Workshops
(Tentative)
Advanced Skills Development for Legal Interpreter: Interpreting Lines of Questioning
This is a six (6) hour workshop is limited to forty (40) certified interpreters who regularly work in the court system—both Deaf and non-deaf--and focuses on interpreting lines of questioning that occur during direct and cross examination, depositions and investigative interviews and/or interrogations. In the legal context—particularly in the instance of sworn testimony—the asking of questions by attorneys is a process impacted by legal parameters and legal strategy. This workshop will focus on an exploration of these factors and explore considerations for interpretation, and practice the linguistic features associated with marking questions forms and lines of questions. The goal is to further the ability of experienced practitioners to create cohesive interpretation that demonstrated the inter-relatedness of questions and elicit the intended type of response.
ASL Pay It Forward
Are you an interpreter with Deaf parents? What are the special skills and knowledge that you bring to the task of interpreting because of your unique place in the Deaf community and as a native user of American Sign Language? In this workshop, we will discuss the importance of recognizing the skills you have and sharing them with other interpreters - from novices to experienced colleagues. Activities and discussions will also center on the use of specific ASL language features and communication techniques that powerfully impact your work as an interpreter. Lastly, we will discuss and experiment with strategies for teaming and mentoring other interpreters. All of this is with the goal of helping you as a CODA appreciate your life, your gifts and your work – and understand better how you can contribute to the field of interpreting and the deaf consumers that interpreters serve.
ASL Prosody for Students
This three-hour workshop will briefly provide a bird's-eye view of discourse, discourse features of ASL before moving on to prosody in ASL. Prosody will be defined and identified through demonstrations and video clips. Group activities will provide an entertaining aspect while working collaboratively to incorporate aspects of ASL prosody in signing and interpreting, enhancing ASL prosody and application into interpreting skills. Implications for learning ASL prosody and recommendations for enhancing ASL prosody will be discussed.
Christian Vernacular
Very often our interpreter training programs are limited in how much specific vocabulary from various content areas we can teach students. This workshop will be geared toward building up Christian vernacular to develop the skills of current and aspiring religious interpreters. We will discuss popular Bible name signs and discuss common Bible stories from both the Old and New Testament. Participants will have the opportunity to practice the vocabulary and time will be allotted for questions and answers. Come fellowship and learn new vocabulary!
Code of Professional Conduct in the Classroom
Knowing where to draw the line without causing an issue can be a challenge for interpreters working within a school setting. This workshop is designed to address some of those areas, and provide feedback on appropriate ways to manage your responsibilities as an interpreter and member of an educational team. We also look at our personal beliefs and core values, discussing how these things have a profound affect on our decision-making abilities. We have activities designed to encourage interpreters to look at how the sum of their life experiences plays a role in the way we see situations and the decisions we make. We use small group discussions to brainstorm through several hypothetical and actual interpreting dilemmas faced by educational interpreters, sharing our ideas with the group at large. This workshop will provide the opportunity to clarify expectations and provide tools to work with when confronted with sticky situations.
Context Analysis at Warp Speed: Predicting in VRS Settings
This presentation will focus on the most critical aspect of interpreters' work: prediction! Thorough predicting includes attempts to determine what may happen based on past experience and present indicators. Predicting (including faulty or insufficient predicting or the total lack of predicting) impacts (positively or adversely) interpretations. VI's work is spontaneous and without any time or ability to do due diligence. However, there are numerous pieces of information that can be gleaned just prior to the video relay call and as the call is being taken that can and should be hyper-analyzed in order to capitalize on the powerful strategy of prediction. Capitalizing on existing knowledge and experience, participants will apply these prediction skills to hyper-analysis in 2D/VI/VRS work. This process will aid VIs and ALL interpreters in conducting predictions using Hyper Context Analysis.
Creating and Maintaining an Impartial Climate When Working with GLBTQI Consumers: Exploring the interpreting Process Through a Social Justice Lens
Using a social justice framework, participants will discuss relevant language, definitions, signs, and cultural norms addressing potential barriers facing GLBTQI consumers. Current research clips will be shown of people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HH) and who identify as GLBTQI. This research focuses on the diversity in language and culture within D/HH communities. Activities will be utilized to assist participants in gaining a broader understanding of marginalized identities and how GLBTQI individuals are impacted by heteronormative culture. Analyzing cultural norms related to gender and sexual orientation through the lens of social justice will allow participants to better perceive the implications of privilege when working in the Deaf, Hard of Hearing or other communities. Interpreting strategies will be discussed for creating and maintaining an impartial climate for GLBTQI consumers throughout the interpreting process. All are welcome to attend in this workshop!
