Is it possible to create a learning environment that effectively supports taking 220+ sign language interpreters on a guided exploration of their work, while offering real-world advice on how to enhance this work, and do it all in three days? Prior to attending the 2014 Institute on Legal Interpreting (ILI) in Denver, Colorado August 21st-23rd, I would have said, Possible? Yes. Likely? No.
If you attended the 2014 ILI you know, not only is it possible, it happened and was amazing!
Behind the Scenes
StreetLeverage is excited to have partnered with Anna Witter-Merithew and the good folks at the MARIE Center to extend backstage access to the 2014 ILI. What follows is a summary of the StreetLeverage coverage.
How ILI Got Started
Anna Witter-Merithew sat down and shared how the Institute on Legal Interpreting got started, the important role of Deaf interpreters at ILI, and the significant contribution made by Diane Fowler in the promotion of advanced legal training for sign language interpreters.
Setting the Tone
During any type of guided exploration, it is important to set a tone of collaboration and safety. This task was left to keynote speakers and meta facilitators, Carol-lee Aquiline and Sharon Neumann Solow.
They sat down and shared their hopes for conference attendees and their excitement to see Deaf and Hearing interpreters exploring strategies to effectively work together.
Watch Interview Now
You can watch both their keynote and endnote addresses below.
Keynote | Looking Out – Looking In – Reaching: The Role and Function of Critical Analysis of Interpreting Performance
Endnote | Looking Out – Looking In – Reaching: Next Steps
Interpreters at the Core
At the center of the conference was the examination of the work of 5 teams of sign language interpreters comprised of Deaf-Hearing and Hearing-Hearing interpreters. This served as the basis of examination for all sessions and group discussions.
These good interpreters shared insights into their teaming and work experience during two panel sessions. You can watch them here:
Panel One: Deaf-Hearing Interpreting Team Reflections
Panel Two: Deaf-Hearing Interpreting Team Reflections on Preparation Sessions
Better with a Deaf Team
A prominent theme running throughout the conference was the importance of Deaf and Hearing interpreters working together effectively as a team. Jimmy Beldon, Carla Mathers and Kelby Brick share insights into how to this can be done effectively.
Jimmy Beldon Offers Insight on Supporting Deaf Interpreters and the Importance of the ILI
Watch Interview Now
Carla Mathers Shares About the Work of Bringing the 2014 ILI to Life
Kelby Brick Sits Down With Brandon Arthur at the 2014 ILI
The Diane Fowler Award
With the passing of Legal Eagle, Diane Fowler, founder of the Iron Sharpens Iron conference (the precursor to the ILI), the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Legal Interpreter Member Section (LIMS) Chair, Liz Mendoza, announced the establishment of the Diane Fowler Award.
Noteworthy
There are a couple of real standout developments at the 2014 ILI. The ILI had 54 Deaf interpreters attend over the weekend. This is the largest of gathering of Deaf interpreters in the field in recent memory (maybe, ever). Perhaps, it is because, in the words of Jimmy Beldon, “The ILI is a ‘home’ for CDIs.”
The 2014 ILI had 26 facilitators working throughout the weekend in order to support and encourage meaningful discussion and learning. These folks deserve a medal of honor for their tremendous work.
StreetTeam
The coverage at the Institute on Legal Interpreting was only possible with the support of several amazing and talented people. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to those magic makers that brought the ILI coverage to life.
Special thanks (left to right) to: Lance Pickett, Jean Miller, Kristy Bradley, John Lestina, and Wing Butler (not seen here).
Conclusion
I would like to extend my thanks to Anna Witter-Merithew, Carla Mathers, and the good folks at the MARIE Center for their vision and the opportunity to partner with them to extend the reach of the ILI to the broader Deaf and sign language interpreting communities.
Brandon Arthur | Closes up the StreetLeverage Coverage of the 2014 ILI
