HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROCLAMATION 2026
PROCLAMATION
“Court Interpreter Appreciation Day”
May 6, 2026
WHEREAS: equal access to courts is a cornerstone of the American system of justice and the rule of law; and
language barriers impede access to justice for individuals who are limited -English proficient or individuals who are deaf, deaf-
blind, hard of hearing or speech -disabled individuals who rely on signed language and other assistive communication; and
WHEREAS: Kittitas County District and Superior Courts depend on skilled spoken language interpreters to ensure clear and
accurate communication with limited-English proficient litigants, witnesses, victims, and other participants across all case types;
and
WHEREAS: the courts further rely on qualified sign language interpreters to facilitate effective communication with deaf, deaf -
blind, hard of hearing, and speech-disabled individuals appearing as litigants, witnesses, victims, jurors, or members of the public;
and
WHEREAS: court interpreters bring specialized cognitive, linguistic, and legal knowledge —including mastery of court
terminology and procedures—enabling precise, impartial, and culturally competent interpretation that is essential for fair hearings
and due process; and
WHEREAS: these dedicated professionals uphold the highest ethical standards of accuracy, impartiality, confidentiality, and
professionalism, thereby safeguarding the integrity of court proceedings and strengthening public confidence in our justice s ystem;
and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Board of County Commissioners of Kittitas County, Washington, would like to
recognize and honor the indispensable contribution of court interpreters to ensure equal access to justice for all residents of our
diverse community, and do hereby proclaim Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, as “COURT INTERPRETER APPRECIATION
DAY” in Kittitas County and urge all citizens, elected officials, legal professionals, court personnel, and community stakeholders
at the state and local levels to join us in celebrating and expressing heartfelt gratitude for the expertise, dedication, and vital service
provided by court interpreters every day.
ADOPTED this 21st day of April 2026.
THE KITTITAS COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Cory Wright, Chairman
Brett Wachsmith, Vice-Chairman
ATTEST: Laura Osiadacz, Commissioner
Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board