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2026 Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters logo

2025 Deaf in Healthcare Summit
for Interpreters

Pre-Conference

April 16-17, 2026
Learn from the Experts!

A total of .6 CEUs will be offered during the pre-conference for the 2026 Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters. This specialized pre-conference intensive is designed for healthcare interpreters looking to master the visual-spatial complexities of American Sign Language. Participants will move beyond lexical signs to explore the mechanics of movement, role-shifting, and classifier theory.

Pre-Conference Agenda

Thursday, April 16, 2026
3:00 – 5:00PM (CT)

Introduction to Classifier Types

Diana Cho and Eric Epstein

Healthcare interpreters need to be able to present information visually for the Deaf patient. This session describes 8 common types of ASL classifiers, as well as best practices for how to integrate those classifier types in interpreting situations.

After attending this session, participants will:

  • Describe the difference between "DRAW" and "FILM"
  • Identify the 8 types of classifiers
  • Explain the relationship between classifiers & roleshifting
6:00 – 8:00PM (CT)

Classifiers for Anatomy & Diseases

Diana Cho and Eric Epstein

In this intensive session, we analyze how classifiers and nonmanual markers are used to convey concepts related to anatomy & diseases. We discuss techniques for interpreting concepts that are commonly encountered in a healthcare setting. 

After attending this session, participants will:

  • Apply classifiers to describe at least 3 significant anatomy concepts
  • Explain the general framework for describing diseases in ASL
  • Demonstrate correct usage of nonmanual markers with ASL classifiers
Friday, April 17, 2026
11:30AM – 1:30PM (CT)

Classifiers for Medical Procedures

Diana Cho and Eric Epstein

Medical procedures require clear ASL interpretation for the Deaf patient. This session lists some best practices for visually explaining medical procedures to the Deaf patient. We will discuss different ways to use classifiers and apply them in interactive activities. 

After attending this session, participants will:

  • Apply classifiers to describe at least 3 significant medical procedures
  • Explain how to correctly roleshift between the patient & medical professional
  • Describe the difference in classifiers used on the body vs. out in space

Presenters

A headshot of an individual who is of Asian descent, with short dark hair and wearing glasses and a purple collared shirt. They are looking directly at the camera with a slight smile.

Diana Cho

SHE/HER/HERS
Aside from being a life coach, Diana Cho is an ASL tutor who helps people grow in both skill and confidence. She works with ASL learners, interpreting students and working professionals, aiming to support clear and confident communication. For hearing individuals, she keeps an eye on the link between confidence and inner sincerity in their signing, so their communication feels more natural and is better received within the Deaf community.
A headshot of a man with short brown hair and a beard, wearing a black and orange winter jacket. He is looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. The background is a blurry, snowy landscape with mountains and trees.

Eric Epstein

HE/HIM/HIS
Eric Epstein is an ASL consultant & educator whose work has been featured in the New York Times article “American Sign Language Reveals Wordplay Beyond Sound”. He has provided multiple nationwide ASL interpreter training programs through various nonprofits, school districts, and government offices. His groundbreaking research in advanced ASL can be found in the website Signplaying.com, which is currently being used as part of the ASL curriculum at various university courses.

Pre-Summit Registration

Registration for the 2026 Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters and the pre-conference is open.

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