Dactylology
Interpreters’ speed and fluency skills in fingerspelling are flexible by using content, configuration, and closure. Am I supposed to fingerspell every letter of a word while I interpret? Would that consume my lag time hence leave me unable to catch up with the speaker? Can I use a short-cut in fingerspelling? Yes. You will learn more about fingerspelling rules, alphabetical handshape letters, Basic Fingerspelling, English Fingerspelling, and ASL Fingerspelling that you can use.
Deaf Interpreters: Exploring their Process of Interpreting
This presentation is based on the literature review on Deaf interpreters and research conducted during Think Aloud Protocol and Retro-Debriefing interviews with Deaf interpreters. This study is the first of its kind carried out by a Deaf interpreter as a part of a doctoral dissertation. Themes discovered and results from the findings from the data analysis will be explained, and recommendations for further inquiry will be discussed. The findings based on the study have potential positive impact on the work of Deaf interpreters as well as teaching approaches for Deaf interpreters and Deaf-hearing interpreter teams.
Deaf Juveniles: Delinquents and the Law
Interpreters work in a variety of settings when interpreting for Deaf juvenile delinquents, including police stations, detention facilities, court settings, schools, and probation offices. Interpreting for juvenile delinquents requires special knowledge of laws, protocols, and juvenile justice policies. This workshop will explore various issues interpreters face when interpreting for D/deaf juveniles in the legal arena, including interpreting in juvenile detention and correctional facilities for intake screenings, psychological testing, therapy and treatment options; police interviews of minors; interpreting between defense attorneys and juvenile client; ethical issues and current research in the area of juvenile justice. There is a special section for educational interpreters involving crime on school campuses. This workshop is designed for both Deaf and hearing certified and pre-certified interpreters and educational interpreters. **This workshop may contain sexually explicit or violent examples.
Deaf People's Health Literacy
Health literacy is a fast-growing nationwide concern among health care professionals. It requires the patients' ability to navigate the health care systems from understanding their prescription drugs to the surgical procedures and treatments. Statistics from Department of Education show that adults with low literacy were most likely to have health problems as compared to those who have higher literacy. Deaf people are no exception. In this workshop, the definition of health literacy and how it affects the general population and the Deaf community will be discussed. Teri Hedding from Mount Sinai’s Deaf Access Program in Chicago has seen firsthand the health literacy issues among Deaf patients at Mount Sinai Hospital. With examples of several case vignettes, Ms. Hedding will share some tips and tools as how the interpreters can ensure that the deaf patients understand the instructions for prescription drugs, treatments, and discharges. New frontiers will be explored so the interpreters can interpret more effectively in the medical setting.
Deaf Professional and Interpreters: Emergence of Attitude and Behavior in New Working Relationships
This workshop will explore how attitudes and behaviors shape the relationship that develops between deaf professionals and their interpreters. Deaf individuals have a long history of working with interpreters; however, most such interactions have been with the deaf person in a "powerless" capacity as a child in school or in a similar subordinate position. The upsurge in the deaf professional class, as more deaf people become doctors, lawyers, professors, and pharmacists, has challenged this dynamic and predicates the need for those two groups to interact with each other on a different basis, one that recognizes that the deaf individual possesses a larger degree of power and authority. We will examine how attitudes develop and discuss ways in which deaf individuals and interpreters can change their attitudes and behaviors in order to develop a better and more rewarding working relationship.
Deafinition of Great Customer Service!
In ITPs we so often focus on interpreting skills that we do not have as much time to devote to the soft skills of customer service. Toby Welch and Leyel Hudson are the head professors at Lone Star College-CyFair and want to share the Deaf consumer’s and professional interpreter’s perspectives on handling customer service issues. We will have fun by setting up mock scenarios where participants will have the chance to address consumer needs and concerns. Scripts will also be developed for explaining the role of the interpreter in a variety of settings. Come to laugh, learn, and grow!
Developing Ethical Competencies - How do Interpreters become Ethically Fit?
