Taught by Monica Parks and Melissa Rodgers
Workshop Synopsis: Explicit and implicit bias exist in our society, and often as interpreters we are unaware of the impact it has on our work. Implicit bias, the attitudes or stereotypes that effect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner, can influence our perceptions and interactions without the interpreter being aware of it. This workshop will explore bias. Participants will learn about examples of biases that happen every day, and discuss and explore ways to safely unpack and address biases.
Presenter Bio, Monica Parks: Monica Parks, BEI III, is the Manger of the North Houston center of Sorenson VRS. She has been with Sorenson since 2006. During her 18 years in interpreting she has done a variety of community assignments, but has a special penchant for working with those who are DeafBlind. No stranger to K-12 either, she loves working with kids. She currently is the Treasurer for the National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA). She has served as the Fund Raising Chair of RID Region IV; the Legislative Chair of Texas Society of Interpreters for the Deaf; two terms as the TSID Conference Sponsorship and Advertisers Chair; Greater Houston Interpreters of the Deaf Treasurer; Montgomery County Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf Vice President; and formerly a commissioner for the Mayor’s Commission for People with Disabilities in Houston. She has worked with DeafBlind people since 2005, adults and children, in a variety of capacities.
Presenter Bio, Melissa Rogers: