Tag: Anna Witter-Merithew
Sign Language Interpreters: Embody the Change You Want to See
In the afterglow of StreetLeverage – Live | Atlanta the words of Seth Godin resonate strongly, “The art of moving forward lies in understanding what to leave behind.” As I have contemplated the myriad of questions asked and the rich diversity of perspectives shared, it occurs to me that there was consensus around one singular [...]
ANNA WITTER-MERITHEW
Stepping out of the Shadows of Invisibility: Toward a Deeper Conceptualization of the Role of Sign Language Interpreters Anna examines how interpreters tend to approach role conception, definition and implementation from an interpreter-centric perspective. In large part, this interpreter-centric approach to our work is the result of role conception that foster the ideal of “interpreter as [...]
ANNA WITTER-MERITHEW
Learning to Collaborate: Tools for Sign Language Interpreters to Increase Their Scope of Influence This insightful session is designed to improve the communication and collaboration skills of interpreters who work as part of collaborative teams. Through the use of assessment tools, games, role-playing and case study analysis. This two and a half-hour session will focus [...]
Sign Language Interpreters and the Quest for a Deaf Heart
A recurrent phrase that has been appearing in frequent discussions is “Deaf heart.” Our national interpreter organization, RID, has long been characterized as needing a Deaf heart. Recently, changes have been made to move RID to a more Deaf-centered perspective on the field of interpretation. The most recent evidence of this is the addition of [...]
Ethical Development: A Sign of the Times for Sign Language Interpreters?
Prophetic words do not solely come from scriptural texts and prophetic messages do not only come from spiritual leaders. A prophetic message can be found in the profane moments of our daily lives: a song on the radio that brings comfort, an overheard remark of a child that is innocent yet profound, or an advertisement [...]
Sign Language Interpreters: Breaking Down Silos Through Reflective Practice
Most of us went to work as sign language interpreters before we were ready. Whether it was insufficient skill sets, a lack of maturity and self-awareness, or some other gap, we started working without being fully equipped to handle all that being a professional interpreter requires. This lack of readiness is often compounded by a [...]
Sign Language Interpreters in Mainstream Classrooms: Heartbroken and Gagged
I am sure that most readers are well aware, that the entire “system” for educating hard of hearing and deaf children in mainstream settings is generally a mess, the kids are suffering, and no one person or entity is really in control. Included in this “system” is the entire state of affairs with regards to [...]
Sign Language Interpreters: Are Acts of Omission a Failure of Duty?
Often, when discussing breaches of ethical conduct, the focus is on a sign language interpreter’s commission of some act. Examples might include a breach of confidentiality, accepting assignments beyond one’s capacity, demonstrating a lack of respect for consumers and/or colleagues. Equally concerning, although discussed less often, are acts of omission. Acts of omission refer to [...]
Sign Language Interpreters: Stepping Out of the Shadow of Invisibility
Some time ago some Deaf colleagues were talking about a familiar topic of conversations with and about interpreters, interpreter attitude. As has typically been my experience, their use of this phrase carried a negative connotation. Essentially, they perceived the interpreters who interpreted an event they attended as aloof, detached and largely disinterested. What Happened? When [...]
Recent Comments