Workshops

PS = Professional Studies

GS = General Studies

Beldon, Jimmy

Biography
Jimmy Beldon, CDI, MA, has been a professional involved in the interpreting field on many levels. Jimmy is the co-owner of Keystone Interpreting Solution, an interpreter referral business. Additionally, he taught at the St. Catherine University in the Interpreter Education Program at Minnesota 2006-2016. Jimmy recently wrapped up 2 terms serving on National Conference of Interpreter Trainer (CIT) board as vice president and is currently serving as director of technology. JImmy was co-chair of the first national conference of Deaf Interpreter Conference in 2015.

Wednesday Evening Retreat: Conference Call to Evolve and Embrace Our Connections; Lillian’s Circle; NDI’s Launch (0.3 CEUs PS)
After a welcome by DIC2 Chair and committee, the retreat at the conference will guide the participants to build connections with each other through ice-breaker activities. The activities will allow the participants to discover and evolve connections with each other. Through the group processes, the participants will develop means for a support system during the conference and afterwards. Through the ice breakers, participants will identify their assets in life experiences and interpreting work. Lillian’s Circle will be introduced as a memorial to Lillian Garcia and will be a place for Deaf persons of Color to gather for a support system. A brief lecture will provide the background of the importance of such a support system. Lastly, there will be a launch of National Deaf Interpreters as a means to evolve, embrace, and empower ourselves as Deaf Interpreters.

Workshop: Deaf Interpreter 101: Parts 1 and 2 (0.4 CEUs PS)
This workshop will begin with reviewing interpreting history and types of oppressions. The workshop presenter will introduce the interpreting theories and different types of interpreting that deaf interpreter will do. In second part of workshop, participants will have the opportunity to do some hand-on practices with interpreting. This is a multiple session workshop. You must attend all parts to receive CEUs. Partial CEUs will not be awarded.

Workshop: See through Deaf Interpreter’s Eyes: Ethical Decisions Making (0.4 CEUs PS)
This workshop will begin with reviewing NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct. After each tenet, audience will receive several case studies and will have opportunity to create the discussion on different perspectives, approaches, and choices on how to address the ethical conflicts related to Deaf Interpreter work. The workshop presenter will bring in deaf interpreter, hearing interpreter, and interpreting agency perspectives to simplify the rationale on the decision-making actions. This workshop also will allow the discussion on how to take an action if the decision-making is not at favor of deaf consumer and deaf community. After workshop, the participants would have better insight on how to arrive the final decision on the ethical dilemma. This is a multiple session workshop. You must attend all parts to receive CEUs. Partial CEUs will not be awarded.

Endnote: Status Quo Bad Reality/Good Reality: Embrace the Changes (0.1 CEU PS)
Have you noticed that the same tasks, deaf interpreters/team interpreters, and problems can change from status quo to opportunity in an instant, depending on the way you think about them? We need to reinforce the power we have to influence our own work, our relationships with consumers and team interpreters, and day to day life as Deaf interpreter.

Bienvenu, MJ

Biography
MJ Bienvenu, Ph.D., is a professor at Gallaudet with the Department of ASL and Deaf Studies. She has taught ASL classes, interpreting and presently a co-director of MA in Sign Language Education where in her classes, she prepares our ASL teachers in the field of ASL Instruction. MJ has a BA in English (1974) and a MA in Linguistics (1983), both from Gallaudet University and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies, with specialization in Linguistics and Lexicography (2003), from Union Institute and University. MJ served as a Board member with Deaf Women United, National PKZ, and Conference for Interpreter Trainers, and is now a board member of the Deafhood Foundation. MJ was a co-producer of Deaf Culture, Facial Grammar, and ASL Numerical System video series and is presently working with 3 colleagues on a monolingual ASL dictionary.

Plenary: How We Evolved and are Empowering Ourselves into the Future (0.1 CEU PS)
The presentation will briefly look at the history of Deaf interpreters before MJ begins discussion on empowerment and concept of mapping. MJ will then discuss the importance of having a mission and a vision.

Workshop: Empowering Ourselves: Looking Forward (0.2 CEUs PS)
The workshop will follow the plenary the night before, mapping our vision for Deaf Interpreters. A brief re-introduction to the concept of empowerment and mapping will be made to the audience before they are given tasks to do in groups. Their discussion/analysis will be shared with all others.

Sunday panel: And from here on: Empower Collaborations between Deaf Interpreters and Our Diverse Deaf Communities” moderated by MJ Bienvenu (0.2 CEUs PS)
The moderator will lead the Panel on major issues that representatives from Deaf organizations such as National Association of the Deaf, National Black Deaf Advocates, Council de Manos, etc, perceive to be related to Deaf interpreters, lack of diverse Deaf interpreters, understanding of functions of Deaf interpreters, and how they can promote the work and profession of Deaf interpreters as well as recruit more diverse Deaf persons as interpreters.

Broadway, Hayley

Biography
Hayley Broadway (Foster) is a ProTactile consultant and trainer that resides in Austin, Texas with her two children. She is a graduate of Texas State University and holds a bachelors degree in special education, magna cum laude. She completed training at Tactile Communications (TC) in Seattle, Washington, a DeafBlind training center founded by one of the leading DeafBlind specialists. She was a part of the TC curriculum development team, and she is currently one of the trainers for TC. Identifying as DeafBlind, she is a very passionate advocate for the DeafBlind community, and educates on topic covering DeafBlind, DeafBlind Interpreting, and ProTactile. Hayley has given ProTactile Workshops in Austin, Texas and Rochester, New York. She currently is working with Travis County Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in developing Texas’ first ever paid Support Services Program (SSP).

