We would like to share the following statement from the Florida Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Board of Directors regarding the status of the Interpreter Training Program at University of South Florida.

Click here to see the statement in ASL

The Florida Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf is a member-driven organization in the state of Florida. Our membership is made up of working and retired interpreters, student interpreters, Deaf stakeholders and consumers, and organizations serving the interpreting and Deaf communities. Through various channels it was disclosed that USF is currently evaluating the Interpreting Training Program associated with the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. FRID is aware of the rally that took place recently after a message was shared stating that the USF ITP is potentially closing. 

We recognize that ITPs play a crucial role in the preparation of qualified ASL interpreters. Several of our board members currently serving the organization are USF ITP alumni, so this does hit close to home. We look forward to more information coming from the Advisory Committee being formed. FRID would be happy to have a representative serve on this advisory council so that the interpreting profession here in the state of Florida can provide feedback and guidance in the decision making process. We are actively following this situation and do want to express our support for Interpreter Training Programs.