As the new Interpreter Coordinator for Coconino Community College (CCC), I am thrilled to be able to serve as the college’s primary sign language interpreter and interpreter coordinator. In 2009, I will be focusing on enriching and expanding our services for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students, and working to enlarge our Deaf and Hard-of Hearing student population, as well.
We continue to develop our resources through the Disability Resources (DR) office. One of the most exciting additions is the two videophones we have installed this year – one in the DR office, and one in the student alcove on the Lone Tree campus. Other resource examples include interpreters, sound field assistive listening devices, captioned films, and note takers for class. In addition, we are currently investigating the possibility of video remote interpreting in the classroom. This would expand our flexibility in providing interpreter services and allow our Deaf students a more private interpreting experience.
For the freelance interpreters who work with CCC, we are constantly working to improve our program. To that end, we have created a new Interpreter Handbook that has "up to the minute" information regarding working for CCC. Please follow this link to access the information.
With the college’s popular American Sign Language classes, new ASL club, and new Interpreter Training Program beginning in Spring, 2009, there are ever more opportunities for engaging with the signing community at CCC.
I look forward to sharing more with you about CCC and Flagstaff, Arizona. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Kara Stella
Interpreter Coordinator
Disability Resources
928-226-4309 v/tty/vp
Kara.stella@coconino.edu