2025 Interpreting for Deaf Professionals Summit: Agenda
A1: Marketing 101 for Interpreters: Key Terms & Concepts
Not sure what marketers mean by “branding,” “positioning,” “conversion” or “lead generation”? Or how to sign marketing, sales, advertising and why they’re different signs. This session decodes common marketing jargon and explains how these concepts apply to your interpreting.
Participants will be able to:
- Define foundational marketing terms in accessible language.
- Understand how marketing teams use these to guide outreach and campaigns.
A2 | Session Title Coming Soon
As interpreting for Deaf and hard of hearing professionals is not one-size-fits-all, this armchair conversation takes a deep dive into the distinct experiences hard of hearing professionals encounter in the workplace. Exploring potential cultural differences and communication preferences will help position interpreters to understand the perceptions of and realities faced, as well as how to provide support to maximize hard of hearing professionals’ needs in a variety of professional environments.
Participants will leave this interactive workshop with:
- An understanding of the cultural identity journey and communication challenges hard of hearing individuals experience;
- An understanding of the perceived audiological differences between Deaf and hard of hearing individuals; and
- Tools and strategies to support hard of hearing professionals’ unique communication needs.
B1 | Session Title Coming Soon
Explore interpreting ethics through a deaf professional’s lens. Engage in a discussion on consumer experiences, quality challenges, power imbalance and ethical decision-making. Address field limitations in corporate settings, identify strategies to center deaf consumers, and improve corporate-readiness upskilling opportunities for interpreters.
Participants will be able to:
- Describe at least three examples of the consumer experience of interpreting services from a deaf professional’s perspective.
- Unpack the realities and limitations of the interpreting field, with a focus on interpreting in the corporate climate.
- Identify at least four ways to improve decision-making, center the deaf consumer, neutralize the power imbalance, and bridge gaps in upskilling opportunities.
B2 | Session Title Coming Soon
As interpreting for Deaf and hard of hearing professionals is not one-size-fits-all, this armchair conversation takes a deep dive into the distinct experiences hard of hearing professionals encounter in the workplace. Exploring potential cultural differences and communication preferences will help position interpreters to understand the perceptions of and realities faced, as well as how to provide support to maximize hard of hearing professionals’ needs in a variety of professional environments.
Participants will leave this interactive workshop with:
- An understanding of the cultural identity journey and communication challenges hard of hearing individuals experience;
- An understanding of the perceived audiological differences between Deaf and hard of hearing individuals; and
- Tools and strategies to support hard of hearing professionals’ unique communication needs.
C1: Ctrl+Alt+Interpret: Tech 101 for Interpreters
Tech jobs are everywhere — and so are deaf professionals working in them! But for interpreters, tech spaces can feel like stepping into a new world full of unfamiliar terms, fast-paced conversations, and a whole lot of acronyms. Ctrl+Alt+Interpret is a light, beginner-friendly session designed to give you the tools and confidence to interpret more effectively in tech settings. You’ll learn common concepts, workplace norms, and how to handle those “Wait… what are they even talking about?” moments with grace. No coding, no jargon overload — just a helpful introduction to the kinds of language, context, and culture that can make or break effective interpretation in the world of tech.
Participants will be able to:
- Identify and comprehend common technology-related concepts, terminology, and workplace norms encountered in tech environments.
- Employ effective strategies to interpret unfamiliar technical jargon, acronyms, and fast-paced discussions with clarity and accuracy.
- Adapt communication approaches and contextual understanding to navigate the unique language, cultural nuances, and interaction styles prevalent in the tech industry.
C2: The Interpreter's Influence: Shaping Communication in Professional Settings
This session explores the often-underestimated, yet profound, impact interpreters have on professional interactions. As someone who relies on interpreters, I’ve seen firsthand how their linguistic choices, cultural mediation, and even their presence actively shape communication. We’ll delve into how an interpreter’s decisions can influence tone, convey nuance, manage power differentials, and ultimately impact understanding and agreement. Through discussions drawing on the presenter’s personal and professional experiences, this session will help participants better appreciate the interpreter’s role as a co-creator of meaning and learn strategies to optimize communication in diverse professional environments.
This session will:
- List at least three distinct ways interpreters actively shape communication beyond literal translation.
- Articulate two or more examples of how an interpreter's choices can impact power differentials.
- Propose at least two actionable strategies for interpreting encounters when working with Deaf professionals.
D1: Decoding the "Green" Lexicon: A Deep Dive into Sustainability Terminology
In this session, you’ll become familiar with key terms and phrases commonly used in sustainability discourse: “the green lexicon.” We will focus on developing contextual skills when handling specialized green vocabulary in real-time interpreting settings.
Participants will be able to:
- Recognize and define core terms in environmental and climate-related discourse (e.g., biodiversity loss, carbon neutrality, regenerative agriculture, just transition)
- Understand the historical and socio-political background of key environmental concepts
- Reflect on how sign choices can influence the understanding of sustainability context
- Work toward developing a consensus on universally accepted signs for frequently used sustainability terms
D2: From Citation to KPI Dashboard: How Academia and Business Build & Manage Data Differently
Session description and objectives coming soon.
