This petition is to request an addendum to West Virginia Legislative Rule (CSR 192 3) which removes the registry requirement of certified interpreters to hold membership in the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) in order to legally work and serve the West Virginia Deaf and Hard of Hearing citizens.

West Virginia currently accepts passing the Virginia Quality Assurance Screening (VQAS) as satisfying the interpreter certification requirement to legally work as an interpreter in the state, however interpreters holding VQAS certification are still required to be associate members of RID. Currently, RID does not service or support the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. RID is a costly organization to join when they do not provide professional development supports or opportunities locally. Joining RID costs $150 annually to become an associate member and satisfy the WV state requirement. Associate membership merely grants access to negligible discounts on testing, services and a free magazine subscription.

Requiring VQAS certified interpreters who live and/or work in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia to join RID as associate members is a costly burden that is not justified due to the lack of local supports from RID at this time.