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
Click here to view Board Members roles.
Sebrena Westcott, Chairperson
[email protected]
Constituency: Interpreter
Term Expires: 12.31.25
Allyson Caruthers
[email protected]
Constituency: Interpreter
Term Expires: 12.31.29
Taylor Johnson
[email protected]
Constituency: Interpreter
Term Expires: 12.31.28
Shana Turner
[email protected]
Constituency: Hearing Community
Term Expires: 12.31.25
Pamela Taylor
[email protected]
Constituency: Interpreter
Term Expires: 12.31.26
Ashley Harris
[email protected]
Constituency: Deaf Community
Term Expires: 12.31.29
Vacant
Deaf Citizen
Arkansas Association for the Deaf (AAD) submits recommendations/volunteers for the hearing and deaf constituency for the board (in conjuction with ARID).
Arkansas Registry for Interpreters for the Deaf (ARID) submits recommendations/volunteers for interpreter constituency for the board (in conjunction with AAD).
Appointees must submit a resume and take an oath of office.
Each member serves 3 years terms. Members cannot serve more than 2 consecutive terms (there must be a 1-year break after each consecutive term).
A quorum is 4 members. A quorum is required for the transaction of business.
If a vacancy occurs, the appointee will complete the term of the vacany and may then be appointed for their own 3 year term.
Committees
- Licensure Committee: Allyson Caruthers, Pamela Taylor, Taylor Johnson
- Investigation Committee: Sebrena Westcott, Ashley Harris
- Budget/Fee Committee: Pamela Taylor, Taylor Johnson
- Technology Committee: Pamela Taylor, Shana Turner, Ashley Harris
Board Meetings
Quarterly meeetings are held the first Friday of the quarter from 2pm to 3:30pm.
Location:
Freeway Medical Building – Room 906
5800 W. 10th St.
Little Rock, AR 72204
Virtual attendance available.
- August 7, 2026
- November 6, 2026
- February 5, 2027
- May 7, 2027
- August 6, 2027
- November 5, 2027
Board Minutes
License Application and License Renewal in Arkansas
*Based on credentials, CEUs may also be required
Interpreters are responsible for knowing the Rules for Interpreters Between Hearing Individuals and Individuals who are Deaf, Deafblind, Hard of Hearing, or Oral Deaf. Interpreters are responsible for knowing the requirements for licensure and requirements for their credentials.
Applications should have one (1) pdf attached that includes all required documentation. Inconsistent submissions delay application processing.
Follow the mapping image above, and see “Sample Credentials” under Resources and Forms below.
Peak application volume occurs from October to February.
Only completed applications are processed and then submitted to the Licensing Committee for review. If any part is missing, the board will not approve the application. Missing portions cause delays.
Applications submitted after October 31st will not be approved before the December 31st expiration.
Applications, Online Payment, Forms, & List
- Arkansas Interpreter Licensure Application
- Arkansas Provisional Licensure Application
- Online Payment (an application must also be completed)
- Complaint Form
- Licensed Qualified and Provisional Interpreters
Resources & Forms
- States Requiring a License and Renewal Deadline
- Sample Credentials
- Arkansas Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (ARID)
- NAIE – The National Association of Interpreters in Education
- Rules for Interpreters Between Hearing Individuals and Individuals who are Deaf, Deafblind, Hard of Hearing, or Oral Deaf
- Act 1314
For additional information, email us, or contact us by phone at 501-280-4790.