Hi all!
Thank you for allowing me to serve VTRID and the Vermont Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities as the VTRID representative for the past 4 years.
I believe that interpreters have a unique position in working with deaf people throughout their life span, affording us a front-row seat to injustice, inequity, and barriers that they face on a daily basis. We are often an untapped resource in affecting systemic change. When the composition of this governor’s council was being discussed and debated within the leadership of VTAD and other stakeholder groups, everyone agreed that interpreters have a place at the table. I am grateful for that. While we are often the oppressors, we also are able to see solutions and connections based on the different people and scenarios we are working in.
Having a VTRID representative on this council ensures NOT that the interpreter’s voice is amplified but that the real experience of working with deaf people navigating within audist systems in the state of Vermont is shared with a council that has the power to affect change. The VTRID rep is a surrogate voice for the deaf people who are not on the council but are directly impacted by the work of the council.
I have truly enjoyed serving in this role and am honored and humbled that you all let me serve.
Kelly Decker will be stepping in for the next 2-year term as VTRID rep on this council and I trust that deaf communities will continue to be in good hands. Kelly, thank you for being willing to serve. Kelly’s term will officially start when mine ends in March.
You all asked for an update on the recently advertised Director of Services for the D/HH/DB position. It was reported at this week’s meeting that 1st round interviews are being conducted this week. In conjunction with 2nd round interviews, the council will have an opportunity to meet the applicants and express their thoughts on the final candidates. Opinions will be taken into consideration by the hiring committee, but the council will not be the decision-makers.
Warmly,
Amy
Amy Williamson, PhD CI|CT|Ed:K-12|SC:L
Pronouns: she/her/they/them
ASL/English Interpreter
802.279.1321 Voice/Text/FaceTime/MarcoPolo
802.371.2318 VP