Workshop: ProTactile: An Introduction Parts One and Two (0.4 CEUs PS)
This workshop will provide an introduction to ProTactile: The DeafBlind Way and its language, DeafBlind culture sensitivity training, discussions, and interactive activities. Just like ASL, ProTactile is evolving, and we all can learn how to embrace ProTactile, in that sense. Once embraced and respected as a standard of your work, you will be able to become better allies, and provide DeafBlind with access through ProTactile and being culturally appropriate and sensitive to its philosophy, culture, and language. ProTactile changes your attitudes and the society beliefs of DeafBlind individuals, therefore impacting your work, in positive ways in the DeafBlind community. The workshop will conclude with questions and answers. This is a multiple session workshop. You must attend all parts to receive CEUs. Partial CEUs will not be awarded.

Bryant, Ritchie

Biography
Ritchie Bryant received his B.A. in ASL from Gallaudet University and M.S. in Deaf Education from McDaniel College. A native Texan he has been teaching ASL to the interpreting students for 15 plus years in five different states before moving to DC two years ago. He has been CDI certified since 2007 and been interpreting in the community especially in Deaf-Blind, legal and medical settings. He has served numerous years on the organizations such as Deafhood Foundation, Black Deaf Advocates, and RID Deaf Advisory Council. He has provided a consultant to various organizations and agencies from contributing to the development of the Deaf interpreter test to online ASL mentor program. His interests include developing African-American storytelling within the Deaf community, and video editing on his computer.

Plenary: THINK ME NUTHING! Understanding the Richness of the Black Deaf Community (0.1 CEU PS)
How well do you know the Black Deaf Community? Do you feel confident that you will able to understand the Black Deaf client’s background, or their experience with oppression well enough to provide appropriate cultural mediation between two parties? Did you notice when their facial expression displayed hostility toward you or to certain White authorities? Why can’t Black Deaf people sign just like White Deaf people? Those questions will be discussed in the workshop with open and frank talk. Our objective is to develop a better understanding of how the Black Deaf community has been viewed – fairly or unfairly – by the dominant group. This workshop format is interactive and the participants will be expected to engage in the discussion via online poll and small group discussions.

Workshop: Visual Gestural Communication 101 (0.2 CEUs PS)
The workshop will follow the plenary the night before, mapping our vision for Deaf Interpreters. A brief re-introduction to the concept of empowerment and mapping will be made to the audience before they are given tasks to do in groups. Their discussion/analysis will be shared with all others.

Burcham, Pauline

Biography
Pauline Burcham hailed from New York City and graduated from the Lexington School for the Deaf. After attending college at National Technical Institute for the Deaf and CUNY Hunter College, she moved to San Diego, California for a change of scenery and to continue her academic pursuits. In 2015, Pauline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in Africana Studies. Her passion and interest are in social justice, Africana Deaf Studies, the intersectionality of identity and theater. She brings all of these elements into the classroom as an American Sign Language instructor where she has been working since 2012. She is currently a graduate student at Gallaudet University in the Master of Sign Language Education program and is anticipating completing her studies in August 2017. She hopes to continue teaching and encouraging people of all backgrounds and experiences to share in the intrigue and treasure of communicating in ASL.

Workshop: The ASL and Interpreting Fields: Linguistic and Cultural Convergence (0.2 CEUs PS)

Within the curriculum of a majority of language majors (such a Spanish), there is a strong emphasis on learning the history and culture through the language being studied, after acquiring the language fundamentals. As their studies and language development advance, they are able to branch out into more specialized discourses where knowledge of the language and culture are necessary (Gee, 2004). Current trends in the American Sign Language (ASL) field involve ASL and Deaf Studies majors eventually becoming interpreting students. Rather than broadening the scope of study as is apparent with other language majors, this has a narrowing effect to pursue specialized training in interpreting. However, this narrowing effect has limited the scope of study for non-interpreting students who are seeking for more specialized signing skills (Parker, 2017). This results in two apparent dichotomies: that which exists between other language majors and ASL, and that which exists between interpreting and non-interpreting students. While these divergences occur on a curricular level, they have had a tremendous influence on the accessing of professional spaces.

Cole, Janis

Biography

Janis Cole (M.Ed, CDI, ASLTA-P) is a culture, language, literature and literacy educator consultant, ASL/English interpreter, community advocate, facilitator, creative arts consultant, actor, director and producer. She is the president of LesDeux2 Productions. She was DIC1’s co-chair. Janis is currently a doctoral candidate in Gallaudet University’s Interpretation/ Translation Studies (pedagogy/research) and adjunct professor. Prior to that, she was a faculty member with the ASL/Deaf Studies Dept. at Gallaudet University. She taught ASL literature, ASL literacy, and social justice at Boston University’s ASL/Deaf Studies/Deaf Education program. Janis has been interpreting with RSC in 1977, Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) in 1989 from Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. She also holds a Professional certification from the American Sign Language Teachers Association. For 3 years, she served as a committee member for RID’s Deaf Members in Leadership and member of RID’s Deaf Advisory Council and two-year committee member of RID’s Council of Elders. She is on Conference of Interpreters Conference’s Board.

Keynote: An Invitation to New Space: Action and Practice (0.1 CEU PS)

This opening event as a keynote speaker will discuss ways we can interface as a community. We are to focus what we are creating for today and tomorrow and ways we present ourselves with integrity and accountability of ourselves. As well as for the individual, community, stakeholders and the importance at the personal and professional level as the foundation of a character which impacts our actions, values and principles as an interpreter.

