This workshop concentrates on the signs and strategies for conveying the "when" and "how long" of an ASL utterance. This workshop will also include a study of transitional words/phrases used in ASL to divide thoughts into chunks, chunks into segments, and segments into stories. Effective use of transitions in ASL enhances ASL prosody. Video clips of deaf people will be included as models of the use of transitions to clarify events in a story telling.
This introductory session is an interest meeting focused on understanding the Deaf Interpreter role beyond the title. We’ll cover when and why Deaf Interpreters are needed, required skills and mindset, training pathways, professional expectations, and how to set yourself up for long-term success.
Ideal for those early in their Deaf Interpreter journey or exploring the path.
Part 2: Beyond the Signs: The Business & Ethics of Being a DI
DI Crash Course Series
This session dives into the professional side of the work, including invoicing basics, ethical decision-making in real-world scenarios, professional attire and presentation (in-person and virtual), boundaries, accountability, and effective communication with agencies and interpreting teams.
The Q&A Quandary: Interpreting Questions on Standardized Tests
Lead By Donna Flanders
Interpreting standardized test items presents unique and difficult challenges for classroom interpreters. This workshop will explore several strategies for dissecting test questions and answer choices in order to ease the task of translating content into ASL. Strategies to be reviewed will include utilizing basic ASL grammar structures such as Topic-Comment to clearly separate the test components into a scenario followed by a question followed by answer choices. Participants will have the opportunity to apply workshop strategies to a variety of sample test items, followed by a discussion of their choices in small and large group settings.
Part 3: Hands Up: Applied Practice & Real-World Scenarios
DI Crash Course Series
Participants will engage in live practice, role-plays, and team interpreting scenarios with guided feedback. This hands-on session focuses on applying ethics and decision-making in the moment while building confidence in a supportive, controlled practice space.
Let's Get Sign-tific! Science Concepts & Resources for Classroom Interpreters
Lead By Donna Flanders
This workshop will introduce and utilize resources for interpreters in the science classroom. Video clips of deaf people reviewing scientific concepts will be used to guide learning and dialogue. Participants will have the opportunity to "experiment" with the use of classifiers in describing materials with conceptual and visual accuracy.
The Solo Syllabus: Creating Your Own Independent Study
Lead By Donna Flanders
With summer break approaching, it's time to think about new goals. This workshop will guide participants through the sometimes-intimidating process of interpreting skill identification, personal goal-setting, and creation of an independent study plan. By the end of the workshop, participants will be ready to submit paperwork to an RID approved sponsor, if applicable. Join us as we wrap up the school year and look forward to some well-deserved downtime, think about the future, and prepare for what's next.
