Workshops
Tentative - This is subject to change.
Printable PDF Workshop Descriptions
ABC’s of Personality
Have you ever wondered what makes certain interpreters tick? Do you spend time pondering what it might be like to climb inside the head of a fellow coworker or mentee to discover their inner thought processes? The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is the most widely used personality assessment tool and the goal of this presentation is to take what can be learned from the MBTI and apply it to ourselves, our colleagues as well as the interpreting world. We will use the MBTI framework to walk through various interpreting functions including mentoring, teaming and Demand Control Schema. Join us as we journey into our personalities, the personalities of others and learn how who we are affects what we do.
ADA: Convincing Businesses to Provide Interpreter Services
Interpreter referral agencies are often challenged with questions regarding the obligation of businesses to provide interpreter services. Disagreements can arise between providers, clients, and interpreter agencies, as opinions may differ regarding what is “effective communication”, thus, efforts may be compromised to provide the appropriate accommodation. With that said, how you “deliver” your perspective, your message, is key. In this session, participants will learn which portions of the ADA can be used most effectively to obtain reasonable accommodations for people who use sign language, and what strategies can be used to convince businesses to provide interpreter services.
Ask the CDI Panel
Common questions asked of a CDI include: How do I get work? Hearing interpreters do not seem to want me there, help! I want more training in _________. What do I do? Am I doing this right, etc? Do you have questions? Something you've been pondering about and would like to know more? Come to this panel discussion! Here's a chance to talk with CDI professionals in the field!
Basic Sequence of Events in the Criminal Justice System
Introduction to the legal field: from police interview in the field, to being released from parole. Who and what are involved at each process, and why are they different? Where do I fit in? What do I need to know before I accept the job? What do I need to know to protect myself in each legal field? What fields can I work in with my current certification/skills? Come to this introduction to Sequence of Events in the Criminal Justice System and find out!
Becoming a BEI Certified Interpreter: Navigating the Certification Process
This presentation is ideal for the first-time BEI certification applicant or an individual who is seeking a better understanding of the testing process. The goal of this presentation is to provide a comprehensive, user-friendly approach to entering into the BEI testing process.
Participants will receive information about eligibility requirements for the TEP written test and the Basic performance test; be given instructions on how to apply; provided a list of proctoring sites /associated fees, and testing dates and sites for the performance test; be directed to available resources to develop a sense of the complexity level. Examples will be provided regarding what to expect when the tests are administered, including a demonstration of what happens in the testing room. A volunteer candidate will be solicited from the audience.
This workshop will increase participant’s testing confidence, which should minimize their test anxieties and hopefully enable them to perform at their best.
Bible Sign How?
The section Conceptualizing Biblical Terminology will focus on the how to conceptually and accurately portray Biblical phrases, words, and concepts in a manner that a native ASL user will understand. The next section, Interpreting into Concepts, will focus on conceptually interpreting scripture applying the previous section. The next section of the workshop will include group activity time where the participants will break into groups and do hands on work and translating and interpreting scriptures and practice interpreting real time reading of scripture. Participants will provide feedback for each other.
Breaking Confidentiality
Research has revealed that deaf children are at a much greater risk of being sexually abused than hearing children. As interpreters, what can we do to help alleviate this? In this workshop we will learn how to identify abuse, how to report it and how our disclosure of abuse aligns with the Code of Professional Conduct. Participants will also be taught ways in which they can clearly present sexual information in ASL and how to effectively work with professionals in the field of social service.
Conceptual Clarity: Opening of the Atlantic…Was it closed?
Conceptual accuracy is a skill that develops through the use of top down processing. Pragmatic accuracy comes through the use of processing-time, identification of equivalent meanings and giving you the permission to work differently. Come steer away from the automaticity of the vernacular to the pragmatic “ism” of conceptuality. We will work together in both large and small groups applying a pragmatic view to our work product. Learn to recognize that the ‘opening’ is not always a ‘doorway’. Let’s take this ‘opportunity’ to get together and explore this skill!
Creating Authentic Professional Relationships
Organizations are, simply speaking, made up of a series of relationships. And when these relationships are strengthened, so is the organization. One of the most effective ways to strengthen relationships is to approach them with childlike curiosity…with the same type of inquisitiveness that guided us through our young years….when “why” was our favorite word and when our thirst to understand was seemingly impossible to quench. This workshop introduces two primary knowledge and interpersonal skill sets; knowledge of one’s default response to conflict situations, and resolution of such situations through the development of “authentic inquiry” skills. Learning to be an authentic inquirer incorporates skills we intuitively used in childhood, and that we still possess but unknowingly reserve for our closest friends. Being an authentic inquirer deepens our understanding of one another, encourages the non-judgmental innocence of our past and strengthens the relationships that make up our organization and community. This workshop is the first of its kind; it introduces a powerful dialogue technique we at the Leadership Institute refer to as "Authentic Inquiry" or "ai." Authentic Inquiry is a process, a technique and a way of interacting with friends and colleagues in such a way that one or more of the individuals involved in the dialogue is compelled to do something as a result; additionally, the dialogue defines or clarifies the direction or actions that one must take as they move to resolve an issue or overcome a hurdle. The power of the ai process lies in its ability to create a new framework for managing conflict situations and for addressing the personal skills and attitudes that are directly linked to career success. Mastery of the ai process is one method of honing these skills and has potential to lead to increased occupational effectiveness for sign language interpreters around the globe. We hope you will join us for this unique and powerful offering!
DARS/DHHS Communication Access Rates: The Process
DHHS has historically established regional rates for communication access services (interpreter and CART) funded by or through DHHS. This goes back to the 1970s when we were the Texas Commission for the Deaf. Since the creation of the Health and Human Services Commission and subsequent later consolidation in 2005 of several state agencies into the new Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), DHHS now continues to have rate setting responsibility but with a broader impact. This will be an interactive opportunity for participants to learn more about the process
Deaf Humor
Deaf Language Mentor: Interpreting Practice in the Real World
Have you ever been practicing with a deaf language mentor in a comfortable environment? This workshop is designed as an introduction to the fundamentals of Deaf language mentoring process: Deaf Extralinguistic Knowledge (DELK). DELK is defined as being, “Developed through first-hand Deaf-World experiences.” Deaf language mentors can continually assess and engage mentees in discussing descriptions based on real world orientations and can offer unique perspectives while non-Deaf mentors use more formal methods of assessment. Arguably one of the most critical components of language acquisition amongst second language users (mentees) is exposure to appropriate language models. However if an interpreting student/interpreter really wants to take the “fast track” approach to achieving fluency in ASL, one-on-one work with a Deaf language mentor is ideal.
Discrimination! #DO-DO YOU?
Everyone faces injustice at some point in their lives. As interpreters, it can be difficult to witness discrimination against clients who are Deaf.
Interpreters can come away from the experience feeling oppressed themselves. This workshop will provide interpreters with basic information regarding laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ADA Amendments Act that prohibit discrimination. Common misconceptions will be addressed and participants will hear from Deafness Resource Specialists who see the “other” side of discrimination, both from the business and deaf/hard of hearing clients’ perspectives. The role of an interpreter when encountering discrimination will be discussed and participants will come away equipped to educate clients on the basics of the ADA when appropriate and to refer them to advocacy groups, without overstepping ethical boundaries. The second half of the workshop will be a light-hearted competition between teams on ADA terms and concepts.
Educational Interpreters in Speech-Language-Hearing Testing
Children with hearing loss experience a wide battery of tests and assessments before and during their formative school years. Educational interpreters with knowledge and skills in working with a speech-language pathologist and / or audiologist are critical to a meaningful and useful assessment. In some schools programs, educational interpreters are recognized as valuable members of the assessment team. This session addresses speech-language-hearing testing with sign language interpreters. Videotaped examples of speech-language-hearing assessments will be used.
The Elephant in the Room: Understanding Hearing Privilege
What “Hearing” means in the interpreting field? How “Hearing” relates to privilege and power? This presentation will introduce the definition of Hearing privilege and discuss how this privilege has an impact on Deaf and Hearing working relationships in interpreting field. We will examine the traits of the Hearing privilege and how people who misuse the Hearing privilege contribute to the culture of self-enrichment and enable audist-like behaviors in order to maintain the status quo. Also I will talk about the options Deaf people come up with when dealing with Hearing colleagues who misuse the privilege as well as recommendations for Hearing colleagues to develop more self-awareness about their privileges.
The Ethics of Work
Friday’s banquet presentation, The Ethics of Work, will explore the development of our work ethic as interpreters as exemplified by video clips of Lillian Beard describing her values and practice (from the 1920s to the 1970s). Bill (and Lillian) will discuss ways in which we can ensure quality in our own interpreting practice and reflect on our philosophies of interpreting in the Deaf community. Lillian challenges and inspires us to really focus on where we need to put our energies to serve as best we can and to do our very best work – in very concrete ways. You won’t want to miss Lillian’s very charming and commonsense approach!
