About VIRS
The Vermont Interpreter Referral Service (VIRS) was founded in
1992. It has grown steadily as awareness of the Service, its effectiveness,
and the implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
have grown. Initially established with federal funds as a pilot
project, the Service is currently funded with a grant from the Division
of Vocational Rehabilitation and with funds generated from finder’s
fees.
VIRS provides state-wide interpreter and CART
referral services for American Sign Language (ASL)/English interpreting
assignments in settings such as governmental, mental health, medical,
legal, employment, educational, civil and recreational. VIRS serves
all Vermonters, both hearing and deaf, in need of securing a sign
language interpreter. Communication is a two way street. Interpreters
allow hearing persons to access communication with deaf and hard
of hearing people as well, so in fact the interpreter is there for
all parties.
VIRS also provides advocacy for deaf clients, training opportunities
for interpreters and serves as an informational resource throughout
the state.
|
