When was the Bilingual, Hearing, and Speech Impaired Court Interpreter Act enacted?

The Bilingual, Hearing, and Speech Impaired Court Interpreter Act was enacted in 1977. This legislation aimed to address the need for qualified interpreters in court settings, ensuring that individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing receive fair treatment and full access to the judicial process. By establishing standards for interpreters, the act recognized the critical role that communication access plays in legal proceedings, ultimately enhancing the legal rights and protections for individuals with hearing impairments. The timing of the enactment in 1977 reflects a growing awareness during that period of the importance of accessibility and inclusion in public services, including the judicial system.