2025 Conference Details
Schedule Subject to Change without Notice
Standing Rules for Annual Membership Meeting
To make a motion during the Annual Membership meeting, click (link coming soon).
8:30am - 10:30am EST The Role-Space Model: Foundations and Applications Presented by: Robert Lee | Seminar description in ASL: 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:
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 | Seminar description in ASL: 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:
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:
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 |
PARID Annual Membership Meeting | Join us for our annual membership meeting. This is your opportunity to make motions and for membership voting to occur. Standing rules for the membership meeting are available here: Business Meeting Standing Rules.pdf Member motion form: ________ Presented in ASL only. No interpretation provided. Target audience: All PARID members RID CEUs: 0.0 |
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:
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 | Seminar description in ASL: 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:
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:
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 | Seminar description in ASL: 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:
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. | Seminar description in ASL: 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:
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 & Presented by: Jenni Thomas | Seminar description in ASL: 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:
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. | Seminar description in ASL: 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:
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 |
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