This presentation is based on the literature review on Deaf interpreters and research conducted during Think Aloud Protocol and Retro-Debriefing interviews with Deaf interpreters. This study is the first of its kind carried out by a Deaf interpreter as a part of a doctoral dissertation. Themes discovered and results from the findings from the data analysis will be explained, and recommendations for further inquiry will be discussed. The findings based on the study have potential positive impact on the work of Deaf interpreters as well as teaching approaches for Deaf interpreters and Deaf-hearing interpreter teams.
DHHS: Are you smarter than a 5th grader?
Many individuals know one or two of the programs and services provided by Texas' Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. This presentation will highlight all of the services offered by Texas' best-kept secret - DHHS! Interpreters are often questioned about the various services and programs available to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. They should be if not at least well versed in these facts know where to refer individuals who have a need and are inquiring. This presentation will give them the tools to provide good information and referral services when not actively in the role of providing effective communication/communication access.
Discourse/Rhetorical Genres in ASL: Who's Describing, Arguing or Explaining?
This three-hour workshop will provide an overview of ASL Discourse and discourse/rhetorical genres as one of the critical aspects of ASL and interpreting. Discussion will be highlighted on discourse/rhetorical genres in ASL and English, use of salient language features (SLF) within genres and registers. Video analysis of discourse features related to discourse genres as specified will be conducted to identify their SLF and functions for better understanding of ASL discourse genres. Application of techniques in using ASL discourse genres and their salient language features used in respective genres will be demonstrated.
The Dish Ran Away with the Spoon?! English to ASL Personification
How would you define "personification"? Most of us would begin with the word "… uhhhh…" Ironically, though, we see it on a daily basis! From infancy, all of us have been exposed to personification (Hey Diddle Diddle: "…the dish ran away with the spoon…"). Since then, every aspect of every day of our lives is permeated with personification! News, casual conversations, medical appointments, academic lectures, television shows, religious functions surround us with phrases such as "uncertainty gripped the citizens", "the printer was spitting out paper", "the hand of God crushed the army". But is personification present in our interpretation? … uhhh… With live presenter’s demonstrations, plenty of time for questions, and uniquely tailored preparation materials ('the handouts you won't toss'), you'll walk away with all the tools you need to identify and interpret personification, understanding its effects and even when not to use it in our interpreted product.
Embracing the suck: Accepting and Overcoming Plateaus
As part of the natural learning process, everyone experiences plateaus, where skills are maintained but not gained. Sometimes signers experience challenges due to plateaus, while at other times challenges are caused by limitations of the signer. This workshop will provide each signer, from the least to most experienced, with tools to identify, label, and overcome both limitations and plateaus. Attendees will develop a personal blueprint to help get past specific challenges or plateaus. Information is presented in a professional but humorous manner.
Equivalent Interpreting and Cultural Competence in Medical Settings
The goal is provide comprehension and comfort with common medical terminology in English ansd ASL. Effectively describing anatomy in ASL is a crucial skill for any interpreter working with medical content, whether in a doctor's office, hospital, or classroom. This workshop focuses on sharing knowledge with the intent of improving the interpreter's delivery of medical information as well as further developing cultural competence in medical settings. Our medical interpreting workshop includes a close examination of interpretations for common conditions, disorders, tests, and procedures. Participants will use resources to deliver ASL interpretations of certain topics ansd view sample ASL interpretations. This workshop gives an overview of medical Interpreting situations as applied to prepared scenarios. We will practice using affect and classifiers in structured activites related to anatomy and medical procedures; and identify ressources for continuing professional development. The workshop is a must for any interpreter considering or doing health or medical work and/or education interpreting in student health classes.
iDeaf and the Millennial Generation
Each generation of the Deaf has experienced a different level of interaction with interpreters and access to interpreters through technology. This workshop specifically addresses issues interpreters might encounter with the younger Deaf clients, and helps interpreters identify the expectations younger Deaf clients might have. Attendees will learn about the impact of technology, socio-economic issues, pop culture and education on the Millennial Generation and how these topics affect interactions with interpreters.
Interpreting in a Violent World
Growing numbers of individuals experience violent situations including domestic violence, sexual violence, and multiple forms of abuse. Interpreters are increasingly being requested to interpret in volatile situations for, among others, perpetrators, victims, law enforcement, advocates, medical providers and mental health professionals. Proficiency requires the ability to render services considering the impact interpretation choices have on the immediate situation as well as long-term outcomes. Interpreting in a Violent World provides basic information and tools to evaluate the potential for violence, predict possible reactions of those involved, consider ethical dilemmas and maintain personal safety. Emphasis is placed on best outcomes born out of respecting and working as a team with Deaf Advocates, Certified Deaf Interpreters, Hearing Interpreters and all others involved. Participants can expect to learn specifically about interpreting for survivors of domestic and sexual violence as well as leave with resources within their local areas.
