Aliza Smith

Coordinates all interpreting assignments as well as provides interpreting services for client services and Deaf staff in-house professional development training. Recruits and trains staff interpreters. Works with interpreting vendors to coordinate and schedule services for any assignments not covered by staff interpreters or myself. Works with the Office on Deaf and Hard of Hearing to team interpret with ODHH staff interpreter for Governor press conferences or MEMA press conferences.

Assist students in obtaining work experience for career exploration, interprets for job interviews, interprets for any on the job training necessary to begin employment, coordinates with OVR counselor and staff to provide Pre Employment Transition Services, makes referrals to OVR at appropriate time, interprets for any field trips to job fairs or visits to businesses, coordinates career exploration events at the school such as "Pathways to Employment" career fair, coordinates bus schedules for student work hours, develops and completes transition pages on IEP, assists students in developing transition plans, coordinates postsecondary school visits and interprets as necessary to facilitate communication, performs career and personality assessments on students and interprets concepts as necessary in order to develop an appropriate career goal and transition plan. Collaborates with OVR in order to provide annual Summer Transition Camp for students who are Deaf and serves as liaison between the Mississippi School for the Deaf and OVR during planning and implementation of the camp.

Responsible for the integrity of the services provided to Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients throughout the state. Develops training for the Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf for communication skills, job placement and providing quality services to clients. Responsible for maintaining contract with Hinds Community College to provide wraparound services to VR clients. Serves as Liaison to Deaf Community, serves as a sitting committee member of the CSAVR Deaf and Hard of Hearing committee, serves as a Board member of South Eastern Regional Institute on Deafness and serving as President during the year of the State being responsible for hosting which occurs every 8 years. Reviews and analyzes data related to the program and services provided to determine weaknesses and strengths then creates a yearly report sumitted to Federal Rehabilitation Services Administration annually based on the collected data. Collaborated with Mississippi School for the Deaf in providing Transition Services in accordance with WIOA to juniors/seniors through PETS transition classes held biweekly and collaborated in instituting the first annual Summer Transition/ESY camp with MSD and Hinds Community College. During the camp, students were provided classes in accordance with ESY requirements, soft skills training and paid summer internships within their areas of interest. These areas of interest were developed with the student through counseling and work within the Transition Classes. While I currently have no direct supervision duties at this time, I serve in a co-supervisory role with the local managers who directly supervise the counselors.

Responsible for implementation of the Interpreter Registration Law and establishment of the regulations and Board. Responsible for office budget and annual budget request. Created and provided workshops on issues important to the Deaf Community, Interpreter workshops and workshops to the hearing community regarding Deaf awareness. Attended Legislature hearings as needed

Provided interpreting services to the community, advocated for accessibility for Deaf community, provided sign language classes and information to agencies and organizations as requested.