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Interpreters/Deaf Mentors

Beginning March 1, 2008

Individuals who are bilingual or an interpreter for the deaf may enroll to bill as an interpreter. Upon application for enrollment, the bilingual applicant must identify the languages for which he/she is applying to interpret and/or translate and document completion of Early Intervention Systems Training as defined in Section 500.60(f) and Early Intervention approved training for bilingual interpreter/translators and oral and/or written language proficiency using approved testing procedures. By September 1, 2008, all enrolled bilingual interpreters must have documented completion of Early Intervention approved training for bilingual interpreters/translators and oral and/or written language proficiency using approved testing procedures to maintain enrollment. Interpreters for the deaf must meet the requirements set forth in 225 ILCS 442 and document completion of Early Intervention Systems Training as defined in Section 500.60(f).

Deaf adults who have been certified by Hearing and Vision Connections as a language mentor for the deaf may enroll to bill. Language mentors are not required to obtain a credential.

Use the following to enroll as an interpreter/deaf mentor as appropriate to the type of enrollment desired:

Bilingual interpreters and Interpreters for the deaf provide services necessary during the rendering of other EI services in order to communicate with the child and family and written translation of EI documents into the child/family's native language. If the interpreter is authorized to interpret service sessions for a provider/family, the interpreter may assist that provider in scheduling service appointments for that family. This does not include interpreter services that would otherwise be provided at no charge to the family or interpreter services by the same person rendering the service(s).

Deaf Mentor Services are provided by a language mentor for the deaf who interacts with the child by modeling language in the chosen communication mode, shares information about the deaf culture and provides first hand knowledge of deafness with the family and introduces the family to the local deaf community.