Mentoring LAW
This presentation explores the power of the mentoring relationship and will focus on three fundamental techniques that ensure an effective mentoring encounter: Listening, Asking, & Waiting! Educators, Mentors (including Peer/Self Mentors), Supervisors, Lead Interpreters, Mentees and even parents, and anyone in any type of relationship will benefit from understanding and applying these techniques leading to successful parenting, mentoring, educating, and supervising. A description of the LAW will be followed by the introduction and application of tools to aid participants in gauging the effectiveness of their application of the LAW. One tool to be introduced enables mentoring participants to analyze the levels of listening with respect to the three levels of listening. Other tools will be provided to gauge effective wait times and questions. The presentation will provide an authentic demonstration of the Mentoring LAW techniques, hands-on application practice, and meta-mentoring by the presenter to ensure maximum transference of the learning.
President's Reception:
Keynote Address
Exploring the Old and New Frontier of Interpreting
In a changing landscape, what does our future look like and how are we shaping it? Friedman (1999) posits that the world is currently undergoing two struggles: the drive for prosperity and development, symbolized by the Lexus, and the desire to retain identity and traditions, symbolized by the olive tree. In community interpreting there are similar struggles, for example, the tension between providing a service as a professional and all that entails, and caring for our participants and their struggle for equality and justice.
As we move into the next decade of this century, our past falls further and further behind. As educators retire, and remarkable Deaf and hearing interpreters in the field pass on, knowledge about the history of SL interpreting begins to be lost. Students no longer recognize terminology, important events, the progress of ideas, or people who were instrumental in the development of our field.
My goal is to encourage a remembrance of the past while exploring the changing landscape in community interpreting with examples from all over the world, gathered from interviews with an international slate of practitioners and scholars. In this talk I’ll remind us of the past knowledge and expertise that is still with us, while considering the rapid movement into the future, and what these global changes mean for us.
Relational Autonomy: A Paradigm for Interpreters to Find Voice
This is a three (3) hour workshop focusing on relational autonomy and its implications for decision latitude of interpreting practitioners. In our presentation we make the claim that relational autonomy is a paradigm with crucial implications for guiding the decision-making of interpreters and suggest that developing awareness of the various manifestations of autonomous decision-making could affect how interpreters view and analyze their own decisions. This presentation will 1) introduce a conceptual framework for relational autonomy, 2) focus on its application to ethical decision making by interpreters and 3) the contribution of relational autonomy to our professionalization as a field.
Say What?? Things I Never Learned in an ITP
You have gone through your program, graduated and are now out in the world of interpreting. What situations come up that was not discussed or taught in your program? Think you were prepared? What do you want to know that you are not comfortable asking? We will discuss topics ranging from immunizations, the Interpreter as part of the professional team, teaming and your reputation. This workshop is beneficial to Interpreters of all levels. This workshop will be conducted in spoken English.
To See or Not to See: Self-Worth vs. Self-Assessment
As interpreters, we are in the position of being critiqued, scrutinized, judged, observed, watched and perhaps discussed, daily. It is what comes along with our craft. If it is not our instructors, then it’s our peers, if not our peers, it our clients, and if not our clients, it’s ourselves. Because it is a visual language, it means that what I do is always in the public eye. So whether out of curiosity or concern, condemnation or congratulations, someone is watching you. How is the assessment of my work tied to my self-worth? Or is it connected at all? This workshop deals with self assessment as a tool for self improvement and the impact of self worth on the process.
Sight Translating with intent
Sight translation is often part of an interpreter´s scope of work in various interpreting environs. Given this reality, participants (CDIs, Trilingual, ASL/English interpreters, and interpreters pending certification) will have opportunity to practice a strategy that can be applied to a variety of texts or documents and will include paraphrasing practice followed by opportunity to review and discuss completed work with a peer. Participants can expect opportunity to record at least one sight translation using their laptop or personal hand-held device or one provided courtesy of DARS. The workshop’s intended outcome is primarily for participants to experience the benefit of self-assessing their practice and to utilize solicited peer feedback. Consequently increased effectiveness and accuracy in the sight-translated work can be realized. Additionally, participants will be exposed to a strategy for mindfully challenging and changing the “stories” created by the mind’s eye that can impede progress while practicing and/or anticipating performance testing.