Plenary: Delve into Embracement and Empowerment: What can CIT do for you? (0.1 CEU PS)

Forestal, Eileen

Biography
Eileen Forestal, Ph.D., RSC, was a visiting professor at University of Southern Maine for the year of 2016-2017. Forestal retired after 36 years as Coordinator/ Senior Professor of ASL-English Interpreting Programs at a college in New Jersey. Certified as a Deaf interpreter since 1979, and interprets primarily in legal and medical settings. She is also a national and international educator. Forestal has published widely, including “Deaf interpreters: Exploring their processes of interpreting” in Deaf interpreters at work: International insights in Gallaudet University Press (2014), "Emerging Professionals: Deaf Interpreters and Their Views and Experiences on Training" in Interpreting and Interpreter Education: Directions for Research and Practice, Oxford University (2005), and “Deaf perspectives in interpretation research: A critical element long overdue” in Selected papers from the 2014 International Symposium on Signed Language Interpretation and Translation Research, Gallaudet University Press, 2015).

Wednesday Evening Retreat: Conference Call to Evolve and Embrace Our Connections; Lillian’s Circle; NDI’s Launch (0.3 CEUs PS)

After a welcome by DIC2 Chair and committee, the retreat at the conference will guide the participants to build connections with each other through ice-breaker activities. The activities will allow the participants to discover and evolve connections with each other. Through the group processes, the participants will develop means for a support system during the conference and afterwards. Through the ice breakers, participants will identify their assets in life experiences and interpreting work. Lillian’s Circle will be introduced as a memorial to Lillian Garcia and will be a place for Deaf persons of Color to gather for a support system. A brief lecture will provide the background of the importance of such a support system. Lastly, there will be a launch of National Deaf Interpreters as a means to evolve, embrace, and empower ourselves as Deaf Interpreters.

Furlano, Jennifer

Biography

Jennifer Furlano was born to Deaf parents and a Deaf brother in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. Her parents have deaf siblings as well as cousins. She attended and graduated Wisconsin School for the Deaf in 1987. Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree in ASL/Deaf studies in 1996. She later earned her master’s degree in Elementary Deaf Education from MacDaniel College in 1999. Jennifer's passion for ASL and Deaf children led to her current position as an ASL professor in the ASL/Deaf Studies Department of Gallaudet University and Montgomery College in Rockville. She currently resides in Washington, D.C. with her Yorkipoo, Oliver.

Workshop: Bridge to Borrowing : Strengthening ASL Through Signed Language Borrowing (0.2 CEUs PS)
Hands-on group work activities: when presented with an English word, students will work in groups to agree upon the most appropriate ASL sign for the term. They will share their answers with one another and discuss their results as a whole group. Videos will be shown and we will discuss on the videos. Time will also be provided for a question and answer segment.

Greer, Leslie

Biography

Leslie C. Greer received her MA from the University of Rochester, New York in Linguistics. She holds Professional Certification from the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) and serves as ASLTA certification evaluator. She is a past president of ASLTA for two terms. She served the Conference of Interpreter Trainers as Director of Public Relations and Outreach from 2007 to 2012. Leslie is currently the first Deaf President of CIT since 2012. She had a stint as a weekly TV talk show host with ASL as the official language and was dubbed the “Deaf Oprah.” Last semester Leslie retired as the ASL Department Chair at Mt. San Jacinto College, Menifee, California. She is currently a part time adjunct at the California State University in Northridge. She has presented numerous workshops on sign language teaching, Deaf culture, linguistics and interpreting throughout the country and world. She is fluent in Japanese Sign Language.

Plenary: Delve into Embracement and Empowerment: What can CIT do for you? (0.1 CEU PS)

We want to hear from you! Come to our forum, and talk with Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT) board members and share your feedback, thoughts and suggestions during this open dialogue workshop. CIT President (Leslie Greer), Vice-President (Kim Kurz), Director of Technology & Communication (Jimmy Beldon), Director of Professional Development (Carole Lazorisak), and Director of Public Relations & Outreach (Janis Cole) will be providing the latest updates from CIT. CIT recognizes the field of Deaf Interpreting and Translation as an emerging field that is growing within the profession of interpretation and translation, and aims to encourage Deaf professionals to join and make their contributions to CIT as well to our interpreting profession. The National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers developed Deaf Interpreting competencies and modules for training across the country (“Laying the Foundation for Deaf Interpreter Education” 2017). Some issues are such as how to make CIT more inclusive and Deaf-friendly for our Deaf professionals (e.g., language and interpreter educators, trainers, mentors, and researchers). Participants will discuss their views, experiences, and comments in this open forum about their growth and advancement with their interpretation studies and profession, and learn about what CIT can do to promote and facilitate Deaf interpreters’ advancement with studies and profession.

Plenary: Delve into Embracement and Empowerment: What can CIT do for you? (0.1 CEU PS)

The interactive workshop is designed to provide Deaf interpreters tools and resources for growth and advancement in the interpreting profession. The session will cover four areas: Assessment of Knowledge, Skills, and Perspectives (aka: Attitudes); Analysis of Research-based/ Evidence-based Resources; Analysis of Community Relations; Development of Self-empowerment Plan. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their growth and develop plans for strengthening their knowledge and skills by working through these four areas. Participants will work with evidence-based, published materials that are made available by National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers (NCIEC), and these materials are resourceful for enhancing the effectiveness of one’s interpreting work, teaching and/or mentoring.

Workshop: Facing Roadblocks? What is preventing you from advancing your DI skills? (0.2 CEUs PS)

A qualitative study involving focus group will be conducted during workshop at DIC2 conference to gather information from Deaf interpreters regarding their perspectives of what helps them succeed as a DI and what are some of their roadblocks and barriers in becoming successful working DI. Personal interviews and focus groups are useful methods to collect data on a subject which is still largely unexplored and not extensively researched. Focus groups have been used in interpreting studies with working interpreters, interpreting faculty and students, and Deaf consumers (e.g.,Napier, 2011; Angelilli, 2007; Witter-Merithew & Johnson, 2005; Kurz & Langer, 2004). They provide insights and experiences from which common themes may be drawn through content analysis. Demographic information will be collected as well. Consent forms will be provided for confidentiality purposes.

