It is with great optimism and excitement that the NC ASLTA has started off well with the new year of 2009. I anticipate that we will continue to show strides in making the NC ASLTA one of the best state chapters in Deaf America.

Let me start with the SLPI which it represents Sign Language Proficiency Interview…..the NC ASLTA has just completed the implementation of the SLPI process. Since we already have several raters readily available for rating work, we have recently begun accepting applications. In the meantime, Kathy Apperson who has agreed to take charge of the SLPI has already coordinated training opportunity for NC ASLTA members/SLPI raters. The training will focus just on rating which will take place on Saturday, January 31st at Central Piedmont Community College Cato Campus.  If you are a current SLPI rater and wish to serve on the NC ASLTA rating team, please contact Kathy for more information at Katapperson@msn.com. Now I am sure you wonder…..how do we conduct the SLPI interviews for those from elsewhere in America and in NC? Thanks to Videophone technology…….we certainly use videophone with the DVD recorder recording “live” interviews with an interviewer, followed by making DVD copies for selected raters for rating work. In our opinion, the process will prove to be quicker and easier for all involved. Because of this exciting endeavor, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude toward NC ASLTA Board members for doing the “legwork”, NC Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for their support, and Kathy for spearheading this difficult task. It is definitely a challenge. Several states have inquired about how we began the process but realized that it was rather difficult for them to emulate for one obvious reason…….a larger pool of potential raters that we already have.

Additionally, I am proud to tell you that Deaf professionals from many different states have contacted us regarding ASL teaching and training opportunities in NC. As a result, we have become more of a viable resource providing them with information.  The most often asked questions are in reference to ASL teaching licensure in which I believe has caught their attention nationwide.

Now even more exciting, the NC ASLTA Conference is actually taking place at Gardner Webb University on April 16th-18th. The theme for this Conference is “The Power of ASL”. With the help of Nelson Oakley, he designed a logo which fits just right with the theme. We will still have Jason Zinza as our keynote speaker and workshop presenter. Moreover we are fortunate to take advantage of one full-day workshop sponsored by Sorenson. For more information, please feel free to contact Bob Moore at rmoore@gardner-webb.edu and/or Lynn Dey at ldey@gardner-webb.edu. Since plans are still underway, we will be meeting again right after the rating training on 31st of this month.

Most importantly of all, it is time to renew your membership so please contact Terry Wright through our website for payment. As to speak with you as the members, I really want to thank you very much for your support and devotion to NC ASLTA. With much dire need of your help, please spread the words about how much we, the NC ASLTA has impacted on the importance of ASL for Deaf children, primarily in educational setting. So is true the employment and training opportunities for Deaf professionals in which they seek and will find North Carolina the right place for their personal and professional growth. More than often, for those who have contacted us find themselves surprised to learn more about us than they think they know enough about us.

Finally, from the bottom of my heart, I really thank the fellow board members for their dedication, service, diligence and leadership they have contributed to the NC ASLTA for the past two years. What a wonderful team I have been privileged to work with. Thank you……………James Wilson