Ensuring Accessible Communication
Ark. Code Ann. § 20-14-804 creates the Advisory Board for Interpreters between Hearing Individuals and Individuals who are Deaf, Deafblind, Hard of Hearing, or Oral Deaf, which consists of seven (7) members appointed by the Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health.
The Board’s purpose is to ensure that individuals who are Deaf, Deafblind, Hard of Hearing, or Oral Deaf and those they communicate with may depend upon competent, reliable interpreting services.
Advisory Board Members
Stephanie Ott
[email protected]
Constituency: Interpreter
Term Expires: 12.31.25
Taylor Johnson
[email protected]
Constituency: Interpreter
Term Expires: 12.31.27
Sebrena Westcott, Chairperson
[email protected]
Constituency: Interpreter
Term Expires: 12.31.25
Arthur Babin
[email protected]
Constituency: Deaf Citizen
Term Expires: 12.31.25
Renika Witherspoon
[email protected]
Constituency: Deaf Citizen
Term Expires: 12.31.26
Shana Turner
[email protected]
Constituency: Hearing Community
Term Expires: 12.31.25
Pamela Taylor
[email protected]
Constituency: Interpreter
Term Expires: 12.31.26
Committees
- Licensure Committee: Taylor Johnson, Stephanie Ott, & Pamela Taylor
- Investigation Committee: Arthur Babin & Sebrena Westcott
- Budget/Fee Ad Hoc Committee: Arthur Babin, Taylor Johnson
- Technology Committee: Shana Turner, Renika Witherspoon, & Stephanie Ott
License Application and License Renewal in Arkansas:
The application form and payment of fee(s) in full are required for renewals and new licenses. Only when all items and fees have been received, will the team submit the required application documents to the subcommittee.
In accordance with the rules, failure to renew by January 1 requires all renewal documentation specific to the license, a letter of explanation regarding the reason for late renewal, and payment of late fee.
In accordance with the rules, failure to renew by January 31st will result in the license becoming inactive until all required renewal documentation and payment of the reactivation fee are received.
For licensing not described above, please see the rules.
An interpreter wishing to be licensed in Arkansas is responsible for practicing in accordance with the Rules Governing the Advisory Board for Interpreters.
Resources & Forms
- Rules for Interpreters Between Hearing Individuals and Individuals who are Deaf, Deafblind, Hard of Hearing, or Oral Deaf
- Act 1314
- Arkansas Interpreter Licensure Application
- Arkansas Provisional Licensure Application
- Complaint Form
- Licensed Qualified and Provisional Interpreters
- Arkansas Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (ARID)
- Online Payment (an application must also be completed)
- NAIE – The National Association of Interpreters in Education
Board Minutes
For additional information, email us, or contact us by phone at 501-280-4790.