VIEWS
INNOVATION Issue 37 | Volume 3 Summer 2020
HONORING DIVERSITY: Featuring Royce Carpenter and Michon Shaw by Billy Sanders
ACTING IN SOLIDARITY by Richard McCowin & Kelly Brakenhoff
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH GOREACT: How RID Promotes Language Equality by Ku Mei Kern
If you are interested in supporting interpreters who are RID members, please consider making an unrestricted donation here. Donations are fully tax-deductible. The donated funds collected will be dispersed among RID members who are experiencing financial hardship at a later date, October 31, 2020.
secure.givelively.org/donate/registry-of-interpreters-for-the-deaf/covid-19-certified-interpreter-relief-fund
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
*Cover photo courtesy of cottonbro from Pexels* 2
VIEWS Volume 36 • Issue 3
Summer 2020
VIEWS
IN THIS ISSUE:
COVER STORIES
Governance Letter from the Editor/ 4
Honoring Diversity: Featuring Royce Carpenter and Michon Shaw Signed by Billy Sanders Page 22 Video Link: https://youtu.be/DxTJsyJKcis
President's Report / 6 Region I Report / 10 Region II Report/ 12 Region III Report/ 14 Region IV Report/ 16 Region V Report/ 18
Columns/articles Affiiliate Chapter Corner/ 21 Reflections from an Old Hand/ 34 Self-Care/ 36
Acting in Solidarity An Interview with Richard McCowin Page 28 Video Link: https://youtu.be/0X3ovScW2-k
News From the Desks at HQ/ 20 EmergencyAccess.info/ 26 Discover Interpreting Online / 31 Member Spotlight/ 39
Behind the Scenes with GoReact Ku Mei Kern Page 32 Video Link: https://youtu.be/2X-Pi9XSkno
Newly Certified/ 41
To view all articles in ASL, visit our Summer VIEWS playlist on YouTube, www.rid.org/aug2020viewsplaylist/ Layout Design and Video Editing by Maxann Keller and Jenelle Bloom
Photo collections from Unsplash,
#AugVIEWSsummer20
www.rid.org
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Letter from the Editor H
ello again! This is Maxann Keller, your Editor and Chief of VIEWS. This issue of VIEWS is a very insightful issue, focusing on not only current events and the impact on our profession and communities as a whole, but also on the growth and creativity that we are seeing as a result. The theme for this issue is “Growth Through Innovation” In our Honoring Diversity Column, we celebrate two very inspiring individuals in our interpreting community, Royce Carpenter and Michon Shaw. Their work and accomplishments have had a huge impact on our profession and colleagues! Our Board of Editors interviewed members of the Black Deaf YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/RLwKdJI21m community as well as Interpreters of Color to help us learn their perspectives and see how current events in our cities are impacting the Black Deaf community, as well as our Interpreters of Color. GoReact author Ku Mei Kern writes an article about how the partnership between RID and GoReact promotes language equality. Kern also provides an inside look at how GoReact assists RID in the VIEWS ASL editing process. While this issue of VIEWS is my second, is it also the last issue for me in this role. RID is going through a lot of exciting changes and the new editor will be taking my place for the November issue. I look forward to continuing reading VIEWS as a member of RID and am eager to see the success of the publication and new ideas for the future . Thank you. Yours,
Maxann Keller 5 Editor-in-Chief
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RID BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Jonathan Webb, Ph.D, CI and CT, NIC Advanced president@rid.org Vice President Paul Glaser, MSE, CDI vicepresident@rid.org Secretary Kelly Decker, NIC Advanced secretary@rid.org Treasurer Yakata Nichols, NIC treasurer@rid.org Member at Large LaTanya Jones, M.S.M., NIC memberatlarge@rid.org Deaf Member at Large Branton Stewart, CDI, CLIP-R dmal@rid.org Region I Representative Jason Farr, NIC region1rep@rid.org Region II Representative Brenda Sellers, CI and CT, NIC region2rep@rid.org Region III Representative Kenya McPheeters, NIC region3rep@rid.org Region IV Representative Deb Martinez, MA, CI and CT, NIC Advanced, SC:L region4rep@rid.org Region V Representative Mish Ktejik, M.A., NIC, SC:L region5rep@rid.org
RID HEADQUARTERS STAFF
Chief Operating Officer Elijah Sow esow@rid.org
Director of Finance and Operations
Jennifer Apple japple@rid.org
RID/CASLI Staff Tong Rogers Accountant trogers@rid.org
Senior Director of Standards Ryan Butts and Practices rbutts@rid.org Professional Development Manager
Carol Turner cturner@rid.org
Ethics Administrator Tressela Bateson tbateson@rid.org
Certification Coordinator
Director of Member Services and Government Affairs
Ashley Holladay aholladay@rid.org Neal Tucker ntucker@rid.org
Affiliate Chapter Liaison Dr. Carolyn Ball cball@rid.org Communications Strategist
Adam Summers asummers@rid.org
Communications Coordinator
Maxann Keller mkeller@rid.org
Communications Specialist
Jenelle Bloom jbloom@rid.org
www.rid.org
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President's Report Jonathan Webb, RID President YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/1vh2IidXNgo Jonathan Webb, Ph. D CI and CT, NIC Advanced President
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his August release of VIEWS stands as the year-mark for the current ’19-’21 RID Board. This last year we have embarked on a journey of transformation. The transformation has been about looking at who we are and what we do. We’ve talked about voting and structures of governance, responded to crises with humanity, grace, and wisdom, addressing social systems of inequity that naturally reside in the institutions we build and impact how we listen to and interact with one another. We’ve begun to unpack the reasons for our organization and where we have struggled in being beholden to the idea of a member driven organization as well as what it means to be a professional certifying organization. These philosophies and conceptualizations around who we are have been further fueled by the board answering a question that has plagued RID and the interpreting profession for a long time — who does RID serve? Moving beyond the binary question posed to create discord and conflict, the board has wholeheartedly proclaimed that RID serves our Deaf communities, and that we primarily do this through establishing standards of excellence for sign language interpreters and then ensuring these practitioners have the resources and tools needed to serve our Deaf communities effectively. But why?
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Albert Einstein is known for having said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.” I remember being that child that asked "why?" a half million times. Clearly, this extended beyond the normal age when the permission to openly question is typically squashed, as I certainly wasn’t a toddler when I remember having the discussion with my mother around why I was so inquisitive. The question why?, a sacred word for me, has served me well. While my use of why? has often been cited to tell me to stop asking so many questions, to accuse me of being filled with doubt, to judge me as unpatriotic or spiritually “dark”, and to deign me as having problems with authority, the word has primarily served as a mantra that has given me the energy to dig a bit deeper and walk a bit farther. On a personal scale as an interpreter, "why?" is what has allowed me to practice excellence- one of the words we use in RID to describe what we do. Why do I have to sign in a way outside of my cultural norm in order to be accepted by my colleagues and those whom I serve that share a different phenotype? Why do I have to believe that any given sign equates a particular word, when we know that language in and of itself is a code meant to translate thought and concepts into a meaningful form for exchange? Why do I assume qualification is based on this or that criteria if the criteria are met and yet there is still consistent breakdown
in communication? Why do I need to honor the power-wielding majority’s preferences when I see the ways in which marginalized peoples I serve are further abused? Why do I need to fit within a box of a particular practitioner model when my work should ideally reflect the needs and circumstances of each situation I enter and the communicators that exist therein?
tance are more than just fanciful words and concepts co-opted by the trendy. Despite the problems that live uniquely in any group of people, we love the cultures of our Deaf communities. We love the languages and dialects- the strange beauty contained in both their simplicity and complexity. For whatever individual reasons and stories, we love Deaf peoples. And because we love Deaf peoples we choose to love RID because of its positionality to Deaf In my experience, why? typically leads me down a path to love. peoples and communities. We love RID because we see and feel The first why? leads to others which lead to more. But eventually, the impact RID has on our Deaf communities- for better or worse. nearly every time when I ask why?, I inevitably come to a place where I know what I must do and how I must act — and it is based In my world view, to love a thing is to take ownership of it. If I on the notion of love. “love” my car, my house, a book, my job, etc, it means that I deeply value it and care for it. This is different than loving people. In For years I have asked whyRID? I have asked this question as a my world view, loving people means we honor their growth pronovice interpreter, a young certified interpreter, a mentor, a cess and lend them support in manifesting their destiny.