Grigg-Langdon, Kirsi

Biography

: Kirsi Grigg is a certified interpreter, trainer, and mentor. Kirsi is part of the groundbreaking first Deaf cohort trained to disseminate “Deaf Interpreter Curriculum” provided by NCIEC. Furnished with training materials and experiences, you will find her presenting about Deaf mentoring, Deaf-centered interpreting theories and processes, teaming, and self-assessment tools. Kirsi received her Master’s degree in Interpretation from Gallaudet University in 2010. In addition to training and interpreting, Kirsi is involved with research by assisting in multiple research projects in linguistics and interpretation since 2005. Her graduate thesis was focused on identifying common pathways Deaf Interpreters take to enter the profession. This gave Kirsi a thorough knowledge of the current state of art knowledge of published literature on interpretation.

Workshop: Who Are You? Your Identity as Deaf Interpreter (0.2 CEUs PS)
What is Deaf Interpreting? And what does it mean for us as an individual? This workshop will dive in a discussion about intrapersonal values that we bring to our professional identity as Deaf interpreters and what is considered as a collective professional identity of Deaf Interpreter. Together, we create a landscape of Deaf Interpreting, identify the boundaries of the profession, and how we can co-create accountability among ourselves as Deaf interpreter peers and especially to our own individual selves. There will be artistic hand-on activities to explore our individual core values and how those values carry over to our professional identity as Deaf interpreter. This workshop draws heavily from Wenger-Trayner's article "Learning in a landscape of practice: a framework" (2014) and your readiness to be creative to draw your identity as a Deaf Interpreter.

Harris, Raychelle

Biography

Third generation Deaf and a native ASL signer, Raychelle Harris received her Bachelors in American Sign Language (ASL) from Gallaudet University in 1995 and Masters in Deaf Education from Western Maryland College in 2000. She returned to Gallaudet University for her doctoral studies in the areas of education and linguistics, with her dissertation topic focused on ASL discourse in academic settings. In 2008, Raychelle joined Gallaudet University’s Department of Interpretation as a faculty member. Since 2009, Raychelle has been teaching with the Department of ASL & Deaf Studies, preparing future ASL teachers in the Masters in Sign Language Education program in online, hybrid and onsite formats. She is also one of four co-editors of Journal of ASL and Literatures (JASLL) website. Raychelle holds Professional Certification with the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) and is a state-level Certified Deaf Interpreter.

Workshop: The ASL and Interpreting Fields: Linguistic and Cultural Convergence (0.2 CEUs PS)

Krieger, Jay

Biography

Jay Krieger holds RID’s Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) certificate for six years and Conditional Legal Interpreter Permit – Relay (CLIP-R) certificate for two years. Jay has worked in many different interpreting settings: Legal, Education, Health, Mental Health, and for DeafBlind. Legal interpreting is his passion, He is registered as Qualified Court Interpreter in several states. He offers workshop presentation on various topics. Jay served as Technology Chair for the national’s first Deaf Interpreter Conference and is serving as Technology Chair and added on the role of the Treasurer for the second Deaf Interpreter Conference. Jay has three daughters, and recently became a Grandpa.

Plenary: Roundtable with RID, DAC, and CASLI moderated by Jay Krieger (0.275 CEUs GS)Through a moderator, the panelists who are representatives RID (RID Region 1 and Deaf Member at Large), RID’s DAC (Deaf Advisory Council), and CASLI (testing board) will present updates regarding RID, CDI’s tests and future plans as well as concerns and issues faced by this entities. There will be a question-answer period.

Kurz, Kim

Biography

Dr. Kim Kurz is Chairperson of the American Sign Language & Interpreting Education department at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID). Dr. Kurz also works in the NTID Associate Dean’s Office for Curriculum and Special Projects and is the Co-Director of Sign Language Research Lab in NTID’s Center of Cognition and Language. She earned her doctorate in Education from the University of Kansas with a minor in Linguistics. Prior to coming to NTID, she served for ten years as the Program Director of the Interpreter Training Program and an Assistant Program Director of the Gallaudet University Regional Center at Johnson County Community College. She is a primary author of Learning Outcomes for American Sign Language Skills: Level 1-4. She worked closely with the New York State Department of Education related to outcomes for “Graduates of Baccalaureate Interpreter Preparation Programs Specializing in K-12th Grade Settings” and the ASL teacher’s certification exam design. She served on the American Sign Language Standards National Committee to develop learning outcomes for students learning a language as their second or third language.

Plenary: Delve into Embracement and Empowerment: What can CIT do for you? (0.1 CEU PS)

We want to hear from you! Come to our forum, and talk with Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT) board members and share your feedback, thoughts and suggestions during this open dialogue workshop. CIT President (Leslie Greer), Vice-President (Kim Kurz), Director of Technology & Communication (Jimmy Beldon), Director of Professional Development (Carole Lazorisak), and Director of Public Relations & Outreach (Janis Cole) will be providing the latest updates from CIT. CIT recognizes the field of Deaf Interpreting and Translation as an emerging field that is growing within the profession of interpretation and translation, and aims to encourage Deaf professionals to join and make their contributions to CIT as well to our interpreting profession. The National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers developed Deaf Interpreting competencies and modules for training across the country (“Laying the Foundation for Deaf Interpreter Education” 2017). Some issues are such as how to make CIT more inclusive and Deaf-friendly for our Deaf professionals (e.g., language and interpreter educators, trainers, mentors, and researchers). Participants will discuss their views, experiences and comments in this open forum about their growth and advancement with their interpretation studies and profession, and learn about what CIT can do to promote and facilitate Deaf interpreters’ advancement with studies and profession.

