WI Deaf community to gain expanded protection when sign language bill becomes law

Congratulations to Wisconsin Association of the Deaf and other advocates who worked to advance the passage of AB 250, which provides for a more appropriate scope of practice for sign language interpreters in the state, gives more protections for members of the Deaf community, and helps address the level of access. AB 250 also helps attract new and retain current sign language interpreters by increasing access to sign language interpreter licensure exams in Wisconsin.

DRW was pleased to support this bill and glad to see it voted into law. Here is some footage from the Assembly floor:

• Representative Jonathan Brostoff (D-Milwaukee), who worked on the bill, delivered his floor speech in American Sign Language, a historical first for the Wisconsin State Legislature.

For more information, check out recent news stories about the passage of AB 250:

• Wisconsin’s Deaf community to gain expanded protection when sign language bill becomes law
• Rep. Brostoff can finally get a haircut — bill to protect deaf community passes Legislature