DRS Interpreter Services

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

Resources for finding an interpreter in Oklahoma

Registered ICRC Interpreters (updated July 2026)

CEU completion totals

Grievance Process for State (ICRC) Interpreters (updated June 2026)

UPDATED: 3 August 2026: application links for QAST are now open! See ICRC section below for more details.

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.

updated: 3 August 2026

Candidates will now sign up for a session and indicate which portion of the screening they wish to complete. While the testing components remain the same, the interview and performance portions may now be scheduled separately. All prerequisites and scoring percentages remain unchanged.

To increase access and meet the needs of current interpreters, candidates catching up on certification requirements, and new applicants, sessions are offered most Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

I am providing a significant number of session options this fall so that everyone has the opportunity to complete their screening. Beginning in January, session availability will decrease substantially. Testing will be offered in January and February—this is a change from past practice—but with significantly less session times than this Fall.

If your certification level was extended to expire in March 2027 under previous ICRC administration, it is essential that you take the screening this fall to ensure sufficient time for scoring and any needed retesting. Performance results will be issued within 12 weeks (3 months).

Access for Deaf Interpreter Candidates
With the ability to schedule screening components separately, Deaf interpreters now have access to two portions of the QAST: the written exam and the ethical interview. This is an important step toward ensuring that the interpreting system is accessible to all interpreters. Please help spread the word—additional information will be shared soon.

Letter 2026 August 3: ICRC update with detail. Signing version
Letter 2026 July: regarding goals of QAST and information behind the decision to re-open testing Signing version of this letter
Process map and information with updates: QAST Screening Information.
1. Written exam sign up: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/Abr2SJDxQf
2. Interview sign up: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/740bXikDJU
3. Performance sign up: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/0L7VuHeQCV

Ways to Connect

Email: icrc@okdrs.gov

Monthly open Zoom office hours, next session: August 14, 10:30-11:30am

Appointments with the ICRC Coordinator: calista.heard@okdrs.gov or ft/text 405‑517‑8660

Key Dates

Some important dates for the next 5 months: https://youtu.be/lJonXL9skkk

1. August: Online application for QAST test opens

2. September: QAST Testing days begin

3. October: As an appreciation for your ongoing patience this past year, ICRC is hosting a free workshop on Saturday afternoon, October 17. This will be .3 ethics credit for ICRC only (no RID CEUs will be awarded). Thank you for your patience through staffing changes, policy changes, and process updates.

4. November: online link for yearly maintenance fee will be sent- payment will still need to be mailed, but information will be filled out online.

5. December: ALL 2.0 CEUs are due before December 31. 20 hours from 2025-2026 are due to maintain ICRC levels.