Workshop: Move Forward in your DI Profession (0.2 CEUs PS)

The interactive workshop is designed to provide Deaf interpreters tools and resources for growth and advancement in the interpreting profession. The session will cover four areas: Assessment of Knowledge, Skills, and Perspectives (aka: Attitudes); Analysis of Research-based/Evidence-based Resources; Analysis of Community Relations; Development of Self-empowerment Plan. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their growth and develop plans for strengthening their knowledge and skills by working through these four areas. Participants will work with evidence-based, published materials that are made available by National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers (NCIEC), and these materials are resourceful for enhancing the effectiveness of one’s interpreting work, teaching and/or mentoring. Participants will also learn more about our national organization, Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT), which provides current trends, studies and research regarding to the interpreting profession. CIT also provides the opportunity for networking and outreach. Hands-on application and performance are emphasized throughout the session.

Workshop: Facing Roadblocks? What is preventing you from advancing your DI skills? (0.2 CEUs PS)

Lazorisak, Carole

Biography

Carole Lazorisak is a tenured, retired college professor. She taught Human Services, American Sign Language, Sociology and Interpreter Education courses at LaGuardia Community College/CUNY in New York City. Currently, Carole uses her law enforcement experience, ADA and accessibility, vocational rehabilitation, disability studies and mental health training in her work as a trainer and as an interpreter. Carole held positions in the following organizations: Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf; American Sign Language Teachers Association; Conference of Interpreter Trainers. Currently, she is Director of Professional Development, CIT. Carole holds a BA from Gallaudet University, an MA from New York University and worked toward a Ph.D. at Teachers College at Columbia University. Her book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Conversational Sign Language Illustrated with a DVD, was published September, 2004.

Plenary: Delve into Embracement and Empowerment: What can CIT do for you? (0.1 CEU PS)

We want to hear from you! Come to our forum, and talk with Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT) board members and share your feedback, thoughts and suggestions during this open dialogue workshop. CIT President (Leslie Greer), Vice-President (Kim Kurz), Director of Technology & Communication (Jimmy Beldon), Director of Professional Development (Carole Lazorisak), and Director of Public Relations & Outreach (Janis Cole) will be providing the latest updates from CIT. CIT recognizes the field of Deaf Interpreting and Translation as an emerging field that is growing within the profession of interpretation and translation, and aims to encourage Deaf professionals to join and make their contributions to CIT as well to our interpreting profession. The National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers developed Deaf Interpreting competencies and modules for training across the country (“Laying the Foundation for Deaf Interpreter Education” 2017). Some issues are such as how to make CIT more inclusive and Deaf-friendly for our Deaf professionals (e.g., language and interpreter educators, trainers, mentors, and researchers). Participants will discuss their views, experiences and comments in this open forum about their growth and advancement with their interpretation studies and profession, and learn about what CIT can do to promote and facilitate Deaf interpreters’ advancement with studies and profession.

Plenary: Delve into Embracement and Empowerment: What can CIT do for you? (0.1 CEU PS)

We want to hear from you! Come to our forum, and talk with Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT) board members and share your feedback, thoughts and suggestions during this open dialogue workshop. CIT President (Leslie Greer), Vice-President (Kim Kurz), Director of Technology & Communication (Jimmy Beldon), Director of Professional Development (Carole Lazorisak), and Director of Public Relations & Outreach (Janis Cole) will be providing the latest updates from CIT. CIT recognizes the field of Deaf Interpreting and Translation as an emerging field that is growing within the profession of interpretation and translation, and aims to encourage Deaf professionals to join and make their contributions to CIT as well to our interpreting profession. The National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers developed Deaf Interpreting competencies and modules for training across the country (“Laying the Foundation for Deaf Interpreter Education” 2017). Some issues are such as how to make CIT more inclusive and Deaf-friendly for our Deaf professionals (e.g., language and interpreter educators, trainers, mentors, and researchers). Participants will discuss their views, experiences and comments in this open forum about their growth and advancement with their interpretation studies and profession, and learn about what CIT can do to promote and facilitate Deaf interpreters’ advancement with studies and profession.

Workshop: Move Forward in your DI Profession (0.2 CEUs PS)

The interactive workshop is designed to provide Deaf interpreters tools and resources for growth and advancement in the interpreting profession. The session will cover four areas: Assessment of Knowledge, Skills, and Perspectives (aka: Attitudes); Analysis of Research-based/Evidence-based Resources; Analysis of Community Relations; Development of Self-empowerment Plan. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their growth and develop plans for strengthening their knowledge and skills by working through these four areas. Participants will work with evidence-based, published materials that are made available by National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers (NCIEC), and these materials are resourceful for enhancing the effectiveness of one’s interpreting work, teaching and/or mentoring. Participants will also learn more about our national organization, Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT), which provides current trends, studies and research regarding to the interpreting profession. CIT also provides the opportunity for networking and outreach. Hands-on application and performance are emphasized throughout the session.

