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Northeastern University’s American Sign Language and Interpreting Education Program was awarded a U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration grant for $2.1 million to build on the successes of the Center for Atypical Language Interpreting (CALI). The project addresses the growing demand for interpreters with specialized skills to serve Deaf and DeafBlind persons with atypical language.

The five-year project officially launched on October 1, 2021. Plans include expanding the reach of the Program of Study – comprised of facilitated online modules, practical application week, and supervised induction – to interpreters in 20 not-yet-served areas of the country. Teams of subject matter experts will create content on interpreting with elder Deaf people whose language may be atypical due to aging and neurodegeneration, and immigrants whose first language is neither ASL nor English. Further, in response to needs expressed by CALI trainees, facilitators, and induction supervisors, we will deepen the language assessment, teamwork, and mentoring elements of the program. Self-directed online modules, with above-described content enhancements, and other stand-alone resources will be available to all interested stakeholders. Please visit the website for more information https://cssh.northeastern.edu/cali/.

The team includes Diana Doucette, Director; Dawn Whitcher Project Coordinator; individual consultants; and a partner network of agencies and programs serving interpreters and individuals who are Deaf and DeafBlind.