Community of Practice- Facilitated

What is the training?

Participants will take the Self-Directed Online Module 2– Working with Individuals Exhibiting Atypical Language: Unpacking Our Bias, Understanding Our Privilege (10 hours on your own). Module 2 shifts the focus from examining causes and patterns of atypical language among Deaf Americans covered in module 1 to considering the factors of identity and intersectionality for individuals who were born or raised in other countries and cultures, or who are part of diverse Deaf communities within American society. Diverse backgrounds, cultural beliefs, and norms, as well as the lack of access to education, healthcare, and a visual language, can all contribute to atypical language patterns unique to the consumer’s life circumstances. Social attitudes, influenced by implicit biases and privilege, can create additional challenges for Deaf people with complex identities and/or who are immigrants or refugees. This is particularly true when individuals encounter unfamiliar systems and social norms.

Participants will analyze conscious and unconscious attitudes, which can lead to cultural conflicts and barriers to the interpreting process. Participants will consider the implications of privilege on the consumer-interpreter relationship. Additionally, as part of our analysis, we will look more closely at potential intrapersonal demands that might arise before, during, and after interpreted interactions. The more you understand these potential intrapersonal demands, the more controls you will have available in your toolbox.

For the Community of Practice (CoP), participants will join live video conferences for facilitated discussions and group activities (5 hours). Module 2 consists of four units. Each live session focuses on one unit. Live video conferences will be presented in ASL.

What are the learning objectives?

Through the CoP discussion, participants will be able to:

1. Describe and provide examples of how understanding our own implicit bias, and the concepts of power, privilege, and oppression is important for all interpreters.
2. Define the term “intersectionality” and explain why it is important for interpreters to understand.
3. Identify various points of cultural and identity considerations of diverse individuals, including immigrants and refugees, who use atypical language and articulate how those considerations may impact interpreted interactions.
4. Explain the theory of Role-Space and describe how it can be applied to working with people who use unconventional sign 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.

What are the dates?

The program runs from June 8 – August 3, 2023. Participants will work through the module on their own and then join live group meetings for discussions and activities. Attendance at all four of the following live sessions is required:

1. June 8, 2023, 7-8:30 pm EDT, Mandatory Kick Off Meeting and Unit 1 Discussion
2. June 29, 2023, 7-8:00 pm EDT- Unit 2 Discussion
3. July 13, 2023, 7-8:00 pm EDT- Unit 3 Discussion
4. August 3, 2023, 7-8:30 pm EDT- Unit 4 Discussion and Wrap-up

Please note these are all Eastern time so adjust as necessary. There will be some preparation required for each session.

What platforms will the program use?

This program is completely online. The module is offered through Moodle. Participants will be guided through how to set up a CALI online learning account. The live sessions are held on Zoom.

Who is the facilitator?

Brent Tracy is a native Bostonian and Deaf-Parented Interpreter (DPI) with over 20 years of interpreting experience. He is currently working as an Interpreter Education Specialist in the Interpreter Education and Professional Development department for Sorenson Communications. Since starting his interpreting career at Gallaudet University in 1999, Brent has worn several professional hats: interpreter, coordinator, mentor, and presenter.

In addition to running Equal Access Resources, Inc. as CEO, Brent volunteers his time by serving on the board and council of DEAF Inc., DPI Member Section of RID, and CASLI. Outside of work, Brent enjoys spending his leisure time golfing, renovating his home, and creating unique handmade bow ties for his business KnotTied.

What is the cost?

There is no cost. This program is free.

Can I earn CEUs?

The module (1.0 CEUs) and the Community of Practice (.5 CEUs) together are worth 1.5 RID PPO CEUs. Partial CEUs not awarded.

How do I register?

The Community of Practice (CoP) to reflect on CALI’s Module 2 – Working with Individuals Exhibiting Atypical Language: Unpacking Our Bias, Understanding Our Privilege. The CoP filled up in under two hours! We have a long wait list so we are no longer accepting registrations.