Workshop: Facing Roadblocks? What is preventing you from advancing your DI skills? (0.2 CEUs PS)

Lipsky, Jim

Biography

Jim Lipsky is one of the first people to graduate from Northeastern University's Interpreter Preparation Program for Deaf Persons in Massachusetts in 1996. He earned a masters degree in Deaf Studies from Boston University in 1999. He has been a certified Deaf interpreter (CDI) since 2003 and has been a freelance interpreter for more than 20 years and a Deaf-Blind community interpreter for 28 years. For the past 25 years, Jim has taught ASL, Deaf Studies and Interpreting courses at Northeastern University. Jim is co-coordinator of the Road to Deaf Interpreting (RDI) Workshop series for Deaf participants (with Stephanie Clark, CDI) in Worcester, MA. Jim was part of the Deaf Interpreter Curriculum development team for National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers. Deaf Interpreter Curriculum was first published in 2014.

Workshop: Massachusetts DID a successful Deaf Interpreter Training, Will You Be Next ? (0.2 CEUs GS)

For aspiring Deaf Interpreters and Deaf Interpreter educators, NOW is the time for you to set up your own training program in your local area. This workshop provides information on the Road to Deaf Interpreting (RDI) program and its success in Massachusetts for over 10 years. RDI provides an example of the coursework Deaf interpreters completed before beginning to work in the Deaf interpreting field. There will be group discussions.

Lucey, Beth

Biography

Beth Lucey is a Deaf Massachusetts native from all-hearing family. Her educational background included a self-contained classroom, mainstreamed programs and Clarke School for the Deaf. She graduated from Gallaudet University twice: in 1997 with Bachelor’s degrees in ASL, Deaf Studies and Psychology and in 2002 with Masters degree in Interpretation (MAI), both with honors. She was the fourth Deaf person to complete MAI requirements and the first Deaf to win the Ron Coffey Excellence Award in Interpretation, the department’s highest award. She completed a yearlong intensive mentorship program with Gallaudet Interpreting Service and is RID certified since July 2000. She presented at the first Deaf Interpreter Conference in Minnesota – one of her career highlights. In her spare time, she loves books, spirituality, yoga, nature walks, 365 days project, her 4 furbabies (cats) and a loving partner of 9 years. Currently, she works full time as a freelance CDI in the state of Massachusetts.

Workshop: Understanding SSI & SSDI Benefits. Overview and Interpreting Consideration (0.2 CEUs GS)

This workshop will open with a brief history of the Deaf interpreting profession and how it evolved to the present. There will be plethora of professional discussions on billings, terms and conditions letter, tax paperwork, how to present yourself on the job, how to work with referral agencies, educating people what Deaf interpreters do differently from ASL-English interpreters, the pros/cons of using social media, how to introduce and advocate for 2 interpreters to all stakeholders and real world scenarios involving Deaf interpreters in action. This workshop will also include a brainstorm session and sharing participants’ experiences on issues that arises pertaining these topics.

Workshop: Ethical Quandaries for Deaf Interpreters Within The Healthcare Setting (0.2 CEUs PS)

This workshop will explore and examine common medical terminology and challenges, cultural sensitivity, privilege, and trust issues. HIPAA will be introduced and both its significance and ramifications for medical interpreters will be discussed in depth. There will be sight translation team activities in applying what was learned, discussion of case studies, understanding legal overtones in life-alternating decision making process, introducing the Deaf-Hearing team and confronting resistance from all consumers, dealing with time constraints and unpleasant attitudes in this often frantic world, and facing with unexpected problems that arise during the medical assignments.

McClurkan, Alicia

Biography

Born into a native deaf family in Irving,Texas. I am the oldest of three sisters and now live in Austin. In May 2015, I was the first Deaf person to graduate from Austin Community College’s Interpreting Program and received my CDI few years ago and interpreting primarily in medical settings, conferences, state legislation, etc. I am a proud mother of two sons. My passion is about my promoting cooperation and alliance between CDIS, DIs and HI's. I am committed to promote to use the CDIs as gatekeepers in the field of interpreting.

Wednesday Evening Retreat: Conference Call to Evolve and Embrace Our Connections; Lillian’s Circle; NDI’s Launch (0.3 CEUs PS)

McClurkan, Kimberly

Biography

Kimberly McClurkan received her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Gallaudet University with her internship at Sound Mental Health in Seattle, Washington 2010. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern, working closely with a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. Kimberly provides services to Deaf/Hard of Hearing or CODA individuals, families, couples, and group therapy at Plumeria Counseling Center in Austin, Texas. She has worked with at-risk students at the Texas School for the Deaf. Kimberly believes that a community is stronger when its members come together to find common ground on important issues that impact them by hosting community development events.

Workshop: Fundamentals of Mental Health for Deaf Interpreters Part 1 and 2 (0.4 CEUs PS)

For Deaf interpreters as well as any professional working in mental health settings must have a fundamental background in mental health to be effective interpreters working in teams with hearing interpreters or solo with a mental health professional who may know some signs. Awareness of issues that arise in mental health is critical as mental health professionals work with patients who are dealing with these issues. Terminology such as anxiety and trauma, grief, gender identity, relationship issues, depressions, to name a few, will be explained, including type of professionals who work in mental health settings and what their roles are. making difference with Deaf Interpreters and Professional, within mental health issues. Processes and techniques that are used by these professionals will be explained and how interpreters need to understand how to work with them. Self-care for interpreters will be discussed as well. Participants will be engaged in different scenarios with discussions. This is a multiple session workshop. You must attend all parts to receive CEUs. Partial CEUs will not be awarded.

Napier, Cynthia

Biography

Cynthia Napier is a Certified Deaf Interpreter, living in Riverside, CA. She has worked in the field of interpreting since 1981 and obtained her certification as a Deaf Interpreter (CDI) from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. in 2001. She has mentored interpreters and intern interpreters and has developed several trainings and presented workshops to improve the interpretation skills and knowledge of interpreters working in the legal, educational and community settings as well as trainings for aspiring CDIs. She has worked on several of the National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers (NCIEC) projects including the Deaf Interpreter Critical Issues Forum, Deaf Interpreter Competencies Work Team, Deaf Interpreter Curriculum Development Team, Deaf Interpreter Curriculum Train the Trainer. She currently works as a Language Mentor with Sorenson Communications and as a freelance interpreter.