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity". - Albert Einstein teacher, a volunteer holding various levels of responsibility. I still ask the question today but I ask it with a different understanding. I ask the question why RID? based on a willingness to ask the question for over twenty years. I ask the question today having asked myself many times and in many ways, digging deeper and deeper, reaching my standard conclusion- love. Certainly, I am not alone in this assessment. We all may use different words or descriptors as labels to what we internally understand, but many of us do indeed love RID. Please make no mistake- most of us who claim love for RID have no real love of the institution as an institution. We have no love of the system; in fact, many of us deplore the system and machine that RID is at times. Instead, I would suggest, we love the ideal of RID and what we believe we have the power and ability to manifest through RID. We love our Deaf communities. We love that we have the honor of working in a field rooted in justice and equity. We love the people whom we have the honor of serving. We love knowing that justice and resis-
As president of RID I have stepped up with a board of gifted volunteers to take stewardship over the profession of sign language interpretation in the United States of America. In this position I must deeply value and care for RID, because RID is a tool that supports Deaf peoples in their growth and the manifestation of their individual and collective destinies. RID stands in-between two extremes. On one side we have the majority phonocentric world we live in that both consciously and unconsciously marginalizes Deaf peoples through what we describe as audism. On the other side, we have communities of peoples who live according to the eye and touch and seek to work out their liberation from a phonocentric society to manifest a destiny that realizes basic human rights, justice, and equality. RID sits in the middle, most of us with the ability to hear. We sit in-between marginalized communities seeking liberation and their oppressors that seek what all oppressors have always sought- compliance, subjugation, acculturation, linguistic assimilation. RID stands in the middle between colonization and liberation. www.rid.org
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we utilize the privilege we have to resist audism so that Deaf peoples have greater space to utilize their own inherent strengths and talents for the purpose of liberation. So, why RID? RID is because there are people in this country, both hearing and Deaf, that believe oppression is immoral. RID exists because there are hearing and Deaf people in this country that believe all people have a right to liberation, justice, equality, and basic human rights. RID exists because one small tool in the dismantling of efforts to further colonize and assimilate Deaf peoples is the use of interpreters. In the macrocosm, RID stands in-between oppression and liberation. But in the microcosm there is no difference — interpreters stand in between hearing peoples’ conscious and unconscious audism and Deaf peoples’ struggle for liberation. Why? Because we love our Deaf communities, and they deserve a fighting chance to live their lives. Why RID? Because all of us who serve as interpreters directly and monetarily benefit from Deaf people living in a phonocentric society that is riddled with audism. And because we love Deaf people, we utilize the privilege we have to resist audism so that Deaf peoples have greater space to utilize their own inherent strengths and talents for the purpose of liberation.
ber-benefits when asked by practitioners why they should associate (pay money to) themselves with RID. We talk about discounts on goods and services. We talk about products interpreters receive. We rely on the prevalent ideologies of our society, including capitalism, to explain why one should participate in RID. What I realize I have failed to do is ask the question: What if there were no RID? Undoubtedly some other system would take its place and the cycle would begin anew. It s not a stretch, however, to consider the dystopian reality of a world without RID or its equivalent. But instead of talking in negatives, I would like to share what I truly believe the member benefits are of belonging to RID.
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf ~ A Few Member Benefits 1. The formation, legitimization, and maintenance of a profession that allows for people to be trained in said profession.
I recognize that much of what I share here will resonate with many. However, I also acknowledge that it directly contradicts 2. Establishment and promulgation of standards for interpretsome of the ways we talk about RID and our association with the ers. institution and system. 3. Provides a centralized voice in promoting specialties within If we ask, "why RID?", the question has a qualitatively different the profession. tone than asking, for example, "why Walmart?". 4. Coalesces and disseminates a variety of views and perspecWalmart [insert any retail corporation] is a place where if I take in tives on the practice of interpretation. a dollar to spend, I expect to leave with a product that capitalism decides is worth a dollar. I spend $100, then I expect to leave with 5. Works to educate practitioners on standard practices, best practices, and ideal practices. a capitalistically determined equivalent of $100 in product. RID [insert any nonprofit authentically aimed for social good] is 6. Seeks to educate law and policy makers on standards of practice. an organization that serves as a coordinating and communicating home for those seeking to make the world a better place. When I 7. Monitors (and, formerly, developed) measurement tools to contribute to this system the good I hope to benefit from it comes determine one’s worthiness of wearing the mantle of certified in the form of shifting unjust societal constructs that work against sign language interpreter. peoples’ liberation. The benefit is the promise of liberation, justice, and equality. 8. Provides space for practitioners to come together to learn and develop better ways to provide our services, furthering For a long time RID has fallen into the trap of trying to convince the association’s mission. members to participate in this system by outlining a number of so-called member benefits. More than a few have participated in 9. Publishes and promotes a body of ethical behaviors meant to this ideology. Many of us have worked hard to enumerate mem-
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But what I choose to remember is that RID is a reflection of who we are. serve as a framework for the manner in which we provide our services.
10. Operates a system whereby those who have been wronged by practitioners can be corrected and/or disciplined and move towards alignment with our shared values and mission. 11. Screen and endorse educational opportunities meant to support and refine the practice of sign language interpretation. 12. Establish and promote credentials that describe the quality and facet of the work we do. This is but a sampling of how we can begin to respond to the question why RID? We join, support, donate, volunteer, and work within RID because, frankly, most of us are hearing or have the ability to hear. With that unearned privilege of being able to hear while living in a phonocentric society, we do what is necessary to make space for Deaf peoples to seek out, struggle for, work to, and hopefully realize their liberation. It is an honor to be part of RID. It is even a greater honor to contribute to and benefit from its success. RID is not perfect. It was formed imperfectly. It has grown imperfectly. It lives today, imperfect. RID is simply a reflection of all of us. RID bears the prints and impressions we have given it with its founding up through today. If we don’t like RID, then frankly, we don’t like ourselves. And I wouldn’t be in integrity if I didn’t share there are moments I don’t like RID. Colleagues over the years know that I’ve had a difficult relationship with this organization, and I continue to experience this cognitive dissonance at times. But what I choose to remember is that RID is a reflection of who we are. Within RID lives our backbiting, gossip, meanness, unkindness, jealous, competitive, diva-wielding attitudes. But we are also, individually, much more than that. Within RID lives our desires for human rights, justice, and equality. Within RID lives our belief in raising standards, our belief in excellence. Within RID lives a determination to do our best to get out of the way so that Deaf people can work out their liberation. We are not perfect; RID is not perfect. We have immeasurable potential for good; RID has immeasurable potential for good. Why RID? Because I love Deaf peoples and this is one way in which I can demonstrate that love.
Over the next year I hope to accentuate this frame amongst the membership. Very shortly you will begin to see brief interviews I conduct with people, simply asking them, why RID? I hope as these loving members, volunteers, constituents, and staff members share with you their #WhyRID, that you will join us and put out your own vlogs and communication to explain your #WhyRID. In solidarity and love Jonathan
Thoughts for application: 1. Practitioners can develop an independent study that explores the purpose of a non-profit and how that manifests in the mission of RID.
2. Practitioners can gather together and create a learning activity that allows individuals to unpack their beliefs around RID as well as how they conceptualize their work as an interpreter.
3. Mentors can work with mentees by supporting them in their philosophical exploration of why skill development is such a critical activity in our profession.
4. Educators can help students refine their considerations when explaining why they want to serve as sign language interpreters.
5. Dialogic facilitators can support group discussions on the implications of shifting our collective frame around member benefits from one of capitalism to one of societal benefit.
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Region I Report Jason Farr, Region I Representative FROM THE BOARD YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/xeaxYQCM1rc Jason Farr, NIC Region I Representative
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ello Region I. I have an exciting update to share regarding our Region I Conference, previously scheduled for this year in New York City. COVID-19 has brought an opportunity to do something a little different in 2020 - we are moving the Region I Conference online October 8 - 11. I especially want to thank our Conference Co-Chairs Chris Kelley of GVRRID and Rosa Norberg of RIRID, as well as the many Conference Committee Chairs and Presenters, for their hard work and dedication to see this conference move forward.
Connecticut RID (CRID)
Connecticut has waved their membership dues for this fiscal year. We ask anyone who wants to become a member to please fill out a membership form on our website (http://www.connrid.org) so we can have the correct contact information. We encourage our members to support our local partner Deaf organizations with the money that you would have spent on CRID. We will be holding our general membership meeting in the Fall, more information to come. We have also been busy to help support BLM (Black Lives Matter) events across our state by providing pro bono interpreters when available. We thank our coordinator and those interpreters for their time! The CRID board would like to thank our team of interpreters who have been working hard the past few months to provide access for our Governor and other state leaders.
The Region’s Affiliate Chapter leaders have also been hard at work, bringing online workshops, social events, volunteer opportunities, and Town Halls to their cities and states. If you are looking for ways to volunteer in your community, or aim to find more resources on interpreter development, your local Affiliate Chapter is a great place to start. RID Affiliate Chapters are the Our newly-elected MaineRID Board members joined their first transition Board meeting. We have a full Board and new enervery foundation of RID. gy and ideas for workshops and CEU-bearing discussion groups focused on the role of RID, the meaning of being stewards of the
Maine RID (MeRID)
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interpreting profession in Maine, concerns about access to education for Deaf and hard of hearing students in the age of Coronavirus (COVID-19), and possible adjustments to Maine's licensing law.
