Vancro IIS Newsletter Third Quarter 2023

Hello!

Welcome to the first quarterly newsletter from Vancro Integrated Interpreting Services. We have so many exciting things happening across the country, and we are thrilled to be sharing what we’re up to. Within these emails, you will find updates on our programs and services, continuing education opportunities, interpreter spotlights, tips and more!

Each section of our newsletters will be available in ASL via an embedded link to a YouTube video with English voiceover and captions. All images have image descriptions, and the email is sent in HTML and is also available in a plain-text format. You can update your preferences by clicking on the link at the bottom of the email.

Thank you for being a part of the VIIS community, and we hope this newsletter serves as a valuable resource to support your professional journey and helps you get to know us along the way. We look forward to keeping you informed and inspired in the exciting issues to come.

We invite you to actively participate in shaping this newsletter. Your contributions, suggestions, and feedback are greatly valued. If you have any ideas, success stories, or topics you would like us to cover in future editions, please feel free to reach out to us.

Warmly,

The Leadership Team at VIIS

News from our Western Regional Program Manager, Sara Collins

We recently co-hosted a two-day presentation with the Missouri DeafBlind Project entitled “Touch Matters: Communication Strategies with DeafBlind Individuals.” We were delighted to have Ashley Benton and Taylor Ofori in St. Louis to co-present on various communication methods focused on fostering autonomy within the DeafBlind community. We had several DeafBlind consumers, SSPs, interpreters, educators, and community members in the audience! Check out the pictures and descriptions below!

A shot from the back of a multipurpose room. The room is full of about 70 people sitting at tables. At the front of the room, the faces of Ashley Benton, Taylor Ofori, and the interpreting team are visible along with a PowerPoint slide entitled “Experimental Learning”.
A shot from the back of a multipurpose room. The room is full of about 70 people sitting at tables. At the front of the room, the faces of Ashley Benton, Taylor Ofori, and the interpreting team are visible along with a PowerPoint slide entitled “Experimental Learning”.
Two participants are involved in searching and finding for an object using haptic signals. In the foreground there are boxes of snacks, and in the background two tall signs explaining the MO DeafBlind Project are on display.
Two participants are involved in searching and finding for an object using haptic signals. In the foreground there are boxes of snacks, and in the background two tall signs explaining the MO DeafBlind Project are on display.
In the foreground, Mary Hale is using Haptic signals to describe a yellow truck to Vanessa Reyes, who is blindfolded. In the background, two more participants are involved in a similar activity and a PowerPoint slide displays the haptic signals for colors.
In the foreground, Mary Hale is using Haptic signals to describe a yellow truck to Vanessa Reyes, who is blindfolded. In the background, two more participants are involved in a similar activity and a PowerPoint slide displays the haptic signals for colors.

Vancro Integrated Interpreting Services Logo

Have you ever wondered what the story behind our logo is? The Vancro logo is designed by a Deaf artist named Adam Glazier. The logo is a representation of Vancro’s values as a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Organization. The stars represent the sacrifices the company’s owners endured. The hand represents American Sign Language, and each of the three stars represent Vancro’s key stakeholders: the Deaf or DeafBlind person using Vancro’s services. The interpreters who provide unparalleled access. And the requesters who look to Vancro to provide equity and access.

A Few Words from Our New DeafBlind Services Program Manager in Missouri

Hello!
My name is Brett Wilhelm. I am the new Missouri DeafBlind Services Program Manager here at Vancro. I have been involved in the Blind and DeafBlind communities in Missouri for many years, first as an assistive technology instructor and then as president of Sight and Sound Impaired of St Louis or SASI, a support group for a DeafBlind individuals and their families in the St Louis area. I have also served on various committees that provide services to the Deaf Blind community in Missouri. I live in O’Fallon, Missouri, which is a suburb of St Louis. I live with my parents and my cat, Kit Kat. During my free time, I like learning new technology, swimming, tandem bike riding and playing with my little niece, Jo-Jo. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with this amazing team, and I’m especially excited about working with my various consumers, SSPs, and Program Specialists. If you have any questions for me, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by email. [email protected].

Previous Quarter Team Kudos

Each month Vancro’s leadership team selects one or two interpreters, SSPs or readers to celebrate their incredible work and commitment to the communities that we serve.

Check out our selections for April, May and June:

Miriam Lerner – Interpreter
Tia Rice – SSP
Diane Barkstrom – Interpreter
Marisa Bertani – SSP
Janet Dattilio – Interpreter
Jim Lipski – Interpreter
Rachel Cahill – Interpreter
Patrick Weeks – Interpreter

Thank you for being a part of our team, we appreciate you!

Interpreter Intelligence Mobile App Update

We are thrilled to announce the launch of Interpreter Intelligence’s new and improved user-friendly app for managing assignments! This new update provides an efficient experience, enabling you to access features and assignments right from the palm of your hand. Here are the key highlights:

  • Comprehensive assignment details: now you can access all the assignment details directly through the app. This includes a map displaying the location of in-person assignments, ensuring you can easily navigate to your destination.
  • Live links: The app incorporates live links, allowing you to open links to remote interpreting assignments, closing out jobs and incidentals. The new app enables you to close out assignments after completion and add incidentals where applicable.
  • Document uploads: In certain cases, documents may be required for an assignment. With the updated app, you now have the capability to upload necessary documents directly from your mobile device.

To get started, please follow these simple steps:

  1. Download the app. On your phone, go to the app store and search for Interpreter Intelligence. Download and install the app.
  2. When logging in for the first time, you will need to know your username and password. It will also ask for a token. The token is Vancro.
  3. Be sure to select the “On-site Module” when it asks.

We believe you’ll find this update to provide a more user-friendly experience and allow for better assignment management. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at [email protected].

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