Language Access Coordinator Contact
David Svoboda, Language Access Coordinator
Arizona Court Interpreter Credentialing Program (ACICP)
1501 W. Washington Street Ste. 410
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-452-3333
Email: interpreters@courts.az.gov
Website
Language Access Plan: Administrative Order 2011-96 established requirements for each court to develop a written language access plan: http://www.azcourts.gov/Portals/22/admorder/Orders11/2011-96.pdf
The Supreme Court's Language Access Plan is available here: https://www.azcourts.gov/Portals/0/SupremeCourtLAP.pdf
This template is provided to courts for use when drafting their individual LAPs.
Interpreter Statutes and Rules: A.O. 2016-02 (ACICP); A.O. 2015-98 (Code of Conduct); A.R.S. ยงยง 12-242, 36-1946 (interpreters for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing); Rule 43c of Rules of Civil Procedure. Administrative Directive 2016-01 lays out policies regarding credentialing.
Coordination/Supervision of Interpreters: Interpreters are coordinated and supervised by the local courts. The AOC provides the Arizona Court Interpreter Registry (https://apps.azcourts.gov/registry), which allows interpreters to list their pertinent profile information. Courts have access to the registry to search for qualified interpreters who may meet their needs. The registry also tracks interpreters’ progress through the ACICP. Additionally, the AOC provides a Listserv for interpreter coordinators across the state to ask questions and share information and resources with one another.
Cost of Interpreting Services (including fees to freelance and salaries of staff interpreters): Non-unified system. Individual courts develop their own process for obtaining and paying for interpreter services.
Budget for the Language Access Program (not including direct interpreter services): Approximately $200,000.
Funding for Language Access Program: There are several funds which are based on surcharges and fees that support statewide initiatives to serve the courts of Arizona. The use of these funds are defined broadly such as supporting criminal case processing or supporting the administration of justice. Portions of these funds are used to pay for the language access program. Additionally, in 2016, Arizona started a credentialing program which includes fees for components. These fees will be used to offset the cost of the program, but are not anticipated to fully cover the cost.
Compensation Range for Salaried Interpreters (spoken language): $35,500 - $84,800.
Compensation Range for Salaried interpreters (sign language): Information not identifiable
Compensation Range for Freelance Interpreters (certified spoken language): $30 - $100/hour
Compensation Range for Freelance Interpreters (certified sign language) :$50 - $85/hour
Difference in pay between Spanish and LOTS Interpreters: Information not identifiable
Minimum Certification Requirements: Arizona adopted a credentialing program for court interpreters in January 2016. The requirements for the Arizona credential include: ethics training, AZ courts training, OPI, English written exam, oral interpreting exam. http://www.azcourts.gov/interpreter/Arizona-Court-Interpreter-Credentialing-Program/Overview-of-Credential-Tiers