NYC Metro RID
We held our 2nd General Chapter meeting of the Fiscal Year (FY)19-20 on 6/28 at 12pm with 35 attendees. NYC Metro RID also donated $1,000 total to five different community organizations including NAOBI, NYDT, House of Justice, NY Parent Assoc for DB & DB Citizens in Action. Our Emergency Fund Committee raised $2,700 from donations for Interpreters in need during the COVID-19 pandemic and organized and hosted eight workshops, both live and virtually, over the FY19-20. FY20-21 will focus on providing more PPO workshops to address our need for change as a community and society.
RICDHH’s Emergency and Public Communication Access Program (EPCAP) which during this COVID-19 pandemic, has been active to ensure that information and communications from RI Department of Health is available in ASL. (http://www.cdhh. ri.gov/covid-19) RICDHH has also been awarded a grant for a Healthcare System Transformation Project (HSTP) entitled, Improving Healthcare Access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals. Working in partnership with Rhode Island College (RIC), RICDHH seeks to accomplish three goals that will improve access to medical, mental health, and behavioral health services. Five representatives from RIRID are collaborating with RICDHH and RIC for the development of the interpreting program. For more information contact Christine West, HSTP Project Manager, at Christine.West.ctr@ cdhh.ri.gov
Vermont RID (VtRID)
In Vermont, we canceled public gatherings and face to face events. We hosted a successful election and welcomed a new Director All of us are committed to the following: at Large to the Board, Michael Fisher and we will host our first Board meeting of FY20-21 on Monday 7/13 at 6pm. Solidified • Stay home, work remote when possible dates for the Region I Conference are now October 8-11. We will continue to send out Bi-weekly newsletters to our members and • When going out in public, wear a mask and practice physical distancing of at least six feet or more update our website and social media! • Wash hands frequently
Rhode Island RID (RIRID)
• -When sick, do two-week quarantine It is what we each can do to flatten the curve and reduce the exposure to other people in the community.
Dues for this year have been waived. RIRID has also been working with the RI Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RICDHH) on two key projects in the state.
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Journal of Interpretation Volume 28
Hosted by University of North Florida (UNF) https://Digitalcommons.unf.edu/joi/vol28/iss1/ www.rid.org
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Region II Report Brenda Sellers, Region II Representative FROM THE BOARD Brenda Sellers, CI and CT, NIC Region II Representative
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/bbhdVlD_gv4 • Our membership continues to grow - we currently have 151 members registered. Submitted by Mary Beth Grayson
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i, I’m Brenda Sellers, Region II Representative.
I have gathered reports from some of our Affiliate Chapters and would like to share them with you. They are below:
SCRID • New SCRID Board will assume positions July 1, 2020
GARID
Greetings from Georgia! Just like everyone else we are trying new things as far as virtual learning and Zoom meetings. We have had one workshop and one member meeting, both with a great online turnout. Our workshop covered specifics as far as staying safe while working (and life in general) during this pandemic. Also, we are working with the membership to host a town hall meeting with the goal of figuring out how we can support people of color in our communities as well as support Black Lives Matter on a larger scale.
• On June 18-21, SCRID hosted a 4-day legal intensive workshop with Carla Mathers on Zoom with 18 attendees. It was a successful event! We had several CDI’s and Certified hearing interpreters that now have more clarity and confidence in a courtroom environment.
Submitted by Amanda Tate
• Our legislation update is that our Interpreter bill has effectively died due to the session being cut short by COVID-19, but it will be resubmitted with SCAD when session opens for 2021/2022 with high hopes that it will pass this next time around. We were truly so close this year!
MSRID moved back membership dues deadlines to September to help our interpreters that may have been impacted by COVID.
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MSRID
We set up a Facebook page for our ASL users. This page allowed our Deaf community to post videos about COVID that did not
offer captions or interpreters. Interpreters then volunteered to interpret the videos for the Deaf.
NCRID
North Carolina has been busy updating our Articles of IncorpoWe have completed elections and the board remains the same. ration, Bylaws, and Policy & Procedures Manual. We noticed We also have a town hall meeting planned for this month. some inconsistencies and original wording that were incompliant that we needed to fix. We also have changed our workshops Submitted by Jamie Olson onto a virtual platform during this time since we had to cancel our conference. We are pleased to say that all of our Governor's announcement and breaking news about the pandemic have been interpreted with the interpreter on-screen throughout all briefings so that our Deaf community is aware. We have also used a DI to • TRID has been meeting virtually for all of our board meet- create videos to keep people informed which we are really proud of. ings.
TNRID
• We are planning a virtual state conference on two Saturdays Submitted by Antwan Campbell in September. I would like to take this opportunity to say how thankful I have • We created a tiered payment option for interpreters who been to serve as the Region II Representative for the past four have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. years. I have enjoyed traveling and meeting new people and making new friends. Thank you for your trust in me to represent our • Several members have been involved in coordinating and Region with the help of your state chapters. I look forward to takproviding interpreting for BLM rallies, events, and marches. ing some time with my family and trust that Eli Sierra will serve us all just as well. Enjoy your summer as best you can. Stay safe and Submitted by Megan Potts help me welcome Eli. Thank you again for your trust in me. Bye for now.
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Region III Report Kenya McPheeters, Region III Representatives FROM THE BOARD YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/WShB-VAbNW0 Kenya McPheeters, NIC Region III Representative.
Leading During Difficult Times I’m Kenya McPheeters Region 3 Representative
I hope all is well during these not-so-normal times. The current happenings, COVID-19 coupled with Black Lives Matter (BLM), may have even a seasoned leader feeling skeptical and perplexed. Leading during the current climate may seem like a monumental task. There are competing priorities that can leave us completely exhausted. Current leadership, continued leadership and/or new leadership may require us to acquire newfound patience, a renewed sense of learning, along with an open mind. The RID Board values are Roots, Respect, Relevance and Results. These values may lend some perspective as we navigate the difficult times upon us. Seeking out conversations for growth, building new relationships and accepting transition are positive outcomes of leading during difficult times. Feeling a sense of frustration can also create innovative ideas and changes. With values, integrity and courage at the core the leader in you will still shine through even though it’s cloudy. Please take care of yourselves during this time 14
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NOTICE: 2020 REGION III CONFERENCE DUE TO COVID-19, ALL REGIONAL CONFERENCES HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, OR MOVED TO AN ONLINE FORMAT. PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR REGIONAL FACEBOOK PAGE AND/OR REGIONAL WEBPAGE FOR DETAILS. WE WILL ALSO SEND OUT TARGETED EMAILS.
MAKING GOOD INTERPRETERS GREAT Direct feedback in your target language
Great mentors and an efficient screening tool make for better Deaf community allies
Learn more GoReact.com/RID
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Region IV Report Deb Martinez, Region IV Representative FROM THE BOARD YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/kJZrnDNUP3Y Deb Martinez, MA, CI and CT, NIC Advanced, SC:L
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ince our last update the Region IV Presidents have been meeting on a monthly basis. I am very proud and honored to serve with the AC Presidents who continue to show up and do the work of raising the standards within their prospective states, and also within the region. The Region IV Presidents work hard, are responsive, and actively engaged in making their state chapters a better place for the Deaf Community and the interpreters they lead. No easy task. Many discussions I am involved with locally, regionally and nationally pertain to member engagement and involvement. During our most recent presidents’ meetings, one president called the lack of participation in RID and the chapters “The Other Pandemic”, aptly so for many. When I was first entering the profession in the early 90s we joined the organization (state and national) and we contributed to our state chapter because “that is what you do”. You get involved, serve the Deaf community, and work to make “it”, our profession, a better place for those that come behind you. It was a means by which I met other interpreters and found my footing by listening to the experienced interpreters discuss dilemmas and issues facing the pro-
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fession or the Deaf community. It is nostalgic for me however the past is not the present and it is time for us to look forward instead of us looking back. It’s time for us to create more diversity in our field. It’s time we recognize that how we conduct business needs to change. By the time this article is published I will have joined with some of the chapters and will still be in the process of participating with other chapters who are completing their Town Halls, focused on RID’s motions for voting equity and restructuring. I look forward to participating in those events and continuing the conversations we as a Region and a Board regarding service and what the future holds for us.
Nebraska
NERID will host our Fall conference, slated for Oct 23 &24th, with Seth Gore. He will be presenting his Unlearning Words workshop and adding a second part at the conference. Bill Ross will also be presenting at the conference.
