Welcome to the Sign Language Resources Fall Newsletter!

SLR is committed to communicating with our staff, interpreters, community members, and clients as often as we can and the newsletter is one vehicle we are using. Our first newsletter went out in early February 2021 and now we are publishing Newsletter #2. We hope the information shared is valuable and worth your time to read through and we welcome any feedback regarding the format or content. Please share your thoughts with Sarah at Sarah@SLRconnect.com.

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Staffing Update

While we add new interpreters to our lists on a regular basis, we don’t often have administrative staff changes. We do have one to share, though. Leela Chaitoo, who has worked for us full-time since 2017 as our interpreter evaluator and more recently as a classroom interpreter supervisor, has decided to step back from full-time duties while she is attending graduate school. She is still with us part-time as an interpreter evaluator and ASL consultant and we wish her great success in her new educational pursuit!

Expansion of VRI work and opportunities:

As a company, pre-COVID-19, we did not have many opportunities to use different platforms with Video Remote Interpreting. Once COVID-19 began, we had to navigate multiple video platforms to accommodate the different needs of our customers. We are now familiar with many of the available platforms, and are able to guide interpreters on their functions. Our 400+ interpreters are now available to take on VRI assignments.

Supporting Power, Privilege and Oppression Training:

We are committed to continuing the conversation with those in the BIPOC community and their allies. We are in the early stages of developing trainings for both our SLR staff and interpreter base. More information to follow in the next few weeks.

In 2020, we collaborated with NYC BDA and Mt. Sinai Beth Israel Hospital to launch webinars about COVID-19 related interpreting concerns. These panels consisted of a diverse group of interpreters and Deaf community members sharing their insights with over 150 attendees.

For more information on the NYC BDA Panel Discussion, click here.
For more information on the Mt. Sinai Beth Israel Webinar, click here.

Expansion in our Professional Development Offerings:

Throughout the 2020-2021 school year and into this current school year, we continue to support our K-12 interpreters with their professional development; through workshops, mentoring, and a robust evaluation process.

MASKS, VACCINES, and New FLU SHOT UPDATES:

At this point in time, SLR as an agency is not mandating masks, vaccines, or flu shots but we are complying with what our clients and contracts require of those from SLR who go in person to client sites. All hospitals and associated doctor offices in the NYC region require all three, though the deadlines may vary. As things continue to change with all clients (medical and non-medical) we will keep you updated. Please check with coordinators regarding any assignment you may take in person if you have questions.

New York City's Department of Education is requiring masks at all times in buildings and vaccines as of September 27. Please check with SLR's Educational Interpreter Supervisors, Adriana Vasquez and Charles Reaves, if you have questions about compliance. Adriana@SLRconnect.com and Charles@SLRconnect.com
The 2021-2022 FLU shot is now available!!! For those going on site to medical centers requiring them, please be aware that deadlines are approaching. Send proof to Sarah at Sarah@SLRconnect.com. The coordinators are available to answer your questions as is Tammy Mancinelli, SLR's Director of Operations, at Tammy@SLRconnect.com.

FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

You recently received an email regarding compliance and a deadline for taking the SLR Sexual Harassment Training webinar. Please look for that notice and review it to know what to do. It came from Tammy Mancinelli and if you have questions regarding it, contact Tammy at Tammy@SLRconnect.com

FOR ALL EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS

For those of you who have not sent in a PDF of your RID membership cards, they are due by 10/31/21. Sarah recently sent out a reminder so please COMPLY! Please send the copy of your RID card to Sarah (Sarah@SLRconnect.com).

SLR encourages everyone to take a look at our website, SLRconnect.com for more information about our staff, the work we do, the educational offerings, and to place requests for interpreting services. Please spread the word about us to your friends and colleagues and those who need interpreting services or interpreters who are looking for work or education. We are here to help!!! Oh, and you can like us on our Facebook page :)