Mussman Law Preserves High Standards for Sign Language Interpreters

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, to protect the quality of life and safety of members of the deaf and hearing impaired community by providing access to qualified interpreters was signed into law earlier this week.

“The communication experiences of people who are deaf or hearing impaired should never be compromised because an interpreter does not have sufficient qualifications,” said Mussman. “In both emergency situations and day-to-day interactions, it is important that deaf and hearing impaired individuals are able to fully and effectively communicate with their surrounding community.”

Mussman’s Senate Bill 325 keeps in place until 2028 certain licensure guidelines for individuals that provide interpreting duties for the deaf and hard of hearing, as outlined in the Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007. Through this extension, Mussman’s law ensures that members of the deaf community are able to communicate effectively on a daily basis.

“Preserving the licensure standards that already exist for sign language interpreters will help make sure that interpreters are able to successfully interact with school, hospital and other officials in any given situation,” said Mussman. “This legislation maintains the high quality of services provided to the deaf and hearing impaired, and I am grateful to the Illinois Association of the Deaf for working with me to bring it across the finish line.”