Terms Used In Idaho Code 33-1302

  • Deaf: means a person who is not able to process information aurally and whose primary means of communication is visual. See Idaho Code 33-1303
  • Deaf-blind: means a person who is deaf or hard of hearing and who also has significant visual impairment or is legally blind. See Idaho Code 33-1303
  • Hard of hearing: means a person who has a hearing deficit, who is able to process information aurally with or without the use of a hearing aid or other device that enhances the ability of the person to hear, and whose primary means of communication may be visual. See Idaho Code 33-1303
  • Interpreting: means the process of providing accessible communication between and among persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind, and those who are hearing. See Idaho Code 33-1303
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories; and the words "United States" may include the District of Columbia and territories. See Idaho Code 73-114
The legislature hereby finds that interpreting services in Idaho public schools, kindergarten through grade twelve (12), for students who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind need to be improved. The absence of state standards for evaluating educational interpreters allows for inconsistencies in the delivery of educational information to students who are in need of such services. The legislature recognizes that educational interpreters in Idaho public schools must not only interpret the spoken word but must also convey concepts and facilitate the student’s understanding of the educational material. The legislature also finds that among the many factors that influence student success, there is a correlation between the academic achievements of deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind students and the competency of their interpreters. Therefore, the legislature finds that Idaho educational public policy is served by establishing standards for persons employed in the Idaho public schools as educational interpreters.