The Access Center (AC) is a program within the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing which provides interpreter and captioner referral services to only state agencies. The AC was established in 1999 (735 KAR 2:010. Definitions for 735 KAR Chapter 2. Relates to: KRS 12.290, KRS 163.510(4) Statutory Authority: KRS 12.290, KRS 163.510(4). The AC is an integral part of the Office of Equitable Access within the KCDHH. The AC provides state agencies interpreter and captioner referral services to ensure all individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in Kentucky have equal access to communication.

This Interpreter Handbook was created by the Access Center staff to serve as a tool for interpreters and captioners who provide services to state agencies. When an interpreter/captioner is referred by the Access Center staff to a state agency, the Access Center must ensure that high quality services and professionalism is being exemplified. This handbook clearly defines KCDHH's procedures and expectations of all interpreters and captioners working through the Access Center. The Access Center hopes that by reading this handbook interpreters and captioners will be better informed about procedures and standards set forth by the KCDHH and therefore will be able to perform their duties in a manner that parallels those standards.