Why do we have a Dispute Resolution Process?
The Dispute Resolution Process is a guide for all members of AVLIC in their pursuit of professional standards of practices and a mechanism by which the public is protected in the delivery of service. AVLIC, through this process, seeks to bring quality and accountability to the field of interpreting.
How is the Dispute Resolution Process Different from the Grievance Committee originally used by AVLIC to settle disputes?
The new DRP relies heavily on a mediation based approached towards resolving disputes and looking into perceived violations of the AVLIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines of Professional Conduct. AVLIC recognized the need to implement a different model for dealing with disputes, concerns and questions regarding professional conduct. Its aim is to provide support and direction from within the regional chapters of AVLIC. At the heart of this new process is the belief that problems are best resolved by direct communication and a commitment to developing and maintaining professional relationships.
I have a concern about a co-worker and I don't know if it warrants entering the Dispute Resolution Process. What should I do?
Level One-Discussion and/or Consultation recognizes conflicts are best resolved by direct communication and a commitment to developing and maintaining professional relationships. In order to begin this process, AVLIC will provide Internal Resource Persons to assist in beginning the process of consultation between the two parties. Entering Level One Discussion and/or Consultation does not mean you are filing a grievance against a co-worker. AVLIC anticipates that Level One, Discussion and/or Consultation of the Dispute Resolution Process (DRP) is where most conflicts will be resolved.
What is an Internal Resource Person and what do they do?
An Internal Resource Person (IRP) is a trusted and neutral communication facilitator who is able to work effectively with other people. IRPs function as community resource people, responding to questions regarding interpreter conduct, ASL, interpretation, Deaf culture and Deaf community issues. The IRP offers information, clarifies issues and assists in the resolution of conflicts.
What if, after Level One Discussion and/or Consultation, the conflict is not resolved?
If the conflict is not resolved in Level One Discussion and/or Consultation, the parties will contact the DRP Coordinator who will then be in touch with the AVLIC Board Liaison to the DRP. A review of the situation will occur by the AVLIC Board Liaison and in consultation with the AVLIC Board of Directors; we will attempt to assist the parties to come to a resolution within the resources available to the AVLIC Board of Directors during the review and suspension of Level Two of the original DRP.
Can the Dispute Resolution Process be used to resolve issues between members even if they are not certified?
Yes, the Dispute Resolution Process can be used to resolve issues amongst members of AVLIC regardless of skill or qualifications.
Can the Dispute Resolution Process be used to resolve issues between interpreters who are not members of AVLIC?
No, the DRP including the Internal Resource Person (IRP) are only available to interpreters whose membership is in good standing with the association. If an interpreter, organization or member of the Deaf community has an issue with an interpreter who is not a member of AVLIC, the issue needs to be resolved independently or they have the choice not to work with or hire that interpreter for future appointments.
How are Internal Resource Persons selected?
A committee for selecting Internal Resource Persons is formed to select qualified candidates. Those interested in becoming an IRP can apply using the method found on the AVLIC website.
Who can become an Internal Resource Person?
The IRP needs to be a trusted member of his or her local community, with strong communication skills and a desire to contribute to strengthening the relationships within the community. Additional qualifications are outlined on the AVLIC website.
Can I be an Internal Resource Person and hold a board position on a local or national interpreting or Deaf association/organization?
In order to be eligible to be an IRP, one cannot occupy a position of President or Vice President on the Board of Directors of AVLIC or its Chapter Affiliates, or the national Deaf organizations and their affiliates. Nor can there be a grievance filed against the potential IRP at the time of submitting their application.
How long is the term for an Internal Resource Person?
Appointed candidates will be required to commit to a three-year term. This timeframe was chosen to allow for sufficient training of the IRPs and attention to the fiscal responsibility of the association.
Is there training provided to become an Internal Resource Person?
The appointed candidates will be provided training addressing different approaches utilized for successful communication, facilitation and dispute resolution management.
Is the Internal Resource Person a paid position?
The IRP is a volunteer position. This is an opportunity for individuals who have a desire to further their communication skills and to help optimize opportunities for positive change within their community.
Where does funding come from to support the Dispute Resolution Process?
The original motions for Dispute Resolution Process monies are below. Fiscal maintenance of the DRP is from membership dues as follows: $25 per Active member for 2005-2006, $30 per Active member for 2006-2007, $35 per Active member for 2007-2008 and $40 per Active member for 2008-2009.
| ID# | Description |
|---|---|
| VA04G-26 | That $15,000 be withdrawn from the AVLIC savings account to be used as seed money for the Ad Hoc DRP Committee. These dollars are over and above the recommended allocation of membership dollars for this project. Suzie Giroux, (Kelly Mackenzie) Amendment: change savings account to general account |
| VA04G-26 | That $10 000 be withdrawn from the AVLIC general account to be used as seed money for the Ad Hoc DRP Committee. These dollars are over and above the recommended allocation of membership dollars for this project. CARRIED |
What if an organization or service provider not directly involved in the interpreting profession or Deaf community has a serious concern about an interpreter's conduct?
Any person or organization who is concerned about the conduct of an interpreter or services provided by an interpreter needs to follow the process as explained above. If they do not wish to take the matter through the levels, then the matter is considered closed and they have the choice not to hire that interpreter for future appointments.
If an interpreter is charged with a legal matter related to interpreting and is awaiting trial, what happens to their membership between the time they have been charged and a decision in the court system is rendered?
An interpreter will continue to hold membership as long as they pay their annual dues. AVLIC has no current practices or policies that allow the association to strip membership based on pending charges.
If a breach of the AVLIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct is blatant, do the parties still need to proceed through all levels?
Yes, everyone wishing to solve a dispute must go through Levels 1 as the goal of this process is to resolve issues at this level first. There are exceptions within the process for heinous situations; therefore, depending on WHAT and WHOM, things can be investigated in consultation with the DRP Coordinator, the AVLIC Board Liaison to the DRP and the AVLIC Board of Directors and it may be determined that Level One is not a suitable or safe option for the parties involved. If this is the case, the AVLIC Board of Directors will determine the most appropriate course of action to resolve this matter. Please contact the AVLIC DRP Coordinator for more information in a case such as this.
