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What is the IRIS Project?
The IRIS Project is a federally funded 5-year grant (#H160D210006) awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration, to the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) Department of American Sign Language & Interpreting Studies. The project aims to increase the quantity and quality of Deaf, Coda, and hearing interpreters working and living in rural settings by cultivating educational opportunities and sustainable connections that support professional growth.
What is IRIS: CORE Initiative?
IRIS: CORE Initiative will provide ~300 hours of hybrid (onsite and online) interpreting knowledge and skills training designed for rural interpreters. This dialogic, bilingual (ASL & written English) curriculum begins with an onsite orientation from June 23-29, 2024 at the University of Northern Colorado, followed by a 9-month facilitated training via an online community of learning from August 2024-May 2025. Participants also engage in individual and group mentoring.
Upon successful completion of IRIS: CORE Initiative, participants will be invited to further their development via the IRIS Induction Program, a hybrid (onsite and online) community of learning from June, 2025-December, 2025. This 150-hour learning environment provides IRIS participants with the foundation and tools needed for continued self-directed and lifelong learning. This experience focuses on two primary ideas: (1) supporting participants’ connection to rural interpreting work and (2) enhancing participants' employability toolkit.
More details and an FAQ can be found on the IRIS website Interpreter Candidate page.
Cost
Training, mentoring, and RID CEUs are offered at no cost. During the 2024 onsite orientation, IRIS will provide six nights' lodging and several meals (breakfast and lunch on training days) free of charge. Participants will be responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel to and from the onsite orientation. To help defray travel costs, participants who complete the onsite orientation will receive a $550 allotment 6-8 weeks after the onsite training. See the IRIS website Interpreter Candidate FAQ to learn about possible sponsorship options.
What are the criteria to apply?
Participation is open to Deaf, Coda, and hearing interpreters who meet the minimum criteria outlined below. IRIS: CORE Initiative’s communities of learning will be composed of individuals with a diversity of backgrounds and experience who are prepared and ready to commit to an intensive in-person and online community of learning.
Minimum criteria
- 3 or more years of generalist, community-based interpreting experience working in a variety of rural settings, with a variety of deaf people,
- References and responses that indicate readiness to engage in a dialogic hybrid training designed for interpreters living and working in rural settings, and
- Attendance at the onsite orientation at the University of Northern Colorado- Greeley, CO from June 23-29, 2024.
Desired criteria
- Prior interpreter training (formal or informal),
- Experience and comfort with online learning/distance education,
- Evidence of commitment to participating in inclusive and effective training opportunities with individuals with marginalized identities, and
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Though the project will be national in scope and candidates may apply from all U.S. states and territories, priority is given to candidates who live and/or work in one of the 13 IRIS identified states: Alabama, Alaska, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Montana, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming.
Applications are due on December 1, 2023, at 11:59 pm MT
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