-Tina Work, President
Montana
MRID is changing their dues structure to incorporate more people into the organization. They created a way for the President of MAD and a Liaison to participate in MRID and Vice Versus. The state conference will be on Aug 7th and 8th- online.
-Katie Opp, President
South Dakota
SDIA-RID will have their annual conference Aug 21 and 22nd in person. Michael Lupo will be presenting regarding educating Deaf children. South Dakota is reviewing EIPA standards, which are currently set at 3.5. The Deaf community wants to see it raised to 4.0.
-Carmen Steen, President
Iowa
ISRID held four meetings on Sunday July 12th alone. ISRID continues to offer an online book club, chapter by chapter. ISRID followed a house bill that now recognizes some licensure reciprocity. Updates to the ISRID website is nearing completion and a fun video “# I am ISRID” is prepped for it. ISRID revamped their by-laws and a new handbook is in the works. The By-law revisions will go before membership during their annual (virtual) business meeting in October. The annual fall conference will also be virtual. There will be preview webinars and facilitated breakout discussions. Prizes will also be awarded during the event. ISRID continues to discuss a list of interpreters who are willing to interpret peace rallies, prayer vigils etc. They are working to figure out who will house that list, burnout and referral issues are a consideration.
There will be a town hall meeting which will have two separate goals, to discuss a more diverse organization and RID’s motion. Membership with the IAD, which had lapsed for a significant amount of time, has been renewed. ISRID had a special board meeting after the BLM statement was posted. The executive board invited an IOC and a facilitator and are excited about moving forward with some concrete short term and long term goals. In addition they are also providing free CEUs for PPO webinars, this was an identified short term goal from the special meeting. ISRID members donated membership for those struggling with expenses due to COVID and the organization had some remaining funds to be able to offer up to $10 reimbursement on masks for interpreters. They will post some clear view mask options on their website.
-Tara R von Walden, President
Texas
TSID hosted their first ever virtual membership meeting with great success. They have a full Board and will conduct a Board training on August 18, 2020. All TSID local chapters and their boards are invited to attend. During the training there will be an opportunity for our local Chapter treasurers to meet with our state Treasurer in a breakout room, local Presidents will be able to meet with the TSID President, and local Secretaries with the state Secretary. TSID will be working closely with TAD to provide lessons learned and best practices for zoom meetings for their upcoming symposium. TSID has established an ad-hoc RID investigation committee to report on the benefits/challenges of being an RID affiliate chapter and how they feel about the possibility of transitioning to a professional organization.
-Whitney Gissell, President
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www.rid.org
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Region V Report Mish Ktejik, Region V Representative FROM THE BOARD YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/9KEXMWEV2Iw Mish Ktejik MA, NIC, SC:L Region V Representative
Hello everyone!
My last report in the Spring VIEWs article largely focused on what was happening on a regional and national level, specifically discussing the cancellation of the Region V Workshop Series and RID’s new Emergency Access page. For this report, my last Region V Representative report, I will focus on the Affiliate Chapters in Region V. So much of the movement and changes that enhance our profession come from local initiatives led by chapter volunteers. Each and every volunteer is important. We honor your work and appreciate all the individuals that come together to collectively serve our communities. My home chapter, OregonRID has adapted to the current virtual lifestyle exceptionally well. Through ORID, local ITP students have organized "Happy Hour" interpreter panels via zoom to maintain robust networking opportunities in the absence of monthly face-to-face gatherings. Virtual workshops focusing on BIPOC perspectives and a town hall to discuss potential changes for the national level of RID are currently being developed to keep members educated and engaged.
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VIEWS Volume 36 • Issue 3
AKRID is focusing on the growth of our chapter through member collaboration and involvement, while building a stronger foundation based on integrity and respect. Depending more on technology over the past several months has allowed AKRID to tap into our creative side on how to benefit our profession statewide. Hosting meetings and professional development remotely gives members in rural areas a way to stay connected, grow professionally and collaborate with other members. Their next professional development workshops will focus on Alaska Native cultural studies and Emergency Response interpreting. To support their local ITOC community, SDCRID hosted a space for members to come together and discuss current issues. Out of that meeting, SDCRID facilitated a local fund to pay Black interpreters for the work they have been doing with the Black Lives Matter protests. The fund has raised over $2500 which is remarkable given the impact that COVID-19 has had on the amount of interpreting work available here. SCRID has been actively advocating for the provision and consistent visibility of information as well as the need for qualified Deaf Interpreters to increase the effective reach of the broadcasts by interpreted news briefings, drafting and submitting letters to interpreters, agencies, and government, news and health officials. A statewide task force on Deaf Interpreters and Disaster Response Interpreting has been born from a collective effort
toward these goals. SCRID also continues to work toward an exemption for sign language interpreters and realtime captioners under the new law brought about by AB5, which is projected to drastically restrict the Independent Contractor option in our field. SaVRID held a general meeting and elections on June 19th. Videos were shown at the beginning and end of the meeting in honor of Juneteenth. What a great example of a simple way to increase awareness using the platform of member meetings. SaVRID will be hosting a 3-part workshop series on white fragility with three co-presenters.
Become a Continuing Education Center Sponsor
Other great work around the region is happening, such as NorCRID’s service on Disaster Response Interpreting Task Force, scheduling and fundraising for Black Lives Matter Protests. NevadaRID has been using the hot summer months to revise their bylaws and prepare for their annual business meeting. IdahoRID received a donation of $4,000 to purchase and distribute clear masks to the deaf and interpreting communities in Idaho to ease communication access during the COVID-19 pandemic. The work I see happening all across Region V - all done by volunteers - is inspiring! The Affiliate Chapters truly are the backbone of this organization and our incredible volunteers leaders are beyond amazing. Four years ago, I became Region V Representative. I admit that at that time I knew very little about the region or about any chapters other than my own. Four years later, I can say one thing for sure: I love Region V. Its passion and commitment to our profession has fueled me in my volunteer work. It has been an honor to work with the Region V Presidents’ Council and Region V members. This has been a life changing experience for me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. Region V Rocks! With deep appreciation, Mish Ktejik, MA, NIC, SC:L Region V Representative
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SPONSOR EDUCATORS IN OUR FIELD AND THEIR CONTENT HOSTED IN OUR GROWING CEC PORTAL FOR INTERPRETERS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
CONTACT ADVERTISING@RID.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION
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From the Desks at HQ Digital Membership Cards
Did you know RID members have access to a digital copy of their Member ID card?
Members are able to download a digital copy directly from their member portal in just a few short steps! Step 1: Login to your member portal Step 2: Click the green button that says: "Printable Member Card" The card will immediately download to your computer and/or device and you will now have access to a digital copy of your card. For an easy-to-navigate diagram, visit: https://rid.org/membership/member-portal-navigation/ If you have any further questions, please be sure to reach out to our Member Services department via email (members@rid.org) for assistance.
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RID Member Deals! Have you checked out the exclusive RID member benefit on your profile? Simply login and click on the teal "member deals" tile on the right side of the page!
Membership Renewal & Extension Reminder Membership renewal is now available. If you are able, please opt to renew online through your membership portal.
Please remember: You may renew your membership for FY 2021 until October 31, 2020 without penalty.
THE AFFILIATE CHAPTER CORNER How RID Affiliate Chapters Began Dr. Carolyn Ball, CI and CT, NIC RID Affiliate Chapter Liaison
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he history of why affiliate chapters (ACs) were established and the purpose of ACs is remarkable to look back on. The value of ACs is critical to the success of RID.
