During 2010, CAIRS will continue to introduce operational enhancements which ensure service excellence, interpreter satisfaction and legislative compliance with the Illinois Interpreters for the Deaf Licensing Act. In particular, CAIRS will prioritize programmatic activities which promote interpreter professional education and development. Moreover, CAIRS will continue to support charitable giving activities and work collaboratively with both the interpreter and Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities for the common good. With regard to the establishment of a state approved and administered interpreter evaluation test, CAIRS will advocate for and be supportive of efforts to make this vital goal a reality in Illinois. As 2010 promises to be both busy and exciting for the Illinois interpreter community, CAIRS looks forward to being a supportive partner in the year ahead.

Presented below is an overview of CAIRS mission activities in 2010:

• Continue compliance with the Illinois Interpreters for the Deaf Licensing Act to include expansion of CAIRS Interpreter Registry.
• Develop and implementation of CAIRS Interpreter Internship and Mentoring Program to benefit working post-graduate interpreters.
• Continue implementation of CAIRS Interpreter Student Scholarship Program to encourage the education of new interpreters.
• Continue improvement of CAIRS website to increase educational content for interpreters, clients and members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
• Continue support of educational workshops to assist Illinois interpreters in professional development and in meeting CEU licensing requirements.
• Continue operation of the CAIRS Helping Hands Program to provide charitable support to the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
• Support of Deaf and Hard of Hearing community group activities and annual convention events.
• Expand CAIRS Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to assist in community needs assessments and grant development activities.
• Promote establishment of a state approved and administered interpreter evaluation test in Illinois.