Fact Vs Fiction: The Truth about Video Relay Services
This workshop will provide a basic description of video relay services (VRS) and will explore the unique task of interpreting phone calls. Participants will analyze typical VRS calls, as well as get suggestions for how to pursue a career in VRS as a long-term goal. Join us as we explore the facts and fiction about VRS!
Idioms: The Art of Balancing Form and Message
The art of interpreting idioms challenges interpreters at all levels. Achieving a balance between supplying the meaning of the idiom yet preserving some of the culture or register it carries with it can be difficult to manage. Completely drop the source language and interpret conceptually? Preserve it, and leave the audience to figure it out on their own? Many factors influence where in the continuum your interpretation should land. The existence of equivalent ASL and English idioms can be useful knowledge, but if no equivalent is available, the ability to find an alternative that conveys the meaning and yet preserves the register intended by the speaker should be a tool in every interpreter’s toolbox.
An In Depth Overview of BEI Policies
Recent changes in BEI policies increase the need to disseminate the new information to BEI certified interpreters. While updates have been and continue to be circulated, the TSID Conference offers an opportunity to facilitate an effective knowledge transfer in a comprehensive manner. The presenters possess first-hand knowledge of the frequently asked questions posed by BEI certified interpreters, and the anxieties and confusion that arises when policies change. The goal of this workshop is to inform, educated and minimize, if not eliminate the anxiety factor. An interpreter seeking an in depth understanding of the BEI policies, or who aspire to independently decipher how the recent changes will impact their respective certification is encouraged to attend this workshop. This environment is ideal to engage the BEI staff who, for the past 15 years, provided assistance to each interpreter prospect and certified interpreter alike, with a consistent level of courteousness and professionalism.
Interpreting Math
Does the word “math” place fear in your heart? Do you know the difference in domain and range and how to find the zeros of a polynomial function? If that sentence looks like Greek then this workshop is for you! Come get clarification on concepts in math that seem impossible and gain a little confidence for the next time you are put in an algebra class. We will discuss not only the signs for math terms but develop an understanding of them in English as well. This workshop will cover concepts from developmental math up to college algebra. Participants will leave with a little less fear and a clearer understanding of the language of mathematics.
Interpreting the New Texas Deafness/Hearing Loss Psychological Battery
A person who interprets psychological, neuropsychological and/or psycho-educational evaluations can be put in a highly stressful and counterproductive situation if the interpreter is not familiar with testing protocol and the individual testing instruments being utilized. Unknowingly, an interpreter may give the answer in their interpretation. Handled inappropriately, a spelling test may become a sign vocabulary inventory or test of immediate recall. Participants will learn how to overcome these barriers through various examples given and demonstrations: Several commonly used testing instruments will be presented and discussed during this hands-on presentation. Protocol will include: Bender Visual Motor Gestalt, House-Tree-Person, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Raven Standard Progressive Matrices and Thematic Apperception Tests. Discussion will also cover vocabulary standards in testing, measurement and statistics. Information about the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual (DSM-IV), used in all diagnostic/evaluation reporting, will also be included.
Intuition and Ethical Decision-Making
Intuition and Decision-Making provides a basic understanding of how the development and use of human intuition in decision-making can improve the quality of the decisions we make, thereby benefitting us in our everyday lives. Intuition is a natural human trait that is based on basic physiological and psychological functions of the human body. Contrary to popular belief, it is possessed by and can be developed in just about anyone. Participants will be provided with information, as well as opportunities to use and discuss the information, that will instruct them on how to develop their sense of intuition and how to recognize it when it kicks in. This will leave them better able to make good decisions for their own benefit and the benefit of those with whom they engage.
Is your consumer culturally/linguistically present?
This workshop will explore the intricate connection between language and culture and the strong influences of culture on language. This intricate connection will be considered along with the notion that each language has its own framework for expression - each language presents a unique reality borne out of cultural values and norms. This knowledge is crucial for the trilingual interpreter. If the trilingual interpreter must be aware of the specific words and phrases existing in the Spanish language expressing cultural norms and values for the consumer to be culturally and linguistically present. The trilingual interpreter needs to go into the interpreting setting with the understanding that certain words, terms and idiomatic expressions are not translatable or interpretable because the very notion of them are non-existent in the target language (working from Spanish to English /ASL or English to Spanish/ASL). According to Danica Seleskovitch (Interpreting for International Conferences), if the interpreter has a deep understanding of both cultures and languages they are working with, then he/she has the ability to search into his/her deposit or repertoire of cultural and linguistic knowledge, analyze it and combine the necessary words and phrases with the proper intonation to deliver an equivalent message or the closest equivalent message. This assures that the consumer is linguistically and culturally present.