To emphasize the importance of ACs, our current RID President, Jonathan Webb, PhD, CI & CT, NIC-Advanced reminds us that, “When people think of RID, they often think of the national board and what happens at that level in terms of policy and standards. When I think of RID, I think about our Affiliate Chapters. The ACs are the very foundation of RID” (J. Webb (personal communication, July 2, 2020). Indeed, to understand how ACs are the very foundation of RID, as President Webb reiterates, we can look back at RID’s history and discover the documentation regarding the importance of ACs as the foundation of RID. For instance, on July 1, 1967, NAD wrote and was awarded a fiveyear grant from the Vocational Rehabilitation Administration of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW). The purpose of the grant was to establish a home office for RID. Additionally, the grant made it possible to hire the first Executive Director of RID, Albert T. Pimental. Mr. Pimental was Deaf and the home offices of RID were set up in the NAD offices (Fant, 1990, p. 16). One of Mr. Pimental’s main responsibilities was to create state chapters of RID. Of great interest is that the Texas Society of Interpreters for the Deaf was established in 1963 and became the first local affiliate chapter of RID. The first AC established after the establishment of RID in 1964 was the Southern California Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf in 1967. As of the writing of the book, Silver Threads, there were forty-seven ACs and seven provinces of Canada (Fant, 1990, p. 17). It was during the 1982 National Convention in Hartford, Connecticut that the Board of
Directors (BOD) approved a reorganization of RID and ultimately divided the ACs into five regions (Fant, 1990, p. 20). The Importance of Affiliate Chapters At the first RID Convention in 1970 in Delevan, WI, the members of RID were able to discuss and debate their views. The ACs knew the needs of the states where they served and could provide national-level information to the RID members in their state. Also, the ACs could work closely with their local Deaf Communities (Fant, 1990, p. 82). It was then that the national RID Board of Directors determined that national conventions were needed to allow AC’s the ability to discuss issues within their states. At the time, there was no other way of communication for ACs other than writing letters, or expensive phone calls. Similarly, during the national conventions, the national BODs could address the ACs needs and determine how the matters in each respective state could be resolved (Fant, 1990, p. 83). Further, Fant (1990) states, “We need to give much more attention to developing the strength of local affiliates. Workshops need to be conducted to train local affiliate personnel in a way to operate efficiently within their own communities and states, and within the national organization” (p. 83). Looking back at how RID’s ACs were established helps us, as RID members, to see how important each of you are to this organization. In summary, I hope by looking back at RID’s brief history of AC’s, we can see the importance that AC members and leaders have. Thank you for your membership, your leadership, and your service to RID. Reference Fant, L. (1990). Silver Threads. RID Publications: Silver Spring, MD. www.rid.org
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HONORING ROYCE CARPENTER M.A., NIC:M OHIO
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/DxTJsyJKcis
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n any popular social media platform there are hundreds of videos of young Black people signing Hip Hop songs in an entertaining construct. The irony: less than 7% of certified interpreters are Black (RID, 2015). More specifically, there are just over 50 certified Black male interpreters in the country (RID, 2015). There is a clear disconnect between the vast amount of online videos and the paltry number of certified Black interpreters. Academically, there are 129 degree-seeking interpreter training programs across the nation, and only 6 programs feature Black directors. If the apparent spotty glass ceiling seems too thick to penetrate, then let me introduce you to the rose in the concrete. Meet Professor Royce Carpenter, a jewel in the crown of Black academic pantheon. Professor Carpenter is Director of the Columbus State Community College Interpreter Education Program. The bona fide ‘leader of the new school’ can interpret for both Hip Hop superstar Jay-Z and intellectual giant Dr. Michael Eric Dyson…phenomenally (Columbus State Community College, 2012). Not attractive enough? For every young Black person who has posted a video or two signing their favorite song, Professor Carpenter has closed the disconnect by creating a forward-thinking theatrical and performance-based interpreting class within the interpreter training program (ITP). This alone sets Columbus State Community College apart from any other two-year program in the country. Truly: Black history in the making! As Director, Professor Carpenter has been fearlessly driven to champion the tough conversations around the lack of diversity, cross-cultural mentoring, or holding space to discuss the significant signing styles between Black and White people (Aramburo, 1989). In cosmic alignment with her Nubian predecessors, Professor Carpenter shares the vision of an emboldened academia where the curriculum embraces diversity and challenges the institutionalized hegemonic whiteness that pervades interpreting curriculum (Williams, 2016). Rather, she embraces diversity as a way to bring the cultural competence to the classroom, rather than feeling the imploding pressure to keep the depreciating mask for white validation on (West-Oyedele, 2015).
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DIVERSITY Leadership requires initiative grounded in love. Dr. Cornel West advocates “you can't lead the people if you don't love the people. You can't save the people if you don't serve the people.” After all, love is what it does, not what it says. With an amazing curricula vitae to match her visionary prowess, Royce is as humble as a cocoon waiting to blossom. As a wife, mother, friend, scholar and super Black wonder woman, Royce saw an opportunity in plain view to love up on the Deaf son of her close friend. Poetically, learning how to meet young Black children with the gift to sign and the desire to become what they dream to be is what fuels Professor Carpenter to champion the potential of Black youth.
“My friend knew no sign language when Brice (my friend’s son) was born. So, we took a sign language class together.” -Royce Carpenter on first learning sign language
We expect much from our Black leaders, but do not mistake cultural pride for academic accountability. Every Black student transferring from the university of adversity and the school of hard knocks understands that a Black agenda for the burgeoning class of Black ITP students is as necessary as cocoa butter to our skin. Our agenda is not surrendered nor realized merely because Professor Carpenter and a handful of other chocolate scholars achieved Director status. The Black agenda is emboldened to manifest with Our participation: write a letter of recommendation, create scholarships, donate to ASL labs that students can depend on a solid academic foundation of resources and amenities to become the best interpreters we need them to be, just as Royce has become. Ultimately, the culmination of Professor Royce Carpenter becoming an interpreter, scholar, and ultimately director of an ITP with an unquenchable thirst to learn more and create pathways clear enough for tomorrow’s leaders, today, is nothing short of poetic justice for Brice. www.rid.org
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HONORING MICHON SHAW M.S., NIC FLORIDA
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/DxTJsyJKcis
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ver been in a room or at an event where Michelle Obama was introduced? You know: that feeling that royalty just walked in. The First Lady, who is deserving of nothing less than for you to sit up straight to pay respect to the Queen Bee. Non-provoked to hold your head up high as erudite as honorably possible, because simply put…you know better. Any member of the Shekinah Glory Cathedral Church of God in Christ knows better to do just the same when First Lady Michon Shaw is in the building. Daytime: interpreter, scholar, presenter, and professor extraordinaire. Nighttime: wife, mother, mentor, and sistah to many. At all times: First Lady alongside her husband, Pastor A.D. Shaw.
“…All I saw was Black People: Black Deaf People, Black Deaf Professionals, Black Deaf Educators, Black Deaf CEO’s, Black Deaf Pageant Queens, and Black Interpreters.” -Michon Shaw at her first NBDA conference Far beyond the professional scope of interpreting, First Lady Professor Shaw is a rising star at her alma mater, the University of South Florida, amongst the faculty of the interpreter education program (IEP). The Florida native is grounded in her spiritual relationship, yet principled in her application to use her position of academic influence to sharpen many more aspiring brown-skinned interpreters today! Having seen the first Black male interpreters in her life while a senior IEP student attending National Black Deaf Advocates’ 22nd national conference left an indelible impact on Michon’s defined purpose in our profession: to shape the minds of chocolate-complexioned scholars who come from similar backgrounds. 24
VIEWS Volume 36 • Issue 3
DIVERSITY Little known fact: many Black interpreters within the United States vicariously matriculate into the profession through the church (West-Oyedele, 2015). Can I get a witness?! Though predominantly Christian churches boast scores of Deaf and interpreting ministries, there are just as many Kingdom Halls of Jehovah Witnesses, Catholic parishes, and Seventh Day Adventist churches where you will find a bevy of Us interpreting ‘The Word’ on any given day of the week. Conversely, Black interpreters are rare to be seen or found in the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID, 2015). Much like her Nubian predecessor, Dr. Jacqueline Bruce, the former Vice Chair of the Interpreters and Translators of Color Member Section of RID never thought of herself as a leader, but more so a dedicated servant with a passion to educate and mentor interpreter training students (Shambourger, 2017). Furthermore, First Lady Professor Shaw has carried the endless torch of navigation, providing keys to highly effective training for Black interpreting students to learn both inside and outside the classroom (Bruce, 1998). Michon is the same little girl who played with Black barbie dolls to affirm her identity in the present and the abstract, who now affirms that same identity amongst entrepreneurial guests on her inaugural ‘Be Your Own Boss’ online talk show. Closing the polarity gap between religious incubators of growth & development and professional interpreting careers amongst promising Black interpreters is no easy feat. Consequently, many Black Deaf consumers are often left with White interpreters who know little to nothing of Black cultural norms or nuanced isms, and the complexity of cultural information is typically mishandled while messages are interpreted (Shambourger, 2015). Serendipitously, First Lady Professor Shaw is here to retool the pipeline from “the church” to certified en route to eradicate the myth of inferiority amongst interpreters of the Wakandan hue. And the Church said…Amen!
www.rid.org
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VIEWS Volume 36 • Issue 3
The demand has never been greater! We are hiring on-site, in-person community interpreters and want you to join our skilled and passionate team. Interpreting positions are available in the U.S. and Canada. Apply today at www.scis.com/careers
INTERPRETING
Connecting Life www.rid.org
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Copyright Š 2020 Sorenson Communications, LLC. All rights reserved.
Come be a part of our on-site interpreting team!
