Dear White Interpreters
September 17th – October 10th, 2024
View the ASL Translation of this page here!
While the interpreting profession is currently made up of predominantly white people, deaf communities are increasingly populated by people of color. This PPO course explores the insights of a collection of deaf interpreters of color who explore a variety of questions that provide insight for white interpreters, both deaf and hearing. Additionally, they share advice with interpreters of color.
This PPO course will engage the participants in watching the recorded panel discussion and reflect on the insights shared. Facilitated by Dr. Suzette Garay, Philip J. Wolfe, and LJ Williams as DPOC facilitators, participants will develop self and worldview awareness for being more effective in interpreting communities with Deaf people of color and/or working with Interpreters of Color.
Target Audience: Working Interpreters
(Please note: interpreting students should NOT participate in this course. For student oriented material, please email [email protected])
Educational Objectives:
Participants will be able to
- Define and reframe the use of the following terms: BIPOC, ITOC, DIOC, and DPOC.
- List three examples of microaggressions that Deaf Interpreters of color experience
- Describe at least three signs from communities of color that are frequently misused
- Articulate a rationale for when to accept and/or decline assignments working in communities of color
- Explain three benefits for Deaf people of color being able to work with Interpreters of color
Facilitators:
Dr. Suzette Garay (Pronoun: She/They/Ella/One)
Dr. Garay is a Deaf BIPOC and a third generational Latina(x) from South America, Nicaragua and a third member of my family who was born Deaf. She holds the following degrees: BA, MA. PSY.S, and a Ph.D. Her major areas of studies are Special Education with an emphasis on Deafness and Learning Disabilities, Psychology, and teaching of American Sign Language. She is currently a retired Educational Psychologist and teaches online diversity training courses and has facilitated the Dear White Interpreter course previously with the CAITE BHI program. She also co-owns a private online website working with many families, individuals, and private business owners about interpreting, accessibility, diversity, and advocacy with diverse DHHDB consumers at www.thediversityacademy.com.
Dr. Garay’s resume includes the following qualifications: 25+ years of direct teaching, evaluating, and mentoring with ASL/Interpreter students, working with nationally-certified interpreters, and/or continues to work has an advocate for Special Education students and their families. She also has invaluable personal experience and success teaching, evaluating, and mentoring diverse deaf individuals and/or consumers from underprivileged socio-economic backgrounds.
LJ Williams - Mr. Joseph (LJ) Williams, who is originally from Detroit MI, is Deaf Black, and person who is also Blind, and has CP. He has been working in Michigan for several years as a Deaf Interpreter and Mentor in various school settings for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Most recently, he has worked as a Case Manager for Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers in the Orlando Florida area. His professional work and personal experience as a Deaf and Blind person (DeafBlind and CP) have given him access to working as a Deaf interpreter and sharing his lived experiences of using interpreters and for addressing concerns that specifically come up from the “users point of view” for interpreters to consider when providing access. Currently, LJ lives in Utah and works with Sorenson. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family.
Dear White Interpreters
September 17 - October 10, 2024 -
2 Sessions of Live Zoom Meetings -
Tuesdays OR Thursdays
(only 1 session per week required)
4pm PST / 6pm CST / 7pm EST
4 Sessions, Online Meetings
This course includes four live Zoom sessions, videos, worksheets, plus weekly online interactive group sessions.
Learn how to become an effective ally.
This course provides 1.0 CEUs.
This course meets the category of Power, Privilege and Oppression Category (PPO, PS CEUs).
Topics Covered in This Course
This four-week course will take place in September and October 2024. You'll receive one module via Kajabi each week. Interactive discussions take place in the online community at Diversity Academy and via Zoom.
Earn your CEUs from the comfort of home (or anywhere!).
This course is made available to us through:
The St. Catherine University CATIE Center, Behavioral Health Interpreting project is funded by the US Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration, #H160C160003. Although the contents of this resource were developed under a grant from the Department of Education, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal government. It is shared under a Creative Commons license in which credit must be given to the creator and any derivative resource must be licensed under similar terms. For more information on Creative Commons (CC by) licenses, click here.
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Diversity Academy for Interpreters is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. This PPO Professional Studies program is offered for 1.0 CEUs at the Some Content Knowledge Level.
Diversity Academy for Interpreters promotes and supports policies of non-discrimination and an environment that is mutually respectful and free from bias.
Requests for accommodations must be submitted to [email protected].
Cancellation Policy:
In the event that this course has to be canceled, we will notify you within 48 hours. We will provide an alternative course date.
Should you decide that any of these courses are not for you, you may cancel with a full refund before the first meeting of the course. After the course begins, only course credit may be offered.