Workshop: Power & Privilege: Embracing to Empower Our Community (0.2 CEUs PS)

“Privilege” and “Power” have often been highlighted as being negative. However, having and using these in a positive way can benefit our community(ies) or tribes (Godin, 2010) while supporting the growth of, and expertise within, the interpreting profession. This workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to dissect the concepts of Power and Privilege while discovering their positive side. Through discussion and activities, participants will examine the role of Power and Privilege in our private and professional lives, how these can be used to support our education and growth, and develop strategies to integrate these concepts to empowerment of our communities/tribes.

Nuccio, Jelica

Biography

Jelica Nuccio is one of DeafBlind women who are leading the development and in the forefront of teaching and training ProTactile ASL — the socio-cultural philosophy and linguistic movement currently shaping all DeafBlind practices: linguistics, interpersonal, and politics. Nuccio, originally from Croatia, lives in Seattle and has been very active in the DeafBlind community since she moved from Atlanta, Georgia in 1997. Jelica was the first Deaf-Blind Director of the Seattle Deaf-Blind Service Center (DBSC) and a co-author of a curriculum for DeafBlind people to get the most out of their Support Service Providers (SSP). She is currently the founder of Tactile Communications which is the training center based on ProTactile philosophy and DeafBlind Education. Prior to this work, Jelica worked variously as a research coordinator, advocate, and job-developer. Jelica has a B.A. in Biology from RIT in Rochester, and an M.A. in Public Health from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. For the past 25 years, she has been active in the local and national DeafBlind communities.

Workshop: ProTactile: An Introduction Parts One and Two (0.4 CEUs PS)

This workshop will provide an introduction to ProTactile: The DeafBlind Way and its language, DeafBlind culture sensitivity training, discussions, and interactive activities. Just like ASL, ProTactile is evolving, and we all can learn how to embrace ProTactile, in that sense. Once embraced and respected as a standard of your work, you will be able to become better allies, and provide DeafBlind with access through ProTactile and being culturally appropriate and sensitive to its philosophy, culture, and language. ProTactile changes your attitudes and the society beliefs of DeafBlind individuals, therefore impacting your work, in positive ways in the DeafBlind community. The workshop will conclude with questions and answers. This is a multiple session workshop. You must attend all parts to receive CEUs. Partial CEUs will not be awarded.

Roth, Ellen

Biography

Ellen Roth is a freelance deaf interpreter and FEMA’s Disability Integration Advisor. She held RID RSC certification in 1981 and then a CDI in 2003. Prior to living in DC, she worked at Sorenson Video Relay Services as a Manager & Trainer. And also was a Senior Public Service Administrator at DHS’s Office of Rehabilitation Services in D/HH section in the State of Illinois for 10 years. During that time, does numerous consulting works specializing in removing communication barriers and disability issues. On top of all this, has been doing numerous presentations, workshops, teaching ASL; and provide training sessions for 20+ years. While living in New York City, she was a consultant for deaf and hard of hearing people at NYC’s Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. That was the time when she began doing the work on the side to evaluate interpreters, interpreting and work with interpreters on ASL translations for theatre from Shakespeare in Central Park to Broadway shows.

Workshop: ASL Semantics: Which is Correct? (0.2 CEUs PS)

SEMANTICS ALL AROUND, Proper use of LOCATIONS, PRODUCTIONS, CLASSIFIERS AND MORE. GO INTO THE DEEP STRUCTURE OF SEMANTICS: The use of American Sign Language has exploded in the last 30 years all over in interpreter’s training programs, sign language classes, interpreters in schools for deaf students, ASL classes in Federal agencies including FBI, CIA, NASA, DOD and the likes. Therefore, the need for ASL instructors have exploded also including flexibility in hiring those instructors at the time without mandating ASLTA; SCPI; RID certifications. The result has been devastating and confusing. Where do they go to for verification on which signs is right? Who should they model after? The workshop will also have hands-on to go through the list of semantics and English idioms for translations.

Sheneman, Naomi

Biography

Naomi Sheneman, M.A., M.S., & CDI has been working professionally in the interpreting profession since 2000 in various roles including interpreter, educator, mentor, supervisor, diagnostician, and consultant. She is currently working as the Vice President of Business Affairs for Network Interpreting Service and as an adjunct ASL-English interpreter education faculty at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. She is also a doctoral student at Gallaudet University in Interpretation. She co-developed Interpreting Diagnostic Assessment Rubrics (ASL-English/ English-ASL) which was reprinted in Gordon, P. & Magler, M. (2007) The Mentor’s Companion. She co-authored a study of hearing and Deaf interpreters’ work in an international conference involving several sign languages in International Signs: Linguistic, Usage, and Status Issues edited by Napier and Rosenstock. She also recently published in the Journal of Interpretation about her study of Deaf interpreters’ ethics.

Workshop: Ethics: Functions, Values, Moral Principles, and the Demand- Control Schema Parts 1,2,3 (0.6 CEUs PS)

Part 1:This is the first of a three-part workshop examining the negative effects of using metaphors in the sign language interpreting and how we should completely abandon the word ‘role’ to describe our work. Our primary function is to transmit information from a source text to a target text. Ultimately, how we approach this function is fluid depending on the context.

Part 2: This is a continuation of the first workshop offering the participants the opportunity to do their own value assessments of ethical dilemmas. An overview of moral principles will be provided to offer a different type of lens at looking at ethical conflicts.

