Conference Workshops

CEUs have been approved and will be processed through ASL Communications

Friday – October 17th

3:15—4:15 PM

4:30—6:30 PM

Power, Privilege, & Position: Interpreting with Integrity in K–12 Settings
Presenters: Charlene Williams & Melissa Klindtworth
CEUs: 0.2 [PPO]
Held in: CP 105
Description: This workshop is focused on supporting educational interpreters in understanding and navigating the complex power dynamics present in school environments and in developing tools for ethically advocating for Deaf students without stepping out of role or authority.

4:30—6:30 PM

Working with the DeafBlind: Embracing Diverse Communication
Presenter: Morgan Breese & Jennifer Hess
CEUs: 0.2 [PPO]
Held in: CP 108
Description: The DeafBlind community is distinctively diverse, made up of people with a wide range of hearing and vision. As a result, communication needs and preferences can vary greatly. This welcoming and informative workshop offers an introduction to the DeafBlind community, its culture, and the many ways DeafBlind individuals connect with the world around them.

We’ll also take time to reflect on sighted privilege—how assumptions about access, communication, and navigation often center on sight—and explore ways to build more inclusive and equitable spaces for everyone.

Supporting Trans Interpreters: Building a Practical Toolkit
Presenter: Max Thompson
CEUs: 0.2 [PPO]
Held in: CP 325
Description: In a field that often centers the role of interpreter over the individual who occupies it, how do we balance the impact of our actions on the consumers with the impact on our colleagues? In this interactive workshop, we will explore common challenges during and surrounding assignments that affect trans and gender diverse interpreters. If you aren’t trans but want to know what support to offer, or if you are trans and want ideas of what to ask for, everyone is welcome to come develop a toolkit of actionable steps to respond to those challenges. This workshop is for everyone working, teaching, or studying in the interpreting field.

4:30—5:30 PM

KEYNOTE Q & A 
Presenter: Lance Forshay
CEUs: CEUs pending
Held in: William Philip Hall (WPH)
Description: Lance will moderate a group discussion and activity based on the keynote narration which will include exploring the concept of DeafSpace and creating a lasting legacy of Olof and Agatha in our Deaf history.

9:15—10:15 AM

Building Community through Reflective Practice 
Presenter: Audrey Ramirez-Loudenback
CEUs: 0.1 [PS]
Held in: CP 105
Description: This workshop will explore some of the benefits and experiences of participating in group reflective practice sessions using a Demand-Control Schema framework. Participants will learn about the restorative, normative, and formative function of this group reflective process and explore how this kind of practice and professional development may be different than other experiences they've had.

9:00—10:30 AM

Legacy & Legend 
Presenter: Mark Hoshi
CEUs: 0.15 [PS]
Held in: CP 325
Description: Discover the power of legacy and legend. This session invites you to reflect on your own personal legacy and the lasting impact on others. Through thought-provoking questions and interactive discussion, we'll explore how to honor the past and preserve its wisdom for future generations.

9:00—10:30 AM

Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting 
Presenter: Yael Herbstman
CEUs: 0.325 [PS]
Held in: CP 325
Description: Interpreting rarely happens in a black-and-white vacuum. More often, we find ourselves in the gray–those tricky moments where the Code of Professional Conduct doesn’t give us a clear answer. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore real-world ethical dilemmas and experiment with frameworks for decision-making that balance professionalism, practicality, and perspective. Through interactive activities, discussions, and problem-solving challenges, participants will explore ways to approach “ethically shady” situations with confidence. This workshop is designed to be lively, judgment-free, and thought-provoking. You’ll leave with strategies you can apply immediately and, hopefully, a little more comfort in navigating the gray.

Bring a device, please! We’ll be using interactive online tools throughout the session, so please have a phone, tablet, or laptop handy (or partner up with someone who does).

11:00 AM—12:00 PM

Beyond the Debrief: Reflection as Resistance and Renewal
Presenter: Kiarah Moore, Christine Nakahara, & Audrey Ramirez-Loudenback
CEUs: 0.1 [PS]
Held in: CP 105
Description: This session explores how a general reflective practice group inspired the creation of a BIPOC-centered space for interpreters to unpack the complexities of the work we do. We will share the origins of our involvement with "The Insightful Interpreter’s" reflective practice sessions and how that journey led to the founding of a monthly BIPOC-specific group focused on community, processing, and growth. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own experiences discussing the work with colleagues, and we’ll share the benefits and challenges we've encountered along the way. Whether you're new to reflective practice or looking to build community among BIPOC interpreters, this session offers practical insight, shared wisdom, and space for honest dialogue.

