Pro-Bank is database of programs targeting youths with disabilities

While looking over some of the searches that draw people to Access Ability, I noticed one from somebody who was searching for online databases. This subject sounded interesting enough to explore, so I checked out some of the query returns and found one that I think merits attention here.

Pro-Bank
Is a database of programs geared towards youth with disabilities. It isn’t exactly the postsecondary group of students that many disability service professionals interact with, but if you are like I was at my last position, you probably have a good number of high school contacts as part of a transition program. This is a useful database to share with the high school folks and their students.

Below is information about the database from the web site:

Pro-Bank is an online database of promising programs and practices in the workforce development system that effectively addresses the needs of youth with disabilities. Pro-Bank was established to:

• Provide you with easily accessible information about promising practices through a trusted resource;
• Supply you with information that can be used to improve products and services within your own programs; and
• Promote quality program services to youth with disabilities throughout the workforce development system.

National Sign Language Interpreter Database: an idea whose time has come

Given the shortage of sign language interpreters, have you ever thought about a database that would list sign language interpreters and let you find those nearest you?

Think no more about it, as the National Sign Language Interpreter Database, or NSLID, is up and running. They have a searchable web site at
nlsid.com

According to the site, their purpose is to:
“Provide a free, national database of Sign Language Interpreters to improve the coordination and availability of support services on a local, state and national level.”

What's really neat is that this database works both ways, providing a listing of the interpreters to those who are seeking them, and also allows interpreters to list their services.

So, if you’re a sign language interpreter wanting to do some freelance work, you can post a listing with your contact information and also list the type of services you provide. (This also works great for agencies to list themselves so that anybody seeking services in their area can locate them.) There are areas to list one’s level of certification or specializations one may possess, such as theatrical or legal interpreting. Additionally, one can also post your pay scale by range and the distance you are willing to travel.

The site is not only about interpreting. The database also allows interpreters to list any specialized services they offer including speech-to-text providers such as C-print, Typewell, CART, as well as oral interpreting and cued speech interpreting.

Thanks to Bet Case of the
Disability 411 Podcast
for the information about this worthwhile database. Also, congratulations to Beth on her 50th podcast. We look forward to more D411 shows in the future.