MOUNT ZION – Lydia Henson spends her work days going from high school class to high school class with student Chandler Hudson, interpreting into sign language the things the teachers and other students say in class.

Hudson is hearing-impaired, and Henson is the only certified educational interpreter in the Macon-Piatt Special Education District.

“This is not unique to Macon-Piatt,” said Kathy Massey, assistant director of special education. “We all have trouble finding interpreters who are certified, and I think part of it is the continuing hours on campus. We’re always looking for standard approval issued by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.”