ST. PAUL, Minn. – Today, a bill that would expand requirements of certification for ASL interpreters and transliterators who support students with hearing impairments (SF 295) passed unanimously in the Senate Education Policy Committee. In response, Chief Author of the bill Senator Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights) released the following statement:
“Part of what makes Minnesota such a promising place to raise children is our commitment to offering a quality education. But without removing barriers that deepen inequitable gaps, we fail to meet the need for students who are so often pushed to the margins in our schools. My bill to expand requirements of certification for transliterators and interpreters who work in the classroom will increase the number of interpreters in schools and further ensures quality support for these students. This, in turn, bridges language barrier gaps that benefit both hearing students and students who are deaf alike.”
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