8:30am - 10:30am EST

The Role-Space Model: Foundations and Applications  

Presented by: Robert Lee

ASL Link https://youtu.be/P63iU3QfVb8

This seminar provides an overview of the role-space model of interpreted interactions developed by Peter Llewellyn-Jones and Robert G. Lee (2013, 2014). The core premise is that a ‘role’ is not something that people have, rather is it something that people do. Interpreters must learn to make use of not only their linguistic and cognitive processing skills in interpreted interactions, but also must strategically employ interpersonal skills (e.g., presentation of self, participant alignment, empathy, etc.) in order to facilitate successful interactions between and amongst the primary participants in the interaction. Knowledge of these skills in the interpreter’s working languages are vital for effective interpreting to occur.

The role-space model proposes three interrelated dimensions of interpreter decision making and behavior: interaction management, participant alignment and the presentation of self.  Decisions made by interpreters during interactions can be mapped to these axes. The interaction between and amongst these axes forms the role-space that an interpreter occupies in any given interaction. The workshop will include lecture/discussion, small and large group discussions.

References

Llewellyn-Jones, P., & Lee, R. G. (2013). Getting to the Core of Role: Defining Interpreters' Role Space. International Journal of Interpreter Education, 5(2), 54-72. 

Llewellyn-Jones, P., & Lee, R. G. (2014). Redefining the role of the community interpreter: The concept of role-space. SLI Press.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to: 

• summarize fundamental ideas that underpin all communicative interaction (including the various roles that all speakers/signers undertake during interactions)

• describe the details of role-space, a unified model of interpreter behavior that describes the space that interpreters occupy in a given interaction.

• analyze and discuss their own interpreting practice using the role-space model

• discuss implications of the model (e.g., domain-specific interpreting, , team interpreting, mentoring, etc.)

Presented in ASL only. No interpretation provided.

Target Audience: Working Interpreters

RID Prior Content Knowledge Level: Some

RID CEUs: 0.2 Professional Studies

8:30am - 10:30am EST

The Emotionally Intelligent Interpreter: Bridging Theory,

Neuroscience, and Practice

Presented by: Sarah Wheeler

ASL link: https://vimeo.com/1067772465/416916d5c8?share=copy

What separates a technically skilled interpreter from an unforgettable one?

Emotional intelligence.

This high-energy, neuroscience-backed workshop takes interpreters on a fast-paced journey into the hidden forces shaping communication, trust, and emotional regulation.

Through a blend of real-world scenarios, interactive micro-simulations, and practical tools, attendees will learn how emotional agility can:

• Strengthen interpreting accuracy by improving emotional perception and cognitive flexibility.

• Reduce stress and burnout by applying neuroscience-backed self-regulation strategies.

• Enhance professional presence and trust-building through a deep understanding of emotional cues.

• Refine decision-making skills in high-stakes settings by balancing emotion and ethical responsibility.

What makes this workshop different?

We’ll go beyond theory—interpreters will practice skills in real time through interactive micro-simulations, applied neuroscience strategies, and dynamic discussions.

By the end, participants will walk away with a playbook of techniques to immediately elevate their interpreting practice and personal resilience.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to: 

• Decode emotional intelligence and its impact on interpreting accuracy, trust-building, and resilience.

• Apply neuroscience-backed techniques to regulate stress, emotions, and cognitive load in interpreting.

• Practice interpreting under pressure through real-world micro-simulations that reinforce emotional agility.

Presented in ASL only. No interpretation provided.

Target Audience: ASL Interpreters, Interpreter Educators, Interpreting Students, Deaf Interpreters

RID Prior Content Knowledge Level: Some

RID CEUs: 0.2 Professional Studies

1:30pm - 4:30pm EST

PLATFORM INTERPRET MOST ACCESSIBLE HOW QQ: 

Practicing and Maximizing Conceptually Accurate 

Platform Interpretation

Presented by: Dr. Topher Ávila

Conceptual accuracy and linguistic equivalence are at the heart of impactful interpretation—especially on public platforms where clarity and nuance matter. This workshop supports interpreters in developing intentional, repeatable practice routines that focus on meaning-based interpretation. Participants will explore techniques for preparing, practicing, and refining platform interpretations in settings like conferences, livestreams, and staged events. Emphasis will be placed on avoiding word-for-word renditions and embracing strategies that support natural, culturally resonant signing. Dr. Ávila and the presenters will engage in guided practice, peer feedback, and resource sharing to strengthen participants' ability to deliver accurate, dynamic interpretations. Whether you’re preparing for a high-stakes event or looking to polish your delivery, this session offers tools to elevate your interpretive choices and meet audiences where they are—clearly and accessibly, and for the sake of Language Justice.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to: 

• identify and apply strategies to develop intentional Language Justice practices that support conceptually accurate interpretation in platform settings.

• demonstrate techniques for preparing and refining meaning-based interpretations in high-visibility settings such as conferences, livestreams, and staged events.

• analyze and apply feedback to enhance linguistic equivalence and cultural resonance in their interpretations, in alignment with Language Justice.

Presented in ASL only. No interpretation provided.

