As a way to welcome 2016, we handpicked 10 posts that inspired reflection, demonstrated courageous thinking, or generated spirited conversation. It is our guess that you were moved by some of these 2015 gems as well. If you missed one, take a moment to enjoy the goodness. * Posts not listed in any particular order.
1. Sign Language Interpreters and the “F” Word
One Headline We Wish We had Created Ourselves
Provocative headline aside, Jackie Emmart brings forward the art of asking for and receiving feedback. While the jury is still out on whether “feedback” is a four-letter word or not, it’s a topic that isn’t going away.
2. Recognizing Polite Indifference: Sign Language Interpreters & Power
A Personal Story that Resonated
Michele Vincent’s willingness to open up about a work experience gone sideways in order to share her own journey of self-discovery and shine a light on an important issue had staying power for many.
3. Missing Narratives in Interpreter Education
A Post We Thought Worthy of Even More Attention
Looking back in our history and comparing the statistics shared in Erica West Oyedele’s StreetLeverage – X presentation, not much has changed in the demographics of the profession. Hopefully, as we extend our vision and open our hearts to truly understand, we can invite and support interpreters from underrepresented groups which, in turn, supports the Deaf community in all its diversity.
4. Station Meditation: VRS, Compassion and Sign Language Interpreters
A Positive Outlook on VRS Interpreting
While not as uncommon as one might think, it was refreshing to read a post about VRS that displayed some of the positive aspects of interpreting in video relay. Judi Webb’s long-term experience as a video interpreter shows that longevity in VRS is possible with the right attitude and practice.
5. Do Sign Language Interpreter “Accents” Compromise Comprehension?
A Post that Made Me Conscious of My “Accent” In a Good Way
Carol Padden’s StreetLeverage – Live presentation on sign language interpreter accent will likely resonate for many readers, particularly non-native second language learners. Rather than perpetuating