Acting in Solidarity: how has this impacted our mindset on situations involving our Black, Deaf community? YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/0X3ovScW2-k
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VIEWS Volume 36 • Issue 3
An interview with Richard McCowin, NAD VP Interview conducted by Kelly Brakenhoff, NIC
Did you watch the interpreted press conferences in Omaha The white interpreter was a CODA woman named Jan Bourne. during the pandemic? She passed away last year I believe, she was in her 70s. Anyway, her interpreting skills were phenomenal because she was a CODA Yes, I watched the daily press conferences and appreciated them and her family was well known in Nebraska and Iowa. Watching because having access to the news alleviated the Deaf Commu- the news through that small picture in picture screen helped me nity's fears. Interpreted news bridged the gap between the Deaf learn important issues back in the 1970's and 1980's. Once she Community and the community of people who can hear. We felt
If it wasn't for coronavirus, would we have had interpreters for press conferences about the Black Lives Matter protests? I don't know. more involved in what's happening at the local and state levels by moved away, the TV station didn't replace her. Recently, with accessing these broadcasts in our language. COVID-19 and BLM we finally have interpreted news again. You know, these times are unprecedented. This is the first time we've had situations like the coronavirus, COVID-19, and Black Lives Matter. If it wasn't for coronavirus, would we have had interpreters for press conferences about the Black Lives Matter protests? I don't know.
You've traveled to many states through your work with the National Association of the Deaf. You're aware of issues in other states about white interpreters matched with people who are black and deaf. How is your experience in Nebraska compared to other regions of the US?
You grew up here in Nebraska, did you feel white interpreters It depends. Here in Nebraska, the number of black deaf people have been able to represent you well as a Black man? is very small compared to southern states from Texas all the way I think the interpreters I've had in Nebraska are fine. When I was through Florida and up the East coast all the way to New York. younger, one of the Omaha TV stations, WOWT, had an inter- When you look at demographics in those places, there are prefpreter in the corner of the screen during their evening newscasts. erence issues between white interpreters and black deaf people. In the Midwest, we don't experience those same issues because of our small population. Our greatest concern is whether the interpreters we have are fluent ASL users than whether they are interpreters of color.
If an interpreter isn't a person of color but is sensitive to difficult situations, then they can still be an effective interpreter in our region.
However, there are sensitive situations that arise when an interpreter needs to be aware of their own skills and knowledge. If an interpreter isn't a person of color but is sensitive to difficult situations, then they can still be an effective interpreter in our region. www.rid.org
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Richard McCowin VP National Association of the Deaf Omaha, NB Richard graduated from Nebraska School for the Deaf (now closed) and Gallaudet University with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. For over 26 years, Richard has been employed at the US Postal Service in Omaha where he has been a union steward for the local American Postakl Workers Union (APWU) and recognized for his many outstanding contributions on behalf of deaf and hard of hearing postal workers. For over 17 years, Richard taught ASL at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha and received awards for Teaching Excellence. Richard has been involved with NAD for 30 years as part of his lifelong passion for advocacy and community activity, and has held various positions in different organizations. He was the Vice President of National Black Deaf Advoctaed (NBDA) and Midwest Athletic Association of the Deaf (MAAD). Now, he is President Emeritus of the NNebraska Association of the Deaf (NeAD). HE strongly believes that NAD is the true organization which preserves and protects the right and welfare of deaf and hard of hearing Americans. In his spare time, he enjoys reading books on non-fiction and documentary issues. He has an adult daughter Megan.
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Acting in Solidarity: "How has this impacted the mindset on situations involving our Black, Deaf community"? Responses collected from Interpreters of Color after asked about how they are doing during this time in history. These responses have been kept anonymous
"Pride in my Black sisters "Interpreting a lot of rallies and brothers to keep doing "Mentally and physically exand protest and have not had time what we have ALWAYS done even hausted." to process things myself." when the light was not shined "My focus is not on on us." "Why were we not Allys, my focus is on us as good enough to get all this Black interpreters and what work before but now when the we have endured, and are still interpreting industries "need" us enduring, in an industry that then they call?" refuses to acknowledge our value." "Happy to serve Black Deaf "Love working with all these people who are often ignored beautiful Black and Brown people even by the white Deaf commuto change our world." nity." 30
VIEWS Volume 36 • Issue 3
RID's revamped hub for interpreting resources All you need to know to get started and pursue a career as a professional ASL Interpreter
www.rid.org
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BEHIND THE SCENES with
How RID VIEWS Promotes Language Equality. Ku Mei Butler Kern MA, CI and CT Provo, UT Ku Mei grew up with Deaf parents who used American Sign Language as their primary language. She has been a professional sign language interpreter for the last 20 years, interpreting in K-12, university, medical, mental health, judicial, job training, and other business settings. While interpreting, Ku Mei also managed a sign language interpreting agency in Utah and Nevada and established her own agency in Hawaii. She has also taught her native language at the elementary, high school, college, and community levels. Ku Mei’s degrees include a bachelor’s in Human Services Management and a master’s in ASL Teaching. She loves the outdoors, exotic vacations, and her twelveyear old daughter and cat. YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/2X-Pi9XSkno 32
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Have you ever wondered what it’s like to create a publication in both English and ASL?
Spoiler: it isn’t easy.
VIEWS discovered that the process was slow-moving when the publication went bilingual in 2015. In an interview with former communications manager Julia Wardle, we learned the story of how the RID came up with the best method to provide feedback in ASL—something that hadn’t really been done before.
GoReact transformed the way editors give feedback. Wardle explained, “GoReact allows you to track changes and give feedback as you would on a word document, but on video.” The board of editors was able to create a standardized review of ASL content and turn their attention to providing better feedback.
VIEWS first went bilingual after a member motion was made at a Wardle explained that the precedent of having a standardized conference in 2015. But the motion was made without realizing review of ASL content allows the profession to think about their just how much work would be required. work (especially frozen text) and how their videos are being disseminated. People weren’t used to publishing in ASL, and it was rare for a publication to require submissions in both languages. Many au- With the new process in place, editors were able to give some thors would submit an article in English and then do a translation general feedback about the content and structure on English sub-
"If one editor is able to identify a problem, another editor can come in and give a little more backup and add potential solutions.That's really helpful.” into ASL. After receiving feedback on the English copy, they missions, then focus on providing detailed, time-stamped feedwould submit a signed video to receive feedback on sign choice back on ASL submissions. and concepts. Because the setup of GoReact is user-friendly, submissions can But the editors at VIEWS prefer authors to submit two pieces easily be shared with other editors. Editors build off each others’ that are equivalent messages in English and an ASL. According to rationales and work together to ensure the submissions are as acWardle, “The standard should be the same for ASL and English curate and equitable to the Deaf community as possible. Accordsubmissions, especially for people who want to submit ASL as the ing to Wardle, “If one editor is able to identify a problem, another primary language.” And being able to see the ASL version from editor can come in and give a little more backup and add potential the beginning is invaluable for giving feedback. The staff needed solutions. That's really helpful.” a new method. The VIEWS staff works tirelessly to distribute publications to The board was on a quest to provide feedback and create equal more than 14,000 inboxes every quarter, something that felt unstandards between the two languages. Because several members achievable a couple of years ago. Looking forward, the RID hopes of the board editors are also instructors in ITPs, they were familiar to become more bilingual in other aspects. We commend VIEWS with GoReact—an interactive platform for feedback, grading, and for the ways in which the publication works to facilitate language critiquing of video assignments. GoReact would allow editors to equality and bridge the gap between interpreters and clients. submit feedback in ASL and leave time-coded comments in the footage. It was the perfect solution.
Get to know more about GoReact and their extensive platform by visiting goreact.com www.rid.org
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Reflections
From an Old Hand COLUMN
Are these seasons going by so fast? Or is it me and my "old" age? It’s amazing to me that it is already Summertime. And with this pandemic, we'll go on protecting ourselves and others. 2020 will be quite a year for us all to remember!
Phil Giambaresi
Former CSC, LCSW (Retired)
California
I was born in 1950 to parents who have been Deaf since their birth. I have a younger brother who is also a hearing child. The influence from my mother's deaf family and my interest in being the family interpreter led to a career of being a certified interpreter. I received a BA in Psychology. At the age of 34, I earned my Master's in Social Work, specializing in mental health of the Deaf. After living in NYC for over 30 years, I moved to California and am now retired. YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/PAaz12SAy68 34
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This issue of the VIEWS has a theme of "Growth Through Innovation." In my reflections, as a retired person, I can look back on what this theme means to me. Sharing the past growth I have experienced, there are what I will call "innovations" from which I have learned. What comes to mind in this theme has me reflecting upon one of the many avenues of interpreting specialties: Theatrical Interpreting. I will talk about this subject after some background which led up to that most creative and challenging opportunity. In the 1970's I experienced all sorts of interpreting settings, thanks to having moved to New York City and realizing the wonders of the diversity and opportunities of the "Big Apple." It was the end of the Vietnam Era and I was out of the military. Being new to the deaf community and being a freelance interpreter, I received phone calls from an interpreting agency. I couldn't say "no" to any job at the time as I needed financial support, new experiences, and the various kinds of jobs offered to me.
