AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) is laying off its interpreters, according to officials.
The school announced Wednesday that it's eliminating its in-house interpreting service as part of a reduction in force.
In a letter obtained by KVUE, the school told interpreters that their employment will end on Dec. 31, 2023, and that their job function is being eliminated. The letter also stated that there's no guarantee of employment and that interpreters will need to "continue to provide high quality service and meet all job expectations" to remain employed through the end of the year.
TSD said that beginning Jan. 1, 2024, it will outsource interpreters to "a specialized language service provider" in an effort to better manage its interpreting expenses and streamline its budget. The school also said it will work with the selected provider to ensure a seamless transfer.
Here's the statement provided by TSD to KVUE:
"Over the years, our in-house interpreting service has been invaluable in facilitating communication within our school. We greatly appreciate the dedication and hard work of our interpreters in ensuring that language barriers are overcome and effective communication is maintained. However, we believe that outsourcing this service is the best course of action for our school. This shift will allow us to better manage our interpreting expenses and streamline our budget, ultimately enhancing the efficient allocation of resources to other vital areas of our school.
To ensure a smooth transition, we will identify a reputable language service provider that shares our school's values and commitment to quality. We will collaborate closely with the selected provider to ensure a seamless and transparent transfer of responsibilities."