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 Some information, including CEU totals, may be temporarily out of date.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

Information pages

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

UPDATE 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During this transition, some website content may be temporarily outdated.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 further notice. 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.