Notice: The website is currently being updated as part of a program transition. Some information, including CEU totals, may be temporarily out of date. Contact information has been updated to reflect recent changes. Thank you for your continued patience.

DRS Interpreter Services

Commission

About DRS

Interpreter Services

Tonya Garman - Executive Project Manager

Johny Penny- DRS Interpreter Coordinator

Calista Heard- Interpreter Certification and Resource Center

Contact:

DRSInterpreterServices@okdrs.gov

(On the left) Executive Director Melinda Fruendt is aided by ASL Interpreter Tonya Garman when talking to individuals who are deaf or need alternative communication.

Program Updates

UPDATED: 27 May 2026

The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) and the Interpreter Certification Resource Center (ICRC) would like to share an update on the state’s interpreter screening process.

In 2024, DRS received the Oklahoma Quality Assurance Screening Test for Interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Test Validity and Reliability Study. In fall 2025, ICRC paused all QAST testing due to staffing transitions. Later that year, DRS collected statewide feedback through the Interpreter Credentialing Opinion survey. An ICRC Coordinator was hired in early 2026 to help modernize resources and improve screening services.

The pause in QAST testing has affected interpreters, schools, agencies, and community members. The ICRC recognizes the challenges this has created, including the lack of a current method to evaluate interpreter quality and uncertainty for those who rely on QAST screening for employment or services. ICRC is committed to rebuilding a system that is consistent, fair, and accessible.

To move forward, the Interpreter Certification Resource Center has an approved two-part plan:

Reopen the QA Screening in Fall 2026, with small updates to the current process. These include a revised application system, video-based preparation materials, a single room for warm‑up and testing, updated surveys, and simplified result summaries.
Begin developing a modernized, accessible state screening system for both Deaf and hearing interpreters. This project will include collaboration with experts, community partners, an advisory committee and an Ad-hoc Modernization Workgroup to ensure the system is evidence‑based, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of Oklahoma’s communities.

ICRC will continue to share updates as this work advances and remains available for questions or further communication. Included with this letter are key dates moving forward, along with summaries of both the validity study and the interpreter opinion survey.

Ways to Connect

Email: icrc@okdrs.gov

Monthly open Zoom office hours, next session: June 12, 10:30-11:30am

Appointments with the ICRC Coordinator: calista.heard@okdrs.gov or ft/text 405‑517‑8660

Key Dates
• August 2026: Application and test date selection opens
• September 2026: Testing conducted at the Interpreter Certification Resource Center, 5005 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73015
• December 31, 2026: CEU deadline (2.0 CEUs earned January 2025–December 2026)
• January 31, 2027: Certification renewal fee due ($50)

DRS and ICRC appreciate the community’s patience and partnership as we work to elevate the quality of interpreting available in Oklahoma.

Video signed version:

Message: https://youtu.be/N2V14HOTUWI

Timeline: https://youtu.be/_MIhgmrWPRI

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13 May 2026

QAST screenings will reopen this fall, with test dates available in September. More details will be shared soon, including how to schedule a test, what to expect during screening, and the overall status of the QAST. Details will also be shared on Oklahoma’s state screening efforts to improve interpreter quality for both deaf and hearing interpreters.

As a reminder, please continue collecting your CEUs for 2025 and 2026 (a total of 2.0). These are due December 31.

If you would like to receive email updates, please email ICRC with your name and interest. Thank you!

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30 March 2026

DRS is pleased to announce that Calista Heard has joined the team as the Program Coordinator for the Interpreter Certification and Resource Center (ICRC).

We appreciate the community’s continued patience as we work to restore and enhance ICRC services.

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November 2025

As of November 2025, the Interpreter Certification and Resource Center (ICRC) has transitioned to the Executive Division of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). This change reflects the program’s statewide outreach and long-term strategic importance.

During this transition, some website content may be temporarily outdated. This includes Continuing Education Unit (CEU) totals, which will be reviewed and corrected as system updates are completed.

Interpreter Services

Interpreter Services now encompasses two comprehensive program areas that support the agency’s commitment to high‑quality sign language access.
• Interpreter Coordinator: This program is responsible for managing all internal DRS sign language interpreter service requests, coordinating scheduling, maintaining quality standards, and overseeing contract outreach to ensure consistent and efficient service delivery.
• Interpreter Certification and Resource Center: This program administers interpreter certification activities and provides statewide resources, training support, and guidance to strengthen interpreter competency and expand access to qualified interpreting services.

Find an interpreter

If you are a certified Sign Language Interpreter interested in contracting with DRS, please contact: DRSInterpreterServices@okdrs.gov

DRS does not provide interpreting services for the general public. If you are looking for a sign language interpreter, our local RID chapter provides helpful resources to guide you through the process. More information is available at okrid.org (Oklahoma Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf)

Interpreter Certification and Resource Cener (ICRC)

The Oklahoma Interpreter Certification and Resource Center is the state certifying body for Oklahoma sign language interpreters.

We are currently undergoing some restructuring and process revisions. The state screening (QAST) is currently paused until SEPTEMBER 2026 (updated). More information will be coming soon.

Current Requirements & Updates (as of November 2025)

Following feedback from the field and stakeholders, some earlier decisions have been reconsidered. Portions of previous communication are being withdrawn, and the following updates now apply:

All existing, current interpreter certifications remain valid.
The $50 annual maintenance fee, typically due in January 2026, will be waived for this year.
- If you have not received a certification card showing a 2027 expiration date, please contact ICRC@okdrs.gov.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) should continue to be collected.
- CEUs earned during 2025 and 2026 will be reported together, with 2.0 CEUs due by December 2026.
Testing dates are expected to resume in 2026.
- Additional details will be shared as plans are finalized.