Embedded Files
Want to get involved and invest your ideas into Arkansas' interpreters?
Need further information? Just can’t find what you’re looking for? Well, try some of these links.
If you know of some that would be of interest to us, please drop us a line and let us know. We’ll review it and possibly add it.
Stay sharp and informed. Access tools for professional development, certification maintenance, and state-specific licensure requirements to help you excel in your practice.
Find the support you need. This section provides links to advocacy organizations, communication access information, and local Arkansas services dedicated to the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing.
New to the world of ASL? Explore frequently asked questions, introductory sign language materials, and guides on how to effectively hire and work with a professional interpreter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a member of ARID?
We are excited you are interested in joining Arkansas Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (ARID). You can become a member of ARID here. If you are having issues with our membership portal please contact our Technology Committee at Technology@arkansasrid.org and we will help you as soon as possible.
How do I renew my membership?
One time membership
You can easily renew before your expiration date by going to the Account page > Subscriptions tab. Then, next to your current subscription, click the option that says “Renew”. Doing this will take you to a page where you can pay for an additional term of your subscription.
If your subscription happens to fully expire, then you can repurchase it. If you would like to do that, you can do one of the following:
Login to the site and then navigate back to the registration page for that membership and sign up again.
Login to the site and go to the Account page > Subscriptions tab. Then, next to your old subscription, click the option that says, “Subscribe”. That will take you to the registration page for that membership.
Active automatically recurring subscription
An automatically recurring subscription does not need to be renewed manually as it will automatically renew each set billing cycle. If you would like to know when your subscription is going to automatically renew, please login to your Account page and navigate to the Subscriptions tab where you will see an expiration date for your subscription. The expiration date listed there is the date your subscription will renew.
Lapsed recurring subscription
In this case, you have an automatically recurring subscription that has one or more completed payment(s), but that was not successfully billed at your last payment due date because of a lack of funds or expired credit card. Similar to the above, you do not need to renew an automatically recurring subscription. Rather you should just go to your account page > Subscriptions tab > and click the “update” link there. Doing that will take you to a page where you’ll be able to update your payment details. After doing that, your subscriptions will usually renew in a few business days.
Cancelled Automatically Recurring Subscription
If you have cancelled your automatically recurring subscription and would like to renew, then you need to simply repurchase it. Remember, if you just canceled your subscription, it may still be active for the remainder of the last billing period, and you must wait for that to expire before re-purchasing. If you would like to repurchase your subscription you can do one of the following:
Login to the site and then navigate back to the registration page for that membership and sign up again.
Login to the site and go to the Account page > Subscriptions tab. Then, next to your old subscription, click the option that says, “Subscribe”. That will take you to the registration page for that membership.
Where can I find my membership card?
Your membership card can be located within your member portal. Steps to access your card are below.
Log into your Membership Portal
On the top green bar located on every page there is an option to “Log In”. Once you select that button you will be directed to a log in page where you will enter your Username and Password (If you are unsure of your username you can contact technology@arkansasrid.org for assistance).
Navigating to your member portal
Once you log in the options on the top green bar where you went to log in will have changed. You will now see the option “Member Portal” You can either click that option or select what you would like from the drop down menu. If you select the “Member Poral” button you will be directed to a landing page where you will see a few green buttons to select from.
Downloading/Printing your Membership Card
Once you select the “Membership Card” button you will be directed to a page where you can see your card. If you want to download your card there will be an option above the card that says “Download PDF”. Once you select this button then it will automatically download a file to your computer. Then you can print your card from this file. We know that our membership likes to print off their cards so we made it so that the card will print off in a size that will fit into a wallet.
How can I become an interpreter / learn sign language?
Degree in ASL Interpretation
Arkansas requires interpreters to possess a bachelor’s degree to take the state credentialing test. If you are interested in getting a degree in American Sign Language (ASL) Studies (Associates Degree) or Interpretation: ASL/English (Bachelor Degree) you can contact UALR’s Interpreter Education Program here.
Arkansas Interpreting Test
The state credentialing test in Arkansas called the Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST) is provided at the Arkansas Rehabilitation services office. More information about testing can be found at their website here. You can also see a list of state credentialed interpreters on this site as well.
National Certification Test
Our national organization is the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). If you are wanting to become a Nationally Certified interpreter you can find more information at Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf’s (RIDs) website here as well as the testing administrator CASLI here.
Arkansas Licensure Law
Once an interpreter is credentialed or certified within the state of Arkansas they are required to hold an Arkansas interpreter license which is issued through the Arkansas Department of Health. To find more information about how to obtain, maintain, and renew your license visit the Arkansas Advisory Board or Interpreters for the Deaf’s website here. You can also find a list of licensed interpreters within the state there as well.
How do I hire an interpreter?
ARID is an organization to provide professional development opportunities for interpreters, we do not hire interpreters for jobs. The state of Arkansas has a few different agencies that can assist you in hiring an interpreter. The contact information for the various agencies are below.
Little Rock/Central Arkansas
Communicating Hands Incorporated
501-374-5293
Communication Plus+ Interpreting Services
501-224-2521
Northwest Arkansas
Sign Language Interpreting Network
479-268-2417
Specialized Interpreting Services
info@specializedinterpreting.com
479-343-8786
Need an Interpreter for a funeral?
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
Contact person: Cheryl Seymore at cheryl.seymore@arkansas.gov
Where can I find information on the Arkansas State Licensure for interpreters?
ARID is not affiliated with Arkansas State Licensure. Arkansas Licensure is housed under the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). To find more information about Arkansas Licensure visit ADH’s website below.
Where can I get a list of all the interpreters in the state and/or nation?
ARID does not currently hold a comprehensive list of licensed and/or credentialed/certified interpreters within the state or on the national level. However, there are a few places to find a list of interpreters.
List of credentialed interpreters in the state of Arkansas
Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDHH)
Main Page:
https://dws.arkansas.gov/ar-rehabilitation-services/field-services/deaf-hard-of-hearing/
Select “Interpreting Services”
Select hyperlink “List of Sign Language Interpreters”
List of Arkansas Licensed interpreters
ADVISORY BOARD FOR INTERPRETERS FOR THE DEAF
Main Page
Select Hyperlink: “List of Licensed Qualified and Provisional Interpreters”
List of RID Nationally Certified Interpreters across the Country
Search the Registry: https://myaccount.rid.org/Public/Search/Member.aspx
RID main Page
How do I get help with ARID website issues?
Please email technology@arkansasrid.org and we will respond as soon a possible. If you need immediate assistance with our website please call or text our Google Voice number at 501-594-3793. One of our Technology committee members will be happy to help at our earliest convenience.
Page updated
Report abuse