- List three strategies to facilitate and support the provision of effective communication experiences for Deaf and hard of hearing executives.
- List a minimum of three expectations Deaf and hard of hearing executives have of their interpreters.
E1 | Session Title Coming Soon
Explore interpreting ethics through a deaf professional’s lens. Engage in a discussion on consumer experiences, quality challenges, power imbalance and ethical decision-making. Address field limitations in corporate settings, identify strategies to center deaf consumers, and improve corporate-readiness upskilling opportunities for interpreters.
Participants will be able to:
- Describe at least three examples of the consumer experience of interpreting services from a deaf professional’s perspective.
- Unpack the realities and limitations of the interpreting field, with a focus on interpreting in the corporate climate.
- Identify at least four ways to improve decision-making, center the deaf consumer, neutralize the power imbalance, and bridge gaps in upskilling opportunities.
E2 | Session Title Coming Soon
As interpreting for Deaf and hard of hearing professionals is not one-size-fits-all, this armchair conversation takes a deep dive into the distinct experiences hard of hearing professionals encounter in the workplace. Exploring potential cultural differences and communication preferences will help position interpreters to understand the perceptions of and realities faced, as well as how to provide support to maximize hard of hearing professionals’ needs in a variety of professional environments.
Participants will leave this interactive workshop with:
- An understanding of the cultural identity journey and communication challenges hard of hearing individuals experience;
- An understanding of the perceived audiological differences between Deaf and hard of hearing individuals; and
- Tools and strategies to support hard of hearing professionals’ unique communication needs.
F1: Session Title Coming Soon
Tech jobs are everywhere — and so are deaf professionals working in them! But for interpreters, tech spaces can feel like stepping into a new world full of unfamiliar terms, fast-paced conversations, and a whole lot of acronyms. Ctrl+Alt+Interpret is a light, beginner-friendly session designed to give you the tools and confidence to interpret more effectively in tech settings. You’ll learn common concepts, workplace norms, and how to handle those “Wait… what are they even talking about?” moments with grace. No coding, no jargon overload — just a helpful introduction to the kinds of language, context, and culture that can make or break effective interpretation in the world of tech.
Participants will be able to:
- Identify and comprehend common technology-related concepts, terminology, and workplace norms encountered in tech environments.
- Employ effective strategies to interpret unfamiliar technical jargon, acronyms, and fast-paced discussions with clarity and accuracy.
- Adapt communication approaches and contextual understanding to navigate the unique language, cultural nuances, and interaction styles prevalent in the tech industry.
F2: Unseen Filters: How Interpretation Nuances the Perception of Men
This illuminating panel discussion will delve into the often-overlooked influence of interpretation on how Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals may be perceived in various professional and social contexts. We will explore the subtle and not-so-subtle ways in which an interpreter’s choices—from linguistic register and tone to non-manual signals and cultural mediation—can shape perceptions of masculinity, authority, and interpersonal dynamics. The discussion will consider how these “unseen filters” might impact interactions, influence professional relationships, and contribute to or challenge existing gender stereotypes within professional settings and beyond. We will examine practical examples, discuss ethical considerations for interpreters, and foster a critical understanding of the profound impact of interpreting on the construction of identity and perception.
- Identify specific linguistic and non-manual interpretation choices that can influence the perception of men.
- Discuss ethical considerations and potential biases related to gender portrayal in interpreting.
- Develop strategies for interpreters to enhance awareness and promote a more nuanced and accurate representation of male individuals.
G1 | Session Title Coming Soon
Explore interpreting ethics through a deaf professional’s lens. Engage in a discussion on consumer experiences, quality challenges, power imbalance and ethical decision-making. Address field limitations in corporate settings, identify strategies to center deaf consumers, and improve corporate-readiness upskilling opportunities for interpreters.
Participants will be able to:
- Describe at least three examples of the consumer experience of interpreting services from a deaf professional’s perspective.
- Unpack the realities and limitations of the interpreting field, with a focus on interpreting in the corporate climate.
- Identify at least four ways to improve decision-making, center the deaf consumer, neutralize the power imbalance, and bridge gaps in upskilling opportunities.
G2: From English to ASL: Mastering Native-Like Production
Session description and objectives coming soon.
- List three strategies to facilitate and support the provision of effective communication experiences for Deaf and hard of hearing executives.
- List a minimum of three expectations Deaf and hard of hearing executives have of their interpreters.
H1 | Driving Deaf-Centered Interpreting: Shaping the Future of Language Access
To close the 2025 Interpreting for Deaf Professionals Summit, this panel discussion will explore the current state of language access for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing professionals, and anticipate emerging trends, including those that disproportionately impact this community. We will delve into best practices for Deaf-centered interpreting, discuss the challenges faced in various professional settings, and consider collaborative opportunities to shape a future where effective and equitable communication is no longer a barrier to the full participation and advancement of Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing professionals.
Participants will be able to:
- Explore resources and tools available to interpreters for promoting Deaf-centered language access and staying informed about relevant regulations and best practices in professional settings.
- List a minimum of three collaborative strategies that interpreters and organizations can take to address individual and systemic biases and, ultimately, improve the delivery and management of Deaf-centered language access services.
Conference Registration
Registration for the 2025 Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters is now open.