Skip to content
Mailing List

Thank you for your interest in the Community of Practice (CoP) to reflect on Module 3- Interpreting Strategies for Individuals with Atypical Language. The CoP filled up in a few hours and we have a long wait list so we are no longer accepting registrations. 

Feel free to take the Self-Directed modules on your own at https://cssh.northeastern.edu/cali/self-directed-modules/. We also encourage you to create a CoP on your own using the accompanying Curriculum Guide found on that same website. For instructions on how to provide the CoP, watch this pre-recorded webinar, Creating a Community of Practice through CALI’s Self-Paced Modules.

Facilitator: Christopher Tester

What is the training?

Participants will learn application strategies for effectively interpreting with diverse atypical language users. With a key focus on the collaborative nature of the interpreting team, participants will apply strategies to evaluate the effectiveness of the team process, assess consumer language needs, evaluate whether effective communication has been established, and select tools to assist with effective communication within a variety of contexts. Finally, participants will be encouraged to apply critical thinking and creativity when problem-solving through challenges that may arise when striving to meet the needs of diverse individuals with atypical language.

Participants will take a self-directed online module (12 hours on your own) and then join live video conferences for facilitated discussions (5 hours). Live video conferences conducted in ASL.

What are the learning objectives?

Through the Module and CoP discussion, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify 2-3 effective pre-conferencing strategies that can be applied to situations involving individuals who exhibit atypical sign language.
  2. Identify 2-3 communication assessment strategies that can be applied to situations involving people using atypical language.
  3. Define systems thinking and apply it to analyze decision-making surrounding the needs of 2 deaf consumers who exhibit atypical language use. 
  4. Identify 2-3 strategies for effective team interpreting when working with individuals who exhibit atypical language.
  5. Identify 2-3 strategies, inclusive of visual aids, that can be used when interpreting for persons who exhibit atypical language.
  6. Describe how critical reflection with colleagues deepened their understanding of effective strategies to use when interpreting with people who are using atypical language.

Who is eligible to participate?

Interpreters working in the U.S., Deaf, hearing, or Coda, with a minimum of three years of professional interpreting experience are eligible to participate. It is suggested but not required that participants take self-directed modules 1 and 2 prior to taking this CoP.

What are the live session dates?

  1. April 4, 2024 at 4pm-5:30pm eastern
  2. May 2, 2024 at 4pm-5:30pm eastern
  3. June 4, 2024 at 4pm-5:30pm eastern

Attendance at all three live sessions is required.

What platforms will the program use?

Live sessions will be conducted on Zoom.

Who is the facilitator?

Christopher Tester, PhD, CDI, SC: L, is Deaf and is an actor, consultant, educator, and interpreter. As a seasoned presenter, he specializes in workshop and seminar facilitation on topics (not limited to) disability rights and laws, Deaf and hard of hearing awareness, and interpreting. He is a former Assistant Professor at Gallaudet University and a former adjunct instructor for CUNY’s ASL/English Interpreter Education Program. Additionally, he has interpreted for several off and on-Broadway shows, National and International conferences, and the United Nations and specializes in legal interpreting. His recent research focuses on Deaf interpreter’s work within the court of law. After living in Edinburgh and Berlin for nearly four years, he returned to private practice and resides in New York City.

What is the cost?

There is no cost. This program is free.

Can I earn CEUs?

The module (1.2 CEUs) and the Community of Practice (.5 CEUs) together are worth 1.7 RID PPO CEUs at some content knowledge.

How do I register?

Registration is capped at 30 participants.