Part 3: This is the final of three-part workshop. An overview of the Demand-Control Schema will be given along with a model analysis of an interpreting situation. The participants will have an opportunity to practice analyzing their own interpreted situations utilizing the schema.

This is a multiple session workshop. You must attend all parts to receive CEUs. Partial CEUs will not be awarded.

Stubbs, Steven

Biography

Steven grew up in Maine, attending both the Deaf School and the public school at the same time. He then continued his education at Gallaudet University before finishing his degree at the University of Maryland – College Park. As his wife is from Idaho, they moved to the state immediately after graduation. After working as a software engineer, Steven changed his career and became a CDI, certified for over 11 years. He specializes in legal, medical and international settings. He also taught at collegiate level for 12 years, and is currently an assistant clinical professor with Idaho State University’s Sign Language Interpreting program under Kasiska Division of Health Sciences. He is developing a program where the interpreters may improve their medical interpretation using the university’s anatomy and cadaver laboratories. The Stubbs couple has six children – three boys and three girls, all aspiring to become doctors or nurses.:

Workshop: Becoming a Medical Deaf Interpreter Parts 1 and 2 (0.4 CEUs PS)

This workshop focuses on the importance of understanding the anatomy, physiology and procedures, which would result in a more accurate and clear interpretation related to medical activities. We will discuss how it is not enough to use vocabulary that has been accepted in the deaf community and to know how to depict (show) the organs using classifiers. We will look at and apply some resources that could improve our interpretation in medical settings, including using peer interpreters, both hearing and deaf. Finally, we will do some group exercises, including studying a certain condition, practicing depicting and demonstrating this condition. This is a multiple session workshop. You must attend all parts to receive CEUs. Partial CEUs will not be awarded.

Tester, Christopher

Biography

Christopher Tester, MsC, CDI, SC:L, is Deaf and a consultant, educator, interpreter and trainer. A seasoned presenter, he specializes in workshop and seminar facilitation on topics (not limited to) disability rights and laws, Deaf and hard of hearing awareness, and interpreting. He currently is an adjunct faculty member of the CUNY’s ASL/English Interpreter Education Program. He has interpreted for several off and on Broadway shows, National and International conferences, at the United Nations and specializes in legal interpreting. Chris received Masters in Science and Communication at Heriot Watt University and received his Bachelor’s degree at the College of the Holy Cross. Additionally, he received his Professional Certificate from the Interpreter Education Program at LaGuardia Community College. He resides in Manhattan.

Workshop: Understanding and analyzing our approach to interpreting the Lines of Questioning within the courtroom as Deaf Interpreter Parts 1-3 (0.6 CEUs PS)

The overarching purpose of line of questioning in the legal context is to form a non-fictional interactive narrative used to create the ‘truth’—as it is seen from a particular orientation to a set of facts. In the legal context—particularly in the instance of sworn testimony—the asking of questions by attorneys and law enforcement personnel is a process impacted by legal parameters and legal or investigative strategy. It is essential that Deaf interpreters are aware of these factors and possess the ability to generate accurate interpretations that conform to legal parameters and to the extent possible, preserve the legal or investigatory strategy. This is particularly important because our source is filtered through hearing interpreters, therefore we do not necessarily have direct access to the actual English structure and questions itself. This workshop will focus on an exploration of these factors that significantly impact the nature and structure of lines of questioning in the legal context, explore considerations for translation, and practice of the linguistic features associated with marking questions forms so that the intended response being elicited is explicit. Further, using linguistic features to show the inter-relatedness of questions will also be considered and practiced.

This is a multiple session workshop. You must attend all parts to receive CEUs. Partial CEUs will not be awarded.

Workshop: Determining how to use the Consecutive-Simultaneous interpreting continuum within legal settings. (0.2 CEUs)

A discussion of the theories underlying consecutive and simultaneous interpreting methods and note-taking strategies will lead to the opportunity to both view interpreters interpreting various legal texts consecutively and simultaneously, and the opportunity to practice both methods of interpreting. This workshop will also introduce Deb Russell’s Meaning Based model and how it applies to legal and courtroom interpreting.

Yunashko, Bryen M

Biography

Bryen M Yunashko, a national DeafBlind advocate from Chicago, was born Deaf. He attended St. John’s School for the Deaf in Milwaukee until its closing in 1983, and graduated from a private high school. He attended Gallaudet University and then California State University, Northridge, where he studied film.It was when he was 26 that he discovered that he was blessed with Usher Syndrome. Now nearly completely blind, he happily relies on tactile ASL. Bryen has long advocated in many aspects of both the Deaf and DeafBlind communities on everything from captioning to accessibility. With a strong focus today on DeafBlind social issues and advocacy, he travels extensively providing trainings and workshops, particularly on vidism and ProTactile techniques. In addition to serving on numerous national and statewide legislative committees and task forces, Bryen owns Access256 Productions, LLC, providing consultation, presentations and workshops, advocacy and self-advocacy training, mentoring, and Braille printing services. He is currently president of the Chicagoland DeafBlind Alliance. He makes his home in Chicago.

Plenary: Vidism: You’re probably one of them! (0.1 CEUs PS)

Bryen M Yunashko will focus on an introduction to Vidism and how sight orientation creates oppression against a DeafBlind individual. Think you’re not a vidist? You’re probably wrong. Vidism is a pervasive action that frequently is performed by even those who are most ardently conscientious of unpacking their own privileges. Vidism exists in language, physical designs, attitudes and thought processes, and community structures.. Come learn ways to identify your own actions when working with DeafBlind individuals in the community. The Deaf Interpreter is a powerful tool in alliance and as a weapon against vidism.