Texas Association of the Deaf: What can TAD do for TSID and Deaf and hard of hearing community in Texas
This workshop will teach participants the brief history of Texas Association of the Deaf, and what TAD has done for the state of Texas since 1886. Will discuss the imperative leadership qualities and future goals that TAD can do to promote leadership, growth, and equality for the deaf and hard of hearing community in the state of Texas.
Three Clients, Three Languages: Practice with Trilingual: Interactive Interpreting
In situations that require interpretation among three languages and three clients, many interpreters ask themselves: Do I listen to the source language and then interpret the two target languages consecutively, or do I interpret one language simultaneously and the other afterwards? How do I decide which language to interpret first? Where do I sit? What do I need to say or know before the assignment begins? How do I manage turn-taking in the case of interruptions? Through much consideration and even more interactive practice, we will answer these questions.
Treasury Oversight Forum
This forum will share with the TSID membership the Treasury Oversight Policies and Procedures that will be offered for a vote at the business meeting.
TSID Community Forum
Community Forum is an opportunity for interpreters, students, and community members to be able to talk about topics pertinent to them creating greater camaraderie, cohesion, and awareness, thereby leading to action on all levels. Items can include but are not limited to things such as working conditions, educational opportunities, professional development, advocacy and education regarding standards for interpreters, etc. Updates on Advisory Committee on Qualifications for Health Care Translators and Interpreters will be presented as well as a brief synopsis of Establishment of Minimum Standards for Communication Access Services.
TSID Organizational Workgroups
During this member-driven workgroup session participants will review and revise the goals established at the 2011 TSID Leadership Retreat. These goals support TSID’s ongoing commitment to increase theorganization's effectiveness and accessibility to its members. Interpreters attending this workshop will also collaboratively identify a system for ensuring successful follow-through of the established goals and actions. Both members who attended the retreat and new participants are encouraged to contribute their ideas during this interactive session.
"What had happened wuz.." - A revealing look at Idiomatic Language and the Spoken English as used by African-Americans in conversation
This presentation will address the Spoken English as used by African Americans in conversational settings. This style of English, African American Vernacular English (AAVE), is often considered "slang" or "street-talk". However, are you aware that research indicates it is a unique dialect of Standard English and that it has its own rules of grammar and syntax? This presentation will highlight the features of AAVE and then discuss at least 30 words, phrases and idiomatic sayings used by the African American community. Emphasis will be placed on attendees gaining increased understanding of the African American culture by developing linguistic awareness of the dialect of AAVE. Issues regarding interpreting for African American consumers (both Hearing and Deaf) will be addressed. Lastly, attendees will gain increased awareness of how AAVE may impact African American interpreters and interpreters-to-be professionally. Plan on attending this workshop with an open mind and a fun spirit!
Which Hat Am I Wearing? Working Ethically and Effectively in Multiple Roles
This presentation explores the challenges of interpreters working in numerous roles. Interpreters employed in education, MH, VR, etc., in private practice, and participating in numerous organizations are confronted with the need to "switch hats" and assume various (and sometimes confusing and conflicting) roles & responsibilties (R&Rs). Looking at professional and ethical implications, participants will be guided by the 10Ps of Context to discuss strategies ensuring clarity and delineation for all stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to ensure interpreters have a tool with which to analyze the context, avoid even the appearance of impropriety, act within the guidelines of the Code of Professional Conduct, provide verbiage to articulate the R&Rs, and provide consumers with an understanding of the boundaries that mark interpreters' R&Rs in any given context. The metaphor of wearing various hats will be used and role plays will strengthen the understanding R&Rs when wearing various hats.
Working With Interpreters: What the professionals who hire us expect
This panel discussion will provide participants with an experience from the other side and what the professionals who hire us count on from interpreters. A case worker, social worker, attorney and others will provide perspective on the kinds of interpreter services they receive as compared and contrasted to what they expect. A question and answer session will focus on how interpreters can better self analyze their own competencies to ensure quality services.
Working With Language Registers
This workshop will allow participants to become familiar with language registers and their specifics. Participants will be presented with vaious texts illustrating different language levels. They will be expected to identify the different language levels and manipulate them. This will involve learning the grammar, vocabulary and language usage relevant to manipulating register, and understanding the rules for interaction for each register.