10:45 AM—12:15 PM

Allophilia, Allyship, & Deaf Heart
Presenter: Ben Jarashow
CEUs: 0.15 [PS]
Held in: CP 108
Description: This presentation will focus on the roles played by hearing people with various levels of involvement in the Deaf community. We will explore the meaning behind the three terms: Allophilia, Allyship, and Deaf Heart, and the process a person may go through to acquire one of these labels.

10:45 AM—12:15 PM

Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting
Presenter: Yael Herbstman
CEUs: 0.325 [PS]
Held in: CP 325
Description: Interpreters frequently find themselves in situations where the “right” choice isn’t always clear. While the Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) provides guiding principles, it cannot anticipate every unique circumstance we encounter in our work. This interactive workshop invites interpreters to explore the gray areas of ethical decision-making, where context, relationships, and competing values intersect.

Through guided discussion, case study analysis, reflective activities (like a virtual escape room), participants will examine how personal perspectives and professional frameworks—such as the Demand Control Schema, deontological and consequentialist ethics, and stakeholder perspectives—inform ethical choices. Rather than seeking a single “correct” answer, this session emphasizes strategies for navigating ambiguity with confidence, flexibility, and integrity."

10:45 AM—12:15 PM

12:30—2:30 PM

5:00—7:00 PM

Injury & Interpreter Preservation
Presenter: Malcolm Reed
CEUs: 0.2 [PS]
Held in: CP 105
Description: This session supports knowledge and skill building through lecture and hands-on activities regarding prevalent experiences of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in the field of sign language interpreting. During this session, we will learn tools, techniques and measures in order to maintain an optimal working body for our often non optimal working conditions due to high velocity repetitive movements, cognitive load and physical stress working demands. The session will be comprehensive including three main aspects: Injury prevention regarding movement and ergonomic advantages for the body; Restoration and treatment for common interpreter injuries; and approaches used to prevent, decrease, or stabilize chronic conditions. The best position is the next position, so be ready to learn knowledge, learn your own body, and be robust! 

2:45—4:45 PM

Trauma-Informed Interpreting
Presenter: Wilma Dennis
CEUs: 0.2 [PS]
Held in: CP 108
Description: This workshop is designed for interpreters and members of the Deaf, DeafBlind and DeafDisabled community who are interested in working in domestic violence advocacy and supporting trauma survivors in Washington and beyond. Participants will learn the basic pillars of trauma-informed care, how trauma can impact individuals, and how it may manifest in communication. Together, we will explore ways to present and receive information through a trauma-informed lens, focusing on signing choices, delivery, and survivor-centered approaches.

2:45—4:45 PM

RID Organization Transition 
Presenters: RID Interim CEO, Justin "Bucky" Buckhold
CEUs: 0.2 [PS]
Held in: CP 325
Description: As RID continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of the interpreting profession and the communities we serve, the organization is undergoing a major structural transformation, splitting into two distinct but interconnected entities. This session will provide an in-depth overview of the rationale behind the shift, its implications for members, and how it aligns with RID’s long-term vision for sustainability and impact. Interim CEO, Bucky, will walk participants through the historical context, legal framework, and strategic goals of the transition, while addressing common questions and concerns. Whether you are hearing about this for the first time or have been following the process closely, this is a valuable opportunity to learn and look ahead together.

2:30—5:00 PM

5:00—7:00 PM

Eating Our Young: Horizontal Violence Against Young and New Interpreters 
Presenter: Max Thompson
CEUs: 0.2 [PS]
Held in: CP 105
Description: Stigma against young, young appearing, and new interpreters perpetuates the interpreter shortage across the nation. Join this session for exploratory discussions about the themes of horizontal violence against young and new interpreters. We will unpack the societal and cultural influences contributing to the mistreatment of emerging interpreters and ITP students with a particular focus on the intersectionality of age and gender.