Now, for some more background which led up to my NYC days.
being a newly established freelancer, you may recall how it took time to establish yourself in the deaf community with the help of agency referrals. The years went by and I tested with RID for the "new" certification requirement, which was then becoming necessary, and passed the CSC (Comprehensive Skills Certificate) which put me into a category in which I'd receive better hourly pay than non-certified interpreters.
I attended professional interpreting workshops to prepare me after only having experience in informal interpreting settings with my deaf family and friends. I recall how my plans to go to a college far away from my parents, to whom I was very close, had me stewing. It would mean my folks would be without me to interpret for them. They would surely "fall apart" without me! Let's say that at that time, I depended upon being depended upon, which gave I experienced many interpreting settings. I also auditioned for a me a purpose. It was time for me to express my concerns with my new program to open up Broadway and Off-Broadway interpreted parents. performances. I had no real background in acting like others did, but thanks to the expressiveness of ASL, I was chosen to do the My very wise mother said to me, "You have spoiled us, but it's first Broadway show performed for deaf audiences! Ironically, I time for you to move on." had met the only other male interpreter who was new to NYC and he also had deaf parents. We were both chosen from the audition "But mom," I said, "you folks NEED me around." hopefuls, and later became fast friends! We shared our many perShe replied to me, "We did get along without you before you sonal stories of being "family" interpreters. were born." I went to the rehearsals of the show with my CODA partner and an It shook me to the reality that I needed my parents' "permission" assigned "understudy" who had the job of learning what we did in our translations from the script's English to a mixture of ASL/ to finally leave the nest. So off I went to C.S.U.N.! PSE in order to satisfy the diversity of the deaf audience. We had I lived in a dorm where I shared a two-bedroom suite with deaf to do our best to "reach" the gamut of individuals who were Hard students. It was a new family for me! What adventures we all had of Hearing (oral and sign language users), individuals who used together. Eventually, I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree in ASL, and people who were more fluent in PSE modes. We did Psychology, and took some post-grad courses in the secondary our best and the show was a hit! We had a special appreciation for level teaching Teacher Training Programs for the Deaf. Then the positive feedback we received! there was the draft for the Vietnam War. I decided to join the Air Force to avoid being "called up" and possibly placed in the infan- I went on to do my usual variety of interpreting situations, but did more theater interpreting for several years. It was quite an extry program. I shudder just thinking about it. perience! The translation of scripts for dramas, comedies, and In the Air Force, I was told they needed interpreters. musicals, were an "innovation" in my life. "You need sign language interpreters?" I asked.
Space does not allow me to continue with more details, which I In reality, they needed voice interpreters for foreign languages might do in future articles. that I would take after Basic Training in Texas. I was assigned to Best wishes to you readers until "next time!" interpret Russian, which was not easy. I eventually got out of the Comments? My email address is pgiambaresi@aol.com. service, and made my move back to NYC, where I was born. Now, comes the part of my renewal of interpreting as a freelancer in NYC! For those of you readers who have begun the process of
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Growth A SUMMER SELF CARE REFLECTION COLUMN
Summer is the season of nature’s fullest expression of growth. As we move through this time of fullness, when all is blooming and the sun is at its peak in the midday sky, may we take a moment to reflect on all the ways we’ve grown, the support that has gotten us here, and take stock of what we need for the next phase of our growth cycle. Breana Cross-Caldwell, BS, CI and CT Portland, Oregon
Breana Cross-Caldwell holds her CI and CT from RID, B.S. in Interpretation from Western Oregon University and is a Certified Life Coach. She has led thousands of interpreters in preventing burnout and finding the passion again in their lives through developing habits of self-care. You can find her on Instagram @brighterfocus. YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/Cp_bb4v2Vyk
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VIEWS Volume 36 • Issue 3
As interpreters, the first half of 2020 has brought many challenges, losses, deepened connections, lost connections, changes and much uncertainty. Life has pushed us to the our edge, and then some. Becoming familiar with that “edge” and our reaction to it can bring us greater awareness and choice throughout our growth process.
Get To Know Your Growing Edge The edge of our growth zone is, at its most simple form, a boundary (Senninger, 2000). Boundaries separate one space from another, often with the intention of protecting what’s inside. We feel safe within the walls of our boundaries because that space is known. Once we are pushed to the outer edges, we are faced with fears, uncertainties, and beliefs about who we are and the
nature of the world. This triggers our emotions and creates dis- • What are you proud of? comfort...and comfort is something humans tend to gravitate toward instinctively. Once we know that our instinctive reaction is • What has brought you joy or pleasure? likely to avoid discomfort, we begin to have more choice in our • What resources, people, concepts, and practices have supresponse to it. ported you during this time? In the case of our growing edge, this discomfort is like a force field • What does your intuition tell you about the next right step for designed by our ego to keep us safe. We can think of the ego like you in your growth process? The Wizard of Oz - a small and relatively impotent man hidden behind a curtain, projecting itself as a large and powerful illusion. In • What action will keep you in integrity? this classic movie, when the wizard is revealed and confronted he quivers with fear and insecurity, begging to redirect the onlook- • Growth is Uncomfortable ers’ attention back to the powerful image on the screen, desperate Growth requires that we step out of our comfort zone and spend to maintain the illusion of power. time with the discomfort of change, uncertainty, getting it wrong, As we approach our own ego’s reactions with awareness, we can and trying again. As you continue on your growth journey, rerecognize our emotions as they intensify, and stay present with member that rest, comfort and care are an integral part of the cycle of growth. Look for opportunities to come back to your comfort them in a more helpful way. zone, to rest and digest, so you may fully embrace and incorporate the important lessons you’re learning (Harvard, 2020).
Being With, Rather Than Avoiding, Emotions The key to standing at your growing edge, is developing the capacity to be with discomfort and emotion as it arises, instead of avoiding or pushing it away. We’ve explored many techniques for being with emotions in this self-care column - here is a list to spark your exploration: Feel it, listen to it, dialogue with it, dance it, sing it, lament it, scream it, give it silence, write it, talk it through, cry it, laugh it, sleep it, sweat through it, create art with it.
Self-Care Reflection Staying connected to ourselves through turbulence and the emotions it inspires is an ongoing practice. Here are some questions to consider as you reflect on this phase of your growth cycle. ExResources plore your answers in a journal, vlog, conversation, or another supportive space. Baum, L. F. (1939). The Wizard of Oz. Hollywood, CA: Metro Goldwyn Mayer.
• How has the change and uncertainty of 2020 affected you? Harvard Health Publishing. (2020, July 6). Understanding the Stress How have you felt it in your body, mind, and heart? • What losses have you experienced?
Response. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response
• How might you acknowledge and honor all that you’ve felt Senninger, T. (2000). The Learning Zone Model. http://www.pcfl. com/index_htm_files/The%20Learning%20Zone%20Model.docx and experienced been through this year? • In what ways have you stretched yourself and grown this year?
What did you think of this article? Send your feedback to the authors/editors by clicking here!
www.rid.org//views-Aug2020-articlefeedback/
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VIEWS Volume 36 • Issue 3
Spotlight
MEMBER
Jasmine Lowe NIC Region II
Tell us a little about yourself! My name is Jasmine Lowe. I am a hearing ASL Interpreter. I am originally from Louisiana but I currently reside in Georgia. I graduated from Valdosta State University with my Bachelor's Degree in American Sign Language Interpreting.
What inspired you to become an interpreter?
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/o6Z28ubFgQw
I have been learning ASL since I was 8. My Mother is an interpreter and when she started learning ASL, she began to teach my sister and I. I grew up in the Deaf Community and loved the community, culture, and the language but had no desire to become an interpreter. I am honestly not sure what it was that directly inspired me. It was just like one day I woke up and was like, “hm I think I want to do this for the rest of my life� and the rest is history.
What was your first official interpreting experience? My first official interpreting experience was at a blood drive.
Do you have a preference as to what settings you like to work in most, or desire to work in the future? My passion is definitely Behavioral Health interpreting.
