Michigan Interpreter Needs Assessment
Explore the final statewide report and recommendations on improving interpreter access and systems in Michigan led by Innivee Strategies in partnership with LARA.
What is the MINA Project?
The Michigan Interpreter Needs Assessment (MINA) is a statewide study that engaged over 350 community members — Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing individuals, interpreters, educators, and aspiring professionals — to assess the interpreter access ecosystem in Michigan.
Conducted in partnership with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), the project identifies systemic barriers, regional disparities, and opportunities for long-term impact.
See below for key insights we’ve uncovered since early 2025 through this comprehensive needs assessment effort.
This assessment highlighted urgent challenges and clear opportunities to build a stronger, more equitable interpreting system in Michigan. The data isn’t just informative, it’s actionable.
Watch the recorded presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvGQbcX0jDg&t=2516s
Key Findings
- Interpreter shortages are growing — especially in rural, healthcare, and DeafBlind settings
- Community members face critical delays due to unclear regulations and lack of enforcement
- Michigan lacks structured pathways to grow, train, and retain qualified interpreters
- Regional gaps and VRI overuse create equity issues across education, healthcare, and legal systems
Key Outcomes
- Over 350 voices engaged across diverse backgrounds
- Data delivered in a way that state leaders can act on
- Roadmap built for statewide interpreter equity
- Sparked new energy and partnerships for change
How We Led This Work
Innivee Strategies co-developed this project from vision, to concept to delivery with LARA, facilitating accessible data collection in ASL and English, and translating findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
Our team combined lived experience, community trust, and systems expertise to deliver a process that was inclusive, rigorous, and rooted in equity.
Services Provided:
- Stakeholder engagement & facilitation
- Mixed-methods research (surveys, focus groups, interviews)
- Data storytelling & accessible reporting (ASL + plain English)
- Strategic presentations to decision-makers
- Systems and policy insight tailored for state leaders
Explore our related services:
Needs Assessments →
Strategic Planning & Consulting →
Project Support & Collaboration
This project was made possible through collaboration with state leaders and sector partners committed to access, equity, and better health outcomes across Michigan. We are grateful to:
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
LARA oversees licensing and regulation for key professional and community services across Michigan. Through this partnership, the department supported coordination, data collection, and policy insight to strengthen interpreter systems statewide.
Learn more at michigan.gov/lara →
Division on Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing (DODDBHH)
The Division on Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing affirms the right of Michigan residents who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing to secure effective communication. DODDBHH contributed vital leadership, data, and community engagement in the MINA project.
Learn more at michigan.gov/mdcr/divisions/doddbhh →
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents and reduce the cost of healthcare, with a special focus on children and older adults.
Learn more at mihealthfund.org →
The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA)
MHA is a statewide leader representing all community hospitals in Michigan. It supports its members’ efforts to deliver high-quality, cost-effective, and accessible care while advocating on critical legislative and regulatory issues.
Learn more at mha.org →
Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS)
The Bureau of Community and Health Systems promotes health, safety, and quality of life for Michigan residents by regulating healthcare facilities and community-based services. BCHS played an essential role in aligning interpreting access within healthcare settings and service coordination.
Learn more at michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bchs →
Michigan Board of Interpreters for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing
The Michigan Board of Interpreters for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing supports quality assurance and continuous improvement within state programs that serve Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals. Their participation informed the development of measurable, sustainable strategies for interpreter quality and access.
Learn more at michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bchs/qualified-interpreter →
Let’s Work Together
Want to do something like this in your state or organization? Innivee Strategies specializes in designing research and strategy projects that are grounded in real community needs and delivered in ways decision-makers can act on. Whether you’re exploring workforce challenges, launching a statewide assessment, or rethinking access policy — we’re ready to partner.