State Senator Devlin Robinson | Pennsylvania
State Senator Devlin Robinson | Pennsylvania
Legislation aimed at improving access to sign language interpreters in Pennsylvania has been signed into law. The bill, sponsored by Senators Devlin Robinson and John Kane, updates state regulations to better meet the needs of the deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing communities.
The original legislation from 2004 was intended to complement the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which did not define interpreter qualifications. Senate Bill 1274, now Act 143 of 2024, modernizes these requirements by establishing new certification pathways, addressing outdated standards, and simplifying interpreter registration criteria.
"By expanding certification opportunities and updating the qualifications for interpreters, this bill will help more people pursue careers in sign language interpretation," said Robinson. "This will increase accessibility for those who rely on these vital services. I’m thankful for the broad, bipartisan support this legislation has received."
Key elements of the bill include recognizing additional certification programs, allowing alternative qualifications beyond a traditional bachelor's degree, and resolving inconsistencies in the current certification process to facilitate easier navigation for interpreters and service providers.
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