62 Secure Funding for Greater Minnesota Interpreter Training Program (ITP)
Issue: Interpreter Shortage. Minnesota’s ITPs are all in the Twin Cities. While Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD has an ITP and College of St. Scholastica in Duluth is considering an ITP, the rest of Greater Minnesota would only have a few online ITP options.
Proposed Solution: Coalition of stakeholders explore the feasibility of establishing a “traveling ITP” which could be hosted in at least 3 Greater Minnesota locations. A traveling ITP would move locations periodically to provide training in different locations in Greater Minnesota. Coalition considered OSEP or state funding for this ITP.
Expected outcome: Increased access for DDBHH persons living in Greater Minnesota; increased educational options for prospective interpreters in Greater Minnesota.
Who is impacted: Consumers and prospective interpreters in Greater Minnesota
Timeline: 6 months
Note: Traveling ITP to collaborate with ITPs in the Metro.
Summary of Support Image Description
The stacked bar charts show how respondents rated their level of support and the total number of responses. The percentage for the five support levels is shown from left to right: Strongly Oppose (Dark Red), Oppose (Light Red), Neutral (Yellow), Support (Light Blue), and Strongly Support (Dark Blue).
Respondents may identify with multiple subgroups. The overall level of support is:
Overall
Strongly Oppose: 0%
Oppose: 1%
Neutral: 9%
Support: 37%
Strongly Support: 53%
Click to see the detailed image description for each subgroup.
Interpreter
Strongly Oppose: 0%
Oppose: 1%
Neutral: 12%
Support: 37%
Strongly Support: 50%
Greater Minnesota
Strongly Oppose: 0%
Oppose: 0%
Neutral: 7%
Support: 26%
Strongly Support: 67%
DDBHH Consumer
Strongly Oppose: 0%
Oppose: 0%
Neutral: 6%
Support: 36%
Strongly Support: 57%
System Stakeholder
Strongly Oppose: 0%
Oppose: 2%
Neutral: 14%
Support: 42%
Strongly Support: 42%
Overview of Respondents Opting for In-Depth Solution Analysis
After indicating their support level, 6% of the 128 respondents opted in to further assess whether the solution would worsen or improve on five metrics. Of the opt-in reviewers (8 respondents), 87% supported the solution, 12% were neutral on the solution, and 0% opposed the solution.
The remaining 120 respondents did not opt in to further assess the solution. Of these people, 90% support the solution, 9% were neutral on the solution, and 0% opposed the solution.
Reviewer Evaluation of Solution Effectiveness
Solution Effectiveness Image Description
The stacked bar charts show how respondents assessed the effectiveness of this solution based on five metrics. For each metric, the percentage of respondents is shown from left to right: Worsens (Red), Improves (Blue), No Impact (Gray).
DDBHH Quality of Life
Makes It Worse 0%
Makes It Better 100%
No Impact 0%
Interpreter Satisfaction
Makes It Worse 0%
Makes It Better 100%
No Impact 0%
Consumer Choice
Makes It Worse 0%
Makes It Better 100%
No Impact 0%
Interpreting Availability
Makes It Worse 0%
Makes It Better 100%
No Impact 0%
Interpreting Quality
Makes It Worse 0%
Makes It Better 100%
No Impact 0%
Reviewer Feedback and Insights
Interpreter
Comments from Interpreters highlight the success of previous “traveling ITP” programs in the Northeast and suggest bringing similar programs to areas where people want to live and work. One comment suggests creating an online program with immersion components, incorporating training for Deaf Interpreters (DIs), and focusing on location setup to ensure the program’s impact.
Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing
Comments from DDBHH Consumers suggest that potential interpreters in Greater Minnesota should have the option to pursue a degree or certification while staying in their area.
System Stakeholder
Comments from System stakeholders emphasize the benefits of a traveling ITP, particularly for rural areas. One comment recommends offering a mix of online and in-person classes, collaborating with local colleges in Mankato, St. Cloud, and Duluth, and supplementing online learning with residency experiences for practical application.
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