Disclaimer: Information sourced from personal experience and research by Rachel Judelson and Lauren Parlapiano. We are not accountants or experts. Information is changing rapidly and daily. Please send feedback and questions to covid19response@massrid.org.
There are five main funding options for freelance interpreters whose work has stopped or significantly reduced because of COVID-19:
From CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act)
3.75% loan
Initial funding ran out; funding to be replenished 4/27/2020.
Update: as of 4/27/2020, EIDL is not accepting new applications for the replenished funding. They will address prior outstanding applications first. New applications will be allowed at a later date.
Payments deferred one year
EIDL Advance had a hack and 8,000 names and account details were divulged
PayPal PPP - for those who have applied for a PPP through PayPal
Philosophy
MassRID recognizes the minority status of Deaf people and the long history of linguistic and cultural oppression they have endured. We therefore publicly proclaim our respect and support for Deaf people’s right to self determination and true communication access. (CIT, 1992).
Mission
It is the mission of MassRID to work together with the Deaf Community in meeting the interpreting needs of Massachusetts residents by enhancing the quality and availability of sign language interpreters.