It’s Everybody’s Music D‐PAN Presentation
Entertainment for Student Conference - June 22, 2010, 7:00pm at San Antonio College McAllister Auditorium (transportation provided for student conference attendees). Public is invited to the event - $10.00.
It’s the Process: How to Approach the NIC Interview and Everyday Ethical Dilemmas
How the heck am I going to answer those NIC Interview Questions?! Do I need to memorize the RID CPC? Is there a time limit? Can I bring notes? Is there a formula for passing the test?! This workshop will provide practical tips on how to approach the interview portion of the NIC exam. Participants will learn, following the Interview Test Rubric, how to dissect an ethical dilemma and construct a solution within the confines of the Code of Professional Conduct. This aim of this workshop is to develop a process that can be used when making those tough ethical decisions. Since this session will look at the process for ethical decision making, the tools acquired during this time will be relevant long after test day.
Leadership: The Way to Success
The workshop will address the ways of being and behaviors that are expected of a Leader in our society. The presenter, through the use of specific experiential exercises and written information, will elicit specific responses from the audience that will help to anchor the Leader’s distinctions and behaviors. It will also help the Interpreters face the challenges and solve problem situations that arise every day.
Let's Talk About Us
What happens when you feel uncomfortable with how your team has handled an aspect of the interpretation? Suppose you've overheard something through the cubicle wall in a video relay call center that doesn't quite land right. Are you comfortable in opening a dialogue with your co-worker? This workshop will explore the strategies that lead most efficiently to resolutions that satisfy ethical considerations and allow for continued working relationships. We will examine the language and types of discourse that encourage respect and yet make it possible to broach tricky subjects with each other, while keeping in mind the ultimate goal of providing effective interpreting services.
Medical Mistakes I’ve made and How Not to Repeat Them
Did you ask the overweight woman if this was an OB appointment? Wear open-toed shoes to interpret during surgery? If you haven't, you have one-upped on the presenter. Come to this workshop and learn from someone else's mistakes in the area of medical interpreting. In this light-hearted yet informative workshop, we will discuss protocol, cultural mediation, vocabulary needs and other topics pertinent to the medical setting.
Prevención y Corrección del Error Léxico en la Interpretación Directa
Preventing and Correcting Lexical Miscues when Voicing in Spanish. This workshop will show you to understand and use cognation as a technique that will help you when rendering a term, it will help you raise your register when voicing, and most importantly of all, avoid miscues in accuracy by avoiding false cognates. This is done by preventing miscues and when intruded by them, how to correct them. Participants will analyze, explain, and apply their understanding of the use of cognates when interpreting from Spanish - ASL, and/or English – ASL. Participants will interpret hypothetical settings by dramatizing an interpreting assignment. Assessment applied when the various exercises are done during the role-playing. Participants will have a chance to voice a variety of deaf speakers from ASL to Spanish and to sign from Spanish to ASL by demonstrating a full understanding of the usage of the true cognates and avoiding the false ones.
Preventing Occupational Health Risks
This 3-hour workshop covers the physical, emotional, psychological factors and working environments that can cause repetitive motion injuries (RMI) and stress among interpreters. Medical assistance; i.e. physicians, therapists and medications, therapies and treatments will be discussed. Four of six preventative measures will be covered during the workshop. Dean and Pollard’s research as to what types of interpreting environments create more psychological distress as well as the 2008 “RIT Study: Sign Language Interpreters at High Ergonomic Risk” will be presented for the first time in this workshop. Participants will warm-up with a short cardiovascular exercise and will do some flexibility/stretching exercises. Ergonomics of what the interpreter can do to prevent occupational health risks will be looked at in the work environment. WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES & WALKING SHOES.
Professional Path
This is a workshop that provides an opportunity to practice foundational skills necessary to the interpreting process. These skills include dual processing, auditory short-term memory, and visualization, use of classifiers, affect, register and clozure/prediction. During the workshop many skills are practiced without actually interpreting or signing, which permits participants to distance themselves from producing a product and makes analysis more accessible.
Reciprocal Repartee
This workshop focuses on verbal vocabulary choices for signs. Come share in a fun and games hands-on safe environment where you can step outside your box. Come work on recalling verbal vocabulary that and expanding your gloss choices. Discover how vast your personal cache of language really is through sharing and games. Learning has never been so fun. Feel free to bring your thesaurus!
