*CANCELED*
This session of our series will include Texas and Maine.
Join The Willow Tree Project in an exciting new workshop series, hosted completely in ASL. Each workshop will consist of 2-3 Deaf individuals representing different states. Our goal is for the Deaf presenters to showcase the diversity within ASL across the U.S., demonstrate everyday signs that interpreters may encounter in VRS/VRI work or during testing, and expose interpreters to various generational signs. The vocabulary is chosen by the Deaf presenters and picked at random. Be sure to check for future workshops, as this series is ongoing and aims to discuss all fifty states.
Educational Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Identifying the necessity of learning regional differences
- Recognize the significance of diversity in American Sign Language use in legal, medical, casual, and general interpreting situations.
- Recall regional differences and similarities in signs when comparing two states.
- Employ the correct signs discussed in the workshop for specific states during VRS/VRI interactions.
- Appraise their respect for and appreciation of ASL in all its diversity.
- Report on the link between ASL regional signs and pride in one’s Deaf identity and location
Format
We will start with introductions and a few housekeeping items. The presenters will then go through four categories (legal, medical, general, and slang) with Q&A after each one. There are max 10 words per category to allow for plenty of dialogue and questions. Each presenter will demonstrate their sign for the displayed word and its part of speech (noun, verb, etc). Some signs might be the same! But our hope is to figure out what is different and where it is used regionally. The workshop will provide ample time for Q & A, so bring questions. For example: you can ask how a sign you’ve seen might be interpreted into English, ask about city signs, or local colloquialisms.
Presenter(s)
Regan Thibodeau, Roy Barron
About Our Presenter(s):
Regan Thibodeau is an accomplished interpreter and educator with over 28 years of experience in the fields of American Sign Language (ASL) and interpreting. She has worked in diverse settings such as educational institutions, legal environments, medical facilities, and community events. Her extensive career includes teaching interpreting and ASL, where she has helped shape the skills of aspiring D/H interpreters. Regan is known for her expertise in ASL linguistics, cultural competency, and mentoring, dedicating her career to elevating the quality and accessibility of interpreting services, especially in K12 Education. As an advocate for the Deaf community, Regan continuously strives to create inclusive spaces where communication barriers are removed, ensuring that Deaf-diverse individuals receive equitable access to services and information. Her passion for education and interpreting makes her an efficient interim coordinator of the ITP at the University of Southern Maine for a second year.
Roy W. Barron is a multiracial, fifth-generation Deaf man whose life has been shaped by movement, culture and connection, After living all over the U.S. and attending three different Deaf schools, Roy has carried a deep sense of community and identity since birth. Over the years, Roy has tutored more than 500 interpreting students, sharing not just language skills but lived experience. Now a newly certified Deaf interpreter, Roy is passionate about the power of regional and cultural understanding in communication.
Language
Presented in ASL only with no interpretation.
Registration
Event Fee: $25
Transparency: Fee covers cost of presenters and CEUs.
Refund Policy Workshop fee is non-refundable for any reason.
This event was CANCELED.
Location
Zoom
(Zoom link will be sent the day before the event)
Audience
Recent sign language studies graduates, CODAs, working interpreters, members of the signing community.
CEU Accreditations
Vancro Integrated Interpreting Services (VIIS) is an approved RID CMP sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This workshop is offered for .3 CEUs in the Professional Studies area at the “little/none" Content Knowledge level. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance.
As always, VIIS is committed to offering educational opportunities free from discrimination and bias.
No partial CEUs will be provided.