Is there a golden rule to maintain longevity in this profession? What is it? I think to maintain longevity, we must always continue to learn and practice self-care techniques. We will never "make it" in this field. There are always improvements to be made or new skills for us to learn. Go to training, get a mentor, and continue to be involved in the community. Also, take care of yourself! We have to ensure that we are taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. For the rest of Jasmine's Member Spotlight, visit: rid.org/august-2020-member-spotlight-jasmine-lowe
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According to RID Conference Motion C89.15 “Results of the Ethical Practices System shall be published in the VIEWS including the nature of the grievance and action taken by RID. The names of individuals filing the grievance shall remain confidential. Vindicated individuals will be given the opportunity to have their names published, even in cases of a less serious nature.” In accordance with the Ethical Practices System (EPS) policies, the following member was found to have violated the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct: Shannon Leigh Noreikas, an Associate Member of RID, violated tenets 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. The panel imposed the following sanctions: 1) 20 hours of mentoring by an approved mentor with an SC:L or equivalent and experience interpreting in Law Enforcement settings. 2) Assigned readings include: Law Enforcement Interpreting for Deaf Persons, articles related to testifying in court and general police processes. 3) Remove the word “certified” from her resume and send a copy of the resume to both RID and Affordable Language Services. 4) Compile a reflection paper of at least 15 pages in MLA format, approved by the mentor. Reflection paper will discuss the situation that gave rise to this grievance as well as specific articulation of points specified in the decision letter. A list of meeting dates and topics discussed when meeting with the mentor shall be attached and signed by the mentor. Panel must be satisfied with the quality and depth of insight of the final reflection paper to consider the sanction completed. 5) Cannot to sit for the NIC Performance examination until the above sanctions are satisfactorily completed and approved by the panel. 6) Mentoring cannot be applied towards for ACET credit. 7) If sanctions are not completed or are not satisfactorily completed, Ms.Noreikas may not sit for any CASLI examination until after February 5, 2024. 8) Completing these sanctions does not equate to taking and passing RID’s S:CL for interpreting in legal settings. Likewise, completion of sanctions is not to be construed or presented as being qualified for entry level interpreting in any other setting.
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A complaint was filed against Kimberly N. Forbes, alleging violations of Tenet 1,2,3,4, and 6. A panel of adjudicators reviewed the allegations and response as well as supporting documents and witness statements from both parties. No VIEWS Volume 36 • Issue 3 has thoroughly vindicated Ms. Forbes of these allegations violations were found. The EPS
National Interpreter Certification Certification awarded between 05/09/2020 - 08/06/2020
Region I - Northeast
Region III - Midwest
Nicole Marie Lupinetti Amanda Grace Wehrman John Wesley Yoder
Alexandra Sue Cassady MN Ashley Finn KY Kristina L. E. Riley IN Stephanie Ruth Scramlin IN Bethany Svoboda OH Tina R Thomas OH
NY NY NY
Region II - Southeast Juliana Apfel DC William Burke MD Paulina Burnham VA Yi Hin Chan MD Karisa Clements AL Andrea Lochan GA Katherine M Resendez VA Rebecca Lynn Snodgrass VA Katherine Anne Walters MD
Region V- Pacific Mona Mehrpour CA
FY 2019 Certification Reinstatements and Revocations Below, please find a link to a page on our website that lists individuals whose certifications have been revoked due to non-compliance with the Certification Maintenance Pro-
gram. The Certification Maintenance Program requirements are as follows: • Maintain current RID membership by paying annual RID Certified Member dues • Meet the CEU requirements: m CMP CEU Requirements: w 8.0 Total CEUs with at least 6.0 in PS CEUs w (up to 2.0 GS CEUs may be applied toward the requirement) w SC:L’s only–2.0 of the 6.0 PS CEUs must be in legal interpreting topics w SC:PA’s only–2.0 of the 6.0 PS CEUs must be in performing arts topics • Follow the RID Code of Professional Conduct If an individual appears on the list, it means that their consumers may no longer be protected by the Ethical Practices System, should an issue arise. This list is available on the RID website and can be accessed by the community at large. The published list is a “live” list, meaning that it will be updated as needed if a certification is reinstated or revoked. To view the revocation list, please visit the link HERE. Should you lose certification due to failure to comply with CEU requirements or failure to pay membership dues, you may submit a reinstatement request. www.rid.org 41 The reinstatement form and policies are outlined HERE.
VIEWS
Vision: VIEWS, RID’s digital publication, is dedicated to the interpreting profession. As a part of RID’s strategic goals, we focus on providing interpreters with the educational tools they need to excel at their profession. VIEWS is about inspiring, or even instigating, thoughtful discussions among practitioners. With the establishment of the VIEWS Board of Editors, the featured content in this publication is peer-reviewed and standardized according to our bilingual review process. VIEWS is on the leading edge of bilingual publications for English and ASL. In this way, VIEWS helps to bridge the gap between interpreters and clients and facilitate equality of language. This publication represents a rich history of knowledge-sharing in an extremely diverse profession. As an organization, we value the experiences and expertise of interpreters from every cultural, linguistic, and educational background. VIEWS seeks to provide information to researchers and stakeholders about these specialty fields and groups in the interpreting profession. We aim to explore the interpreter’s role within this demanding social and political environment by promoting content with complex layers of experience and meaning. While we publish updates on our website and social media platforms, unique information from the following areas can only be found in VIEWS: • • • • • • •
Both research- and peer-based articles/columns Interpreting skill-building and continuing education opportunities Local, national, and international interpreting news Reports on the Certification Program RID committee and Member Sections news New publications available from RID Press News and highlights from RID Headquarters Submissions: VIEWS publishes articles on matters of interest and concern to the membership. Submissions that are essentially interpersonal exchanges, editorials or statements of opinion are not appropriate as articles and may remain unpublished, run as a letter to the editor or as a position paper. Submissions that are simply the description of programs and services in the community with no discussion may also be redirected to a more archival platform on the website. Articles should be 1,800 words or fewer. Unsigned articles will not be published. Please contact the editor of VIEWS if you require more space. RID reserves the right to limit the quantity and frequency of articles published in VIEWS written by a single author(s). Receipt by RID of a submission does not guarantee its publication. RID reserves the right to edit, excerpt or refuse to publish any submission. Publication of an advertisement does not constitute RID’s endorsement or approval of the advertiser, nor does RID guarantee the accuracy of information given in an advertisement. Advertising specifications can be found at www.rid.org, or by contacting the editor. All editorial, advertising, submission and permission inquiries should be directed to (703) 838-0030, (703) 838-0454 fax, or publications@rid.org. Copyright: VIEWS is published quarterly by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. Statements of fact or opinion are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not necessarily represent the opinion of RID. The author(s), not RID, is responsible for the content of submissions published in VIEWS. Statement of Ownership: VIEWS (ISSN 0277-1088) is published quarterly by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. Periodical postage paid in Stone Mountain, GA and other mailing offices by The Sauers Group, Inc. Materials may not be reproduced or reprinted in whole or in part without written permission. Contact views@rid.org for permission inquiries and requests. VIEWS electronic subscription is a membership benefit and is covered in the cost of RID membership dues. Single issues of print VIEWS are available to members or nonmembers for $9.00 VIEWS Board of Editors Dale H. Boam, CI, Attorney at Law Kelly Brakenhoff, NIC Royce Carpenter, MA, NIC Master Jami Macdonald, Associate Member Amy Parsons, Associate Member Maxann Keller, Associate Member Bill Millios, M.S. © 2020 Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. All rights reserved. 42
VIEWS Volume 36 • Issue 3
MISSION The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf strives to advocate for best practices in interpreting, professional development for practitioners and for the highest standards in the provision of interpreting services for diverse users of languages that are signed or spoken. VISION By honoring its past and innovating for the future, RID envisions a world where: • Its members recognize and support the linguistic rights of all Deaf people as human rights, equal to those of users of spoken languages; • Deaf people and their values are vital to and visible in every aspect of RID; • Interpreted interaction between individuals who use signed and spoken languages are as viable as direct communication; • The interpreting profession is formally recognized and is advanced by rigorous professional development, standards of conduct, and credentials. DIVERSITY STATEMENT The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) understands the necessity of multicultural awareness and sensitivity. Therefore, as an organization, we are committed to diversity both within the organization and within the profession of sign language interpreting. Our commitment to diversity reflects and stems from our understanding of present and future needs of both our organization and the profession. We recognize that in order to provide the best service as the national certifying body among signed and spoken language interpreters, we must draw from the widest variety of society with regards to diversity in order to provide support, equality of treatment, and respect among interpreters within the RID organization. Therefore, RID defines diversity as differences which are appreciated, sought, and shaped in the form of the following categories: gender identity or expression, racial identity, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, deaf or hard of hearing status, disability status, age, geographic locale (rural vs. urban), sign language interpreting experience, certification status and level, and language bases (e.g. those who are native to or have acquired ASL and English, those who utilize a signed system, among those using spoken or signed languages) within both the profession of sign language interpreting and the RID organization. To that end, we strive for diversity in every area of RID and its Headquarters. We know that the differences that exist among people represent a 21st century population and provide for innumerable resources within the sign language interpreting field. Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. 333 Commerce Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 838-0030 V • (571)-257-3957 VP • (703) 838-0454 Fax • www.rid.org www.rid.org
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