NCAD advocates for the educational, civil, health, and social well-being of Deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind people across North Carolina by elevating community voices, educating policymakers and the public, building partnerships, and promoting accessible policies, services, and resources that advance equal access, opportunity, and full participation in every community.
We envision a North Carolina where Deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind people have their voices elevated, their well-being supported, and equal access to the policies, services, resources, and opportunities needed for full participation in every community.
December 3, 2025
The Honorable Bill Rabon
Senator, District 8
16 West Jones Street, Rm. 2010
Raleigh, NC 27601
Subject: Support for HB854 - Licensure Requirement for K-12 Sign Language Interpreters
As President of the North Carolina Association for the Deaf (NCAD), I am writing to request your support for HB854, which would require educational sign language interpreters in the North Carolina public schools to be licensed. Currently, only community interpreters (medical, legal, employment, etc.) are subject to licensure, leaving our K-12 educational interpreters unregulated.
This bill is essential to ensure that deaf and hard-of-hearing students receive qualified interpretation and equitable access to academic instruction. Presently, many educational interpreters lack sufficient skills, resulting in limited access to classroom content and hindering students' academic and social development. Because our state does not yet require licensure for our K-12 sign language interpreters, this has had a detrimental impact on our deaf and hard-of-hearing students' education.
HB854 aims to raise the standards for educational interpreter qualifications and require licensure, thereby improving educational outcomes for these students.
I appreciate your consideration of this important issue and welcome any questions you may have. I am hoping that we can meet to discuss it further as I am located close to Southport. I am also available to meet you at your office in Raleigh at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Mike Lupo, President
North Carolina Association of the Deaf OurNCAD.org
https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookup/2025/H854
