Haw. Code R. § 17-401.1-24 - Interpreter services and tactile interpreting services

(a) The division shall provide interpreter services for applicants and eligible individuals who are deaf and tactile interpreting services for applicants and eligible individuals who are deaf-blind when necessary to assure the provision of efficient and meaningful VR services throughout the VR process.

(1) Interpreter services consists of sign language and oral interpreter services to facilitate communication between individuals who are deaf and individuals who can hear.

(A) Individuals who have low vision or a restricted visual field may continue to use some preferred form of sign language with minor modifications. Appropriate use of lighting and distance may enable the staff to work directly with the individual.

(B) Individuals who have a narrow visual field may hold onto a speaker's wrists in order to follow what is being signed. One modification of this system is for the individual to place the individual's hands on either side of the visual field so the speaker can sign within the field.

(C) Fingerspelling can be read visually, by tracking, or factually. The individual aids the speaker in positioning the hand so that both are comfortable and comprehension is optimal.

(2) Tactile interpreting services consists of hand-over-hand sign language using any preferred sign system. The individual who is deaf-blind places the individual's hands over the speaker's hand or hands. The speaker uses the same handshapes and placement as in visual signing, which are read tactually by the individual who is deaf-blind.

(b) The division shall obtain interpreter or tactile interpreting services from qualified interpreters. The most skilled interpreter available shall be used based on American sign language/English oral interpreter certification standards.

(c) Interpreter or tactile interpreting services are subject to the use of comparable services and benefits provisions of section 17-401.1-13, but are exempt from the use of personal resources (financial needs test) provisions of section 17-401.1-14.

Notes

Haw. Code R. § 17-401.1-24

[Eff AUG 13 2007] (Auth: HRS §§ 347-4, 348-3, 348-6; 29 U.S.C. §§709, 723; 34 C.F.R. §361.50) (Imp: HRS §§ 347-4, 348-3, 348-6; 29 U.S.C. §§709, 723; 34 C.F.R. §361.50)