Target Audience: Deaf and hearing interpreters who interpret in platform/simultaneous settings.

RID Prior Content Knowledge Level: Some

RID CEUs: 0.3 Professional Studies

1:30pm - 4:30pm EST

ASL Classifiers & Complex Language Structures   

Presented by: Eric Epstein

ASL Link: https://youtu.be/82Bv0LLLzPY

To communicate effectively as an ASL/English interpreter, you need to have the ability to convey information visually and spatially, in a conceptually accurate manner. In this intensive workshop, we will practice the correct usage of facial expressions, the correct presentation of classifiers, and the most effective way to present information in ASL. You will also learn specific English-to-ASL translation strategies that can be applied for general situations.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to: 

• ASL interpreters will describe the 8 sub-types of classifiers that help with producing conceptually accurate ASL

• ASL interpreters will  apply 2 essential English-to-ASL translation strategies in producing conceptually accurate ASL

• ASL interpreters will produce a correct demonstration of separating, grouping, and eliminating signs in an ASL sentence

Presented in ASL only. No interpretation provided.

Target Audience: ASL Interpreters

RID Prior Content Knowledge Level: Some

RID CEUs: 0.3 Professional Studies

5:30pm - 7:00pm EST

US DIVIDE QQ NG! US TOGETHER? 99!: Why Cross-Movement Organizing is Essential for Collective Liberation 

Presented by: Dr. Topher Ávila

Since 2021, I’ve had the honor of serving as one of the Deaf interpreters for Pittsburghers for Public Transit (PPT) during their community calls—a space where I witnessed something extraordinary: people from all walks of life organizing together for public transportation as a human right. Deaf people, hearing people, ASL signers, Español speakers, English speakers, Disabled and abled community members all showed up, united by the shared belief that transit should serve everyone. In this keynote, I will reflect on the power of interpretation not just as language access, but as a portal into collective liberation. I’ll share what I learned from interpreting in multilingual and cross-movement organizing spaces and how PPT’s model shows us what’s possible when we refuse to be divided. As we face critical political and social shifts more than ever, I humbly offer a call to unity rooted in our beautiful differences that make all of us human, and a refusal to step backward again. Now is the time for us all to come together, Deaf interpreters, hearing interpreters, coordinators, agency owners, customers, and more importantly, the DDDBDHHLD (DeafDisabled, DeafBlind, Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late-Deafened) consumers we serve. Now is the time to move forward together for a better Pennsylvania and for a better future.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to: 

• Define cross-movement organizing and explain its relevance to Disability Justice and language access.

• Articulate the interpreter/access-practitioner's role in advancing or hindering collective liberation within multilingual, multimodal and cross-movements.

• Provide examples of liberatory interpreting practices that center Disabled/DDDBDHHLD leadership.

Presented in ASL only. No interpretation provided.

Target Audience: Working Interpreters

RID Prior Content Knowledge Level: Little/None

RID CEUs: 0.15 Professional Studies

9:00am - 12:00pm EST

The "N-word"

Presented by: Sabrina Boykin

ASL Link: https://youtube.com/shorts/7EVQpVC4mAA?si=6jzTeU7doa00eSgM 

Participants will listen and learn from Black interpreters and Deaf consumers as they share their lived experiences with the N-word. 

We will have large and small group discussions gaining insight into the Power, Privilege and Oppression attached to the N-word. 

Interactive and engaging conversations about the use of the N-word while interpreting and how the word is layered with meaning.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to: 

• analyze their own experience and understandings of the “N-word” and how this has shaped their beliefs.

• describe where the N-word originated and how it has changed over the years.

• explain how the N-word is arguably the most powerful and strongest racist term in the English language.

• employ strategies interpreters can use to manage the N-word and how using the word impacts all those around them.

• describe how the N-word generally affects Black people and many Black colleagues in the field.

Presented in English. ASL interpretation will be provided.

Target Audience: ALL are welcomed and encouraged to attend

RID Prior Content Knowledge Level: Little/None

RID CEUs: 0.3 Professional Studies and PPO

9:00am - 12:00pm EST

SPACE WALK: WORKING PROPOSAL FOR TRACKING AND USING DEPICTIVE SPACE

Presented by: Wink Smith, Jr.

ASL Link: https://youtu.be/S-G_rHONGhY

Interpreters frequently face the challenge of managing space while conveying complex visual concepts. Imagine carefully constructing a visually clear scene, only to have new information introduced mid-discourse. How do you integrate this without cluttering the visual field? This workshop introduces spatial frames, a key tool for organizing and enhancing ASL interpretations.

Spatial frames help interpreters structure spoken language—lacking spatial and kinetic elements—into ASL’s three-dimensional space (Winston, 1995, 1996). By effectively using spatial frames, interpreters can create clear and dynamic depictions of relationships, comparisons, and additional elements without overwhelming the viewer. This approach allows for the flexible incorporation of new details, ensuring clarity and coherence even in complex narratives.

