Since our launch in February, AAPTI continues to steadily grow. We want to
let you know about our current advocacy initiatives and how you can keep supporting our efforts.
Protecting Certifications
AAPTI is working on an initiative to protect our hard-earned certifications. AB2257set a precedent in ensuring our certifications are honored in the face of new legislation, but our certifications are not entirely safe.
The Case for Certification
We are aware there are entities advocating to amend AB5 as it pertains to "certified/registered" interpreters. While certain languages of lesser diffusion do not have a certification, there is a process for becoming registered through the Judicial Council of California. AAPTI's goal is to protect the integrity of certification/registration and it is fundamental to protect the public and to ensure fair practices and professional fees. We cannot allow these entities to succeed in their attempts to minimize the importance of certification and stop the rhetoric of the need for non-certified individuals since it is only to benefit their bottom line.
Progress with the PRO Act
AAPTI was approached by the coauthors of this bill to provide them with information about how we were able to obtain an exemption for California AB5. Members of the AAPTI board have met with U.S. Senators in the HELP Committee (Health, Education, Labor and Pensions) where the PRO Act is currently on the table. The committee hear us loud and clear on the detrimental impact this bill could have on our profession. We also had the opportunity to share our experience dealing with AB5 in California and how our profession works. This involvement has been essential in defining AAPTI as experts on independent contract work in our field.
Standing firm to reject VRI-related fees pressure
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, VRI has become the dominant trend for interpreter appearances. Although we all have invested in equipment and improved our workspaces, the consequences are undeniable: lower fee offers, additional stress, added technical difficulties, attempts to eliminate guaranteed minimums.
It is AAPTI's position that the hourly fee proposal for VRI by the Judicial Council will affect all interpreters in its attempt to change the standards and protocol that we have worked so ahrd to maintain.
AAPTI would like to announce its support for California Bill AB1169, which would require certified ASL interpreters in health care facilities. Stay tuned so we can all contact our legislators to support this bill that might have an impact other languages.
New Membership Committee
We want to announce our newly created Membership Committee:
Julia Elizarraraz, Chair
Giovana Farias
Christopher Cardona
Katerina Borghi
Let's welcome this team of involved individuals, thank you for your desire
to work with us and for your dedication
to the profession!
AAPTI in Every State
AAPTI’s membership keeps growing and our goal is to have a larger presence in other states.
Contact usto let us know about any issue in your state that you believe could be part of AAPTI's efforts.
NAJIT becomes AAPTI’s First Institutional Member
We are thrilled to announce that NAJIT has joined AAPTI as its first institutional member. We trust that this show of support for our professional advocacy efforts will help galvanize all interpreters and translators to take control of our profession. We’d like to express our sincerest thanks to the NAJIT board for believing in us. Our individual voices are powerful, but together we can do so much more! Please click to see the agenda for NAJIT’s yearly conference. AAPTI will be there presenting on the state of the profession and how we can advocate better moving forward.
Support AAPTI's efforts • Join • Donate
AAPTI is dedicated to strengthening our profession. Consider making a donation or becoming a member to help us advocate for language professionals and for the public we serve.
