National Association of the Deaf

The NAD, RID, and the California Coalition of Agencies Serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCASDHH) formally completed its November 2005 membership agreement that brings American Consortium of Certified Interpreters (ACCI) interpreters into the auspices of the RID Certification Maintenance Program and the Ethical Practices System by converting those who passed the ACCI test at Levels III, IV or V to the corresponding levels of NAD certification.

This program mirrors the successful program by which more than 1,500 NAD certified interpreters at Levels III, IV and V have also come into the RID CMP and EPS programs since 2003. Negotiations worked to emulate the NAD program which members provided much input toward back in late 2002 and early 2003.

In summary, the program is that ACCI certified members will pay the same certified member rate as current NAD certified members. They will have the opportunity to join between January 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. The initial period allows them up to eighteen months of membership at the yearly rate of NAD certified interpreters. However, those that join after July 1, 2006 will still have to pay the full rate for less than a year of membership. After June 30, 2007, the membership year and rate will be the same for the ACCI interpreters as it is for NAD certified interpreters.

ACCI certified interpreters may also take advantage of multiple year rates as can current NAD certified interpreters after the initial year. For their fees, ACCI certified interpreters will be entitled to both NAD and RID membership. For those who have ACCI and RID certification and wish to maintain both, the fees will be the same as for current NAD certified interpreters. Frequently Asked Questions are available through the RID home page at http://www.rid.org.

The next step for all ACCI certified interpreters is to fill out the required special membership application (PDF file) at: http://www.rid.org/acci%20membership%20app.pdf.

Or call the RID national office at 703-838-0030 and then send in required documentation and payments. Once those items are received by RID, a full package explaining the RID CMP and EPS programs will go out to each person.

ACCI certified interpreters are asked to visit http://www.acci-iap.org for more information. Questions may also be directed to Marlowe J. Wilson, ACCI Program Director, at info@acci-iap.org.