: I stopped reading at the third word. I have hired 111 people and laid off 164. Your resume needs the following: 1) Get rid of the profile 2) Start with experience first, listing actual employers - each location should include your accomplishments (I like the "increased enrollment in absence of director" - include a percentage) 3) Make sure it's on one page