Letters from Angela Jones, RID President
	April 25, 2005 Dear interpreters: The purpose of this letter is to convey to you the RID National Office’s, the RID Board of Directors’ and my sincere apologies for sending a message of disenfranchisement to the Latino/a sign language interpreting community by approving a policy requiring a minimum of 25 conference registrants requesting Spanish language interpretation in order to provide services for the 2005 RID national conference. It is important to me and the other RID leaders and National Office staff that all members of RID feel valued and respected. I respectfully request that you consider accepting this apology. Due to the diligent efforts, in the way of a letter-writing campaign, of a group of dedicated RID members representing Mano a Mano, RID Interpreters and Transliterators of Color (ITOC), Cultural Diversity in Leadership Committee (CDILC) and individual members on behalf of the Latino/a interpreting community this serious error was quickly brought to the RID Board’s attention. The RID Board responded quickly and in January, the Spanish Language Access Work Group was appointed comprised of an RID board representative, 2005 conference planning committee representative, and members of Mano a Mano, CDILC, and ITOC. The Work Group made excellent recommendations; not only to improve member services to Latino/a members/colleagues at the 2005 conference, but to also improve member services at all levels of the organization thus ensuring RID’s commitment to the philosophy that RID is an essential arena for ALL members in their pursuit of excellence. Based on recommendations from the work group, on April 1, 2005 the RID Board of Directors approved the following policy: RID Conference Spanish Language Access Policy: RID shall provide access at the 2005 conference and all future conferences by assigning teams of interpreters that are culturally sensitive and qualified in English, Spanish, and Sign Language to all plenary and business sessions. In addition, access to other conference events will be available to those who register at least 40 days prior to the conference and request such access. Rationale Since the 1997 Long Beach National RID convention, the need for Spanish language access has been before the Board and conference planners. RID recognizes the impact of changing demographics, particularly with Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons and service providers in Spanish language communities. Subsequently, RID accepted Puerto Rico’s application to be an RID affiliate chapter [Originally called ISPRID; now known as PR-RID] and intends to continue to support those members as well as other Latino interpreters. In keeping with the spirit of being an essential arena for members in their pursuit of excellence, I would like to extend to you a personal invitation to the 2005 RID National Dear ITOC Chairs: The RID Board of Directors is once again seeking your input on an important topic:  Spanish language interpreters for our biennial conference that will be taking place July 10 - 15, 2005. After reviewing the 2005 conference planning core group's recommendations, the board set a minimum of 25 requests being needed before the organization would provide Spanish language interpretation.    We have, however, received some concerns about this policy from members and are willing to revisit this issue. The board truly believes that RID is a membership driven organization.  As representatives of ITOC, we would like to hear from you.  Please share your thoughts on this issue.  We need to have your input before Monday, December 13. Region Representatives will be sending a similar request to the Affiliate Chapter presidents and I will following up with those who sent in letters of concern as well as contact the Cultural Diversity in Leadership Committee.  I will give them the same facts and options listed here. Here are some facts the board has considered with regard to this topic: * In the past, few attendees have taken advantage of the Spanish language interpreting service (3 in 2003's Chicago conference and 11 at the 2001 Orlando conference). * For the past several years, RID conferences have "been in the red." The Board has mandated that the 2005 conference be revenue neutral, or better. *The cost of providing one team (2 individuals) of interpreters for the week of conference is approximately $5,000.  If RID proceeds with offering Spanish interpreters for the full slate of conference activities, it could mean another $50,000 to the conference budget. *In casually visiting with attendees at the Region II conference many felt that those Spanish-speaking individuals who would attend the national conference would be able to access the conference via the ASL interpreters. *RID is soliciting Interpreter Sponsorships in the amount of $2,500.00 each (advertised in the VIEWS and on the web) which covers the expenses of one interpreter. Possible options include, but are not limited to: *Providing Spanish interpreters only when 25 requests have been made, whereby the increased expense and 25 registrations received would provide for a cost-neutral situation. *Providing Spanish interpreters for the full slate of conference activities, whereby increasing conference expenses considerably. *Providing Spanish interpreters for plenary sessions only, whereby increasing conference expenses minimally. *Providing Spanish interpreters for plenary sessions, and in the event of receiving 25 or more requests, providing Spanish interpreters for the full slate, whereby increasing conference expenses minimally. *Other options the Board has not considered.  Please brainstorm and give us some other avenues to explore. Again, the board truly believes that RID is a membership driven organization. To this extent, as representatives of one of the association special interest groups, much weight will be placed on your thoughts and comments. We look forward to receiving your comments on this issue.  Please send those comments no later than December 13. Sincerely, Angela Angela Jones, CI and CT RID President 858-504-2777 (direct phone number) 703-838-0030 (RID National Office) AJones619@aol.com www.rid.org