Unlike static listings or simple body shifts, spatial frames enable layered, simultaneous visual representations. They provide the flexibility to construct new frames as needed, seamlessly integrating additional information. For instance, when a speaker describes three houses they are considering purchasing, an interpreter can allocate distinct spatial frames for each, allowing for detailed descriptions. If comparisons arise, additional frames maintain clarity rather than disrupting the visual structure.

This workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to spatial frames, with real-world applications and hands-on practice. Participants will learn how to create, transition between, and expand upon spatial frames, improving their ability to manage complex discourse. Instruction will cover key aspects of depiction, including depicting verbs, surrogation, and partitioning, grounding these techniques in research-based approaches.

Through guided exercises, participants will apply spatial framing techniques in live interpreting scenarios, receive constructive feedback, and collaborate with peers. They will develop the skills necessary to recognize when a new spatial frame is needed, efficiently construct and transition between frames, and maintain spatial clarity while managing shifting discourse.

By the end of this workshop, interpreters will gain a deeper understanding of spatial frames as an essential cognitive tool, enhancing the organization, clarity, and effectiveness of their interpretations. This framework will equip them to navigate the dynamic nature of spoken-to-signed interpretation, improving both the accuracy and visual quality of their work.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to: 

• Define the term “mental space” and give one example of two different mental spaces

• Describe one circumstance when it is possible to introduce a new space frame 

• Describe how one transition between space frames can be accomplished by introducing a new location 

• Demonstrate two different kinds of comparative frames, a shared frame with two elements and two separate frames that houses each element individually

Presented in ASL only. No interpretation provided.

Target Audience: Working and Aspiring Interpreters

RID Prior Content Knowledge Level: Some

RID CEUs: 0.3 Professional Studies

1:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Amplifying Connections: A Gerontological Guide for Interpreters 

Presented by: Jolleen Ives and Jenni Thomas

ASL Link: https://youtu.be/cEicGUcmvtI?si=b-Sm42OmdTh4AF35

This workshop helps interpreters of all levels broaden their understanding of how aging impacts various life areas to provide older adults with more supportive, empathetic, and effective interactions that respect their dignity and autonomy. Presenters with 40+ years of combined experience will explore the cultural, social, and emotional aspects of aging, providing practical tools for navigating complex interactions in healthcare, social services, and community settings.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to: 

• Describe the field of Gerontology, including its scope and relevance to interpreting in the aging population.

• Apply a multidisciplinary approach to care, focusing on how the embodiment of disability and the additional challenges faced by Deaf individuals are compounded in aging populations

• Evaluate the systems that older adults interact with, identifying key challenges and opportunities for improving accessibility and support.

• Develop a schematic shift towards an empowering interpretation, emphasizing best practices and practical strategies for sensitive and effective communication.

• Differentiate between a traditional geriatric framework to a Person-Centered Approach, emphasizing dignity and respect in the care and communication with older adults.

Presented in ASL only. No interpretation provided.

Target Audience: Interpreters: New, Experienced, Specializing in Medical & Mental Health, Diverse Settings

RID Prior Content Knowledge Level: Some

RID CEUs: 0.3 Professional Studies

1:00pm - 4:00pm EST

How Accurate Are You? A Practice Guide  

Presented by: Wink Smith, Jr.

ASL link: https://youtu.be/xoyg1ljhNkA

Accuracy is a fundamental expectation in interpreting, yet defining and measuring it is more complex than it appears. This workshop challenges the assumption that accuracy is merely a direct replication of the source message. Instead, it explores how interpretations can differ in construal while maintaining fidelity to the original content. Drawing on Cognitive Grammar (Langacker, 2008), we examine content (the meaning elements conveyed) and construal (how meaning is framed), offering interpreters a refined approach to evaluating accuracy.

The workshop begins by analyzing the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf’s (RID) notion of a Faithful Message (CPC 2.3). Using examples, we demonstrate how different interpretations can preserve the same content while varying in construal. This flexibility underscores why interpretations that appear different on the surface can still be accurate.

A key component of the workshop is the introduction of content checks—structured tools that help interpreters assess whether key ideas from the source text are maintained in the interpretation. Participants will practice identifying central concepts and evaluating their representations, moving beyond surface-level accuracy judgments.

The session includes hands-on activities where attendees apply content checks to interpretations, ensuring practical comprehension. Participants will also receive five fully developed content checks corresponding to source texts, which they can use for further self-evaluation.

By integrating theory with practical tools, this workshop equips interpreters with a more nuanced, systematic approach to accuracy—one that accounts for both content and construal in their professional practice.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to: 

• Define domains in cognitive linguistics 

• Define construal in cognitive linguistics 

• Define content and construal message equivalence that is compatible with cognitive linguistics 

• Demonstrate how to argue whether or not the target clause produced by an interpreter was accurate 

• Demonstrate how to argue whether or not the target clause produced by an interpreter was expressed with a different construal 

• Explain how to use the provided “content check” worksheet

• Contrast the difference between excessive English intrusion and spurts of “access to the English”

Presented in ASL only. No interpretation provided.

Target Audience: Working or aspiring interpreters who want to assess their accuracy

RID Prior Content Knowledge Level: Little/None

RID CEUs: 0.3 Professional Studies