Our History
In 1978, Central California Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (CCRID) was incorporated as the result of the work of dedicated practitioners, both Deaf and hearing, who wanted to increase the quantity and quality of sign language interpreters as well as enhance the profession of American Sign Language/English interpretation by offering more professional development opportunities locally. Those who signed the original incorporation document as the first directors on the Board of Directors included James Mancini, Edward Truschel, Suzanne Herriman, Steven Rawiszer, Philip Chedester, Reno Coletti, Jr., and Randolph Jordan.
Much of the preliminary work of establishing the affiliate chapter was done by Randy Jordan, CSC, who had moved to Fresno in 1977 to attend California State University, Fresno, then known as Fresno State College. Randy's father introduced him to Reno and Martha Coletti. Reno in turn introduced Randy to other members of the Deaf community, including Ed and Genevive Truschel, Rose and Larry Shoemaker, John Eberwein and others. During discussions with Deaf community leaders and interpreters, it became apparent that locally there were not enough interpreters and no opportunities for professional development. Randy then met with Ralph Nessom, who had been president of RID, to find out how to establish an affiliate chapter in Central California. After doing the necessary paperwork, CCRID was born. The very first president of the newly formed organization was Jim Mancini. Sharon Neumann Solow and Mel Carter presented at the first workshop offered in Fresno. None of this would have been possible without the strong support and encouragement CCRID received from the Deaf community.
Since 1978, CCRID has grown from an organization of approximately 30 members with one certified interpreter to the organization it is today with 111 members, 50 of whom are certified. Those who have served as president of CCRID in addition to Jim Mancini include Terry Sproul, Anne Marks, Carol Helander, Patricia Thron, Kathy Yoshida, Suzanne Conway, Pam Warkentin and Nicole Wolfe. In collaboration with the Deaf community, CCRID continues to be a dynamic organization with the goal of reaching up and out to support interpreters and improve the quality of interpreting services in Central California.
In 1978, Central California Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (CCRID) was incorporated as the result of the work of dedicated practitioners, both Deaf and hearing, who wanted to increase the quantity and quality of sign language interpreters as well as enhance the profession of American Sign Language/English interpretation by offering more professional development opportunities locally. Those who signed the original incorporation document as the first directors on the Board of Directors included James Mancini, Edward Truschel, Suzanne Herriman, Steven Rawiszer, Philip Chedester, Reno Coletti, Jr., and Randolph Jordan.
Much of the preliminary work of establishing the affiliate chapter was done by Randy Jordan, CSC, who had moved to Fresno in 1977 to attend California State University, Fresno, then known as Fresno State College. Randy's father introduced him to Reno and Martha Coletti. Reno in turn introduced Randy to other members of the Deaf community, including Ed and Genevive Truschel, Rose and Larry Shoemaker, John Eberwein and others. During discussions with Deaf community leaders and interpreters, it became apparent that locally there were not enough interpreters and no opportunities for professional development. Randy then met with Ralph Nessom, who had been president of RID, to find out how to establish an affiliate chapter in Central California. After doing the necessary paperwork, CCRID was born. The very first president of the newly formed organization was Jim Mancini. Sharon Neumann Solow and Mel Carter presented at the first workshop offered in Fresno. None of this would have been possible without the strong support and encouragement CCRID received from the Deaf community.
Since 1978, CCRID has grown from an organization of approximately 30 members with one certified interpreter to the organization it is today with 111 members, 50 of whom are certified. Those who have served as president of CCRID in addition to Jim Mancini include Terry Sproul, Anne Marks, Carol Helander, Patricia Thron, Kathy Yoshida, Suzanne Conway, Pam Warkentin and Nicole Wolfe. In collaboration with the Deaf community, CCRID continues to be a dynamic organization with the goal of reaching up and out to support interpreters and improve the quality of interpreting services in Central California.