5:00—7:00 PM

Education Law for Deaf Students
Presenter: Whitney Hill
CEUs: 0.2 [PS]
Held in: CP 108
Description: This session is designed for parents and advocates for Deaf/DeafBlind/HH students to be able to navigate a complex system of laws related to disability discrimination in schools and around development of evaluations, individualized education plans (IEPs) services, and educational placements. This workshop will provide information to navigate anti-discrimination and special education laws along with tools to be able to advocate for students when they do not have access to communication at school or cannot access a free appropriate public education.

5:30—7:00 PM

Deaf/DB Panel: Perspectives on Interpreters
Presenter: Hosted by Ellie Savidge
CEUs: 0.15 [PS]
Held in: CP 108
Description: This is a panel of Deaf and DeafBlind people who will answer prepared questions geared to drawing out informatin about their experience working with interpreters.

RID CEO & Region V Rep AMA: Ask Me Anything!
Facilitators: RID Interim CEO, Justin "Bucky" Buckhold & Region V Rep, Rachel Kleist
Held in: William Philip Hall (WPH)
Description: An open forum for folks to ask questions of Bucky (Interim RID CEO) and Rachel (Region V Rep) as a follow up to Bucky's earlier session.

Sunday — October 19th

9:00—10:30 AM

Results & Discussion from the Interpreter Income Study: Washington State Deep Dive (Part 1) 
Presenters: Colleen Jones & Steve Smith
CEUs: 0.15 [PS]
Held in: CP 105

Description: For too long, conversations about interpreter income, rates, and finances have been swept under the rug. We've heard the stories of inequity, especially for interpreters from marginalized communities. We’ve seen the toll that scarcity takes:

Lack of discussion on these critical issues has only caused harm, impacting both interpreters and the Deaf community we serve. Let’s bring these hidden truths to light.

This engaging session presents results from the first-of-its-kind National ASL Interpreter Income Study. This isn't just about raw numbers; it's about understanding the nuance and context of the interpreter experience. We are sharing rich demographic, sentiment, and workplace information, all presented in clear, compelling graphics. We will explore how various factors overlap and align, with income data that has real meaning after it's been adjusted for regional cost of living.

This session isn't just a data dump. It's an invitation to evidence-based dialogue. We'll confront pervasive myths and anecdotes with hard data, fostering a space for honest discussion. You'll have the chance to consider real-world applications, impacts on your own practice, and how you can bring this vital information back to your own communities.

It's time for interpreters to get ahead of the curve. It's time to understand how our relationship with money impacts our work, ourselves, and he Deaf community. Join us to explore this unprecedented data, engage in vital conversations guided by evidence and equity, and contribute to the positive change our field desperately needs.

Audism & Linguicism
Presenter: Ben Jarashow
CEUs: 0.15 [PS]
Held in: CP 108
Description: During the course of this lecture, we will study the general theory of oppression and the different levels involved, with a focus on audism and linguicism. We will go through the history of the two terms, how they came to be in our consciousness, and learn how to identify them in various situations.

9:00—10:30 AM

10:45 AM—12:15 PM

Results & Discussion from the Interpreter Income Study: Washington State Deep Dive (Part 2) 
Presenters: Colleen Jones & Steve Smith
CEUs: 0.15 [PS]
Held in: CP 105
Description: A continuation of Part 1.

10:45 AM—12:15 PM

Bridge of Time: Caregivers & Care Receivers with Hearing Loss in Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Presenter: Dr. Jaime A.B. Wilson
CEUs: 0.15 [PS]
Held in: CP 108
Description: Caregiving within the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DDBHH) communities often unfolds at the intersection of memory loss, communication barriers, and cultural identity. Bridge of Time offers a unique roadmap for navigating these challenges while strengthening collective bonds between interpreters and the communities they serve.

This workshop reframes dementia and caregiving as a shared journey- one that calls on interpreters, Deaf professionals, and families to collaborate as allies. This presentation focuses on sharing true stories, neuropsychological insights, and a creative time-travel metaphor, to help all of us realize practical strategies to support individuals with hearing loss and dementia, while also strengthening interpreters’ role in building access, trust, and healing.

10:45 AM—12:15 PM