Remember the Mission, Controlling Your Destiny! NIC Interview and Test Prep
RID, NIC, CPC, COE, SPP, COC, ADA, HUH????? Do your knees go to knockin’ just thinking about the NIC interview portion of the “TEST?” This workshop will lasso your skills, demystify the process and help you gain confidence. Saddle up, come on down and take the bull by the horns.
The Sight of Music
Interpreting music is not restricted to theater and concert venues. Interpreters frequently encounter music during everyday assignments. Through lecture, discussion, modeling, performance, small and large group activities, participants will learn interpreting, acting, text analysis, translation, and visualization techniques that will enhance their ability to interpret music. This presentation guides you through the steps necessary to make your interpretation a visually appealing sight to deaf eyes. Whether rehearsed, or on the fly, in theater or concert venues... or maybe at your next assignment… the techniques learned in this fun filled presentation will have your audience raving about your interpretation and clambering for more.
Students with Cochlear Implants: Considerations for Interpreters
As increasing numbers of children are obtaining cochlear implants and are placed in mainstream programs with interpreters, it is important for interpreters to understand the numerous considerations for planning and implementing services for this unique and varied group of deaf children. This training will address basic information on what interpreters should know about cochlear implant technology, the diverse outcomes of each child using this technology, considerations for effectively planning for and providing interpreting services to children with cochlear implants, and discussion on considerations regarding effective interpreting strategies.
Texas Trilingual Certification Program
The long awaited Trilingual certification program was implemented January, 2010. While information continues to be circulated, the TSID Conference affords an opportunity to reach out to trilingual interpreter prospects. As with the start up of any endeavor, it is imperative for potential users to have a clear understanding of the policies and procedures for this new and unprecedented test program. This two-part workshop was developed specifically for that purpose. This workshop is ideal for individuals who aspire to become a certified Trilingual interpreter, or who simply want to learn more about the components of trilingual interpreting. An overview of the Test of Spanish Proficiency will be highlighted; followed by an in depth explanation of the Trilingual Advanced and Master Performance tests. Including information about what the tests measure and the rater scoring process. This workshop will provide answers to the questions that have lingered in the minds of prospective trilingual interpreters.
The O.J. Trial: Two Different Ways to Squeeze ‘The Juice’
The OJ Simpson trials are well known. However, what is not so obvious are the criminal and civil procedure aspects involved with the trials. The presenters will explain the criminal and civil procedure system by running a commentary to this famous case. They will also set aside some time to talk about sign language interpreter ethics, as well as provide explanations of the legal terminology and concepts commonly used in the legal system.
Tow the line…Walk the line… Hey, where's the line?
Participants will explore the relationship between personal boundaries and how that contributes to stress and stress management in one’s work and professional life. Invisible, ignored or violated boundaries can lead to feeling taken advantage of, overworked, or enmeshed. Participants will actively engage in boundary identification and methods for decreasing stress, both in the immediate and ongoing basis.
Unlocking the Secrets: Making Implicit Information Explicit
There are many considerations to take into account when interpreting between English and ASL. One consideration often overlooked or under-estimated is that English often has implicit information embedded within it that, though readily understood by native English users, is often missed by non-native English users. One challenge many interpreters face is simply identifying implicit information and knowing what to do with it. In this workshop, we will define both implicit and explicit information, and discuss the cultural implications these can have, either positively or negatively, on the message produced in the source language of ASL. This workshop is designed to provide opportunities for interpreters to analyze both written and spoken text to properly identify implicit or imbedded information, and use a variety of ASL techniques to produce an equivalent message in ASL.
Wanted Dead or Alive, NOT!
Interpreters will gain a better understanding of the role educational interpreters. Understanding their role will empower them to impact their various districts in a positive way. Interpreters will gain a better understanding of the education process. Interpreters will gain a better understanding of our Professional expectations and how to apply those expectations within their daily assignment. Knowing and exploring the possible consequences of their decisions empowers interpreters to make better decisions regarding their work. They will also have hands on experience with working with fellow interpreters which will enrich their ethical decision making process and will provide each other with various perspectives. Interpreters will learn the possible consequences of ethical breaches and how to self monitor ethical decisions.
When I’m Off I’m On?
This workshop explores some of the techniques available to us when faced with having to team! This applies to an on-going situation, or those times when we may not have met the partner before and suddenly have to develop a working relationship – and hopefully in the next ten minutes. This is a humorous look at how we can politely, clearly and yet assertively make sure our needs are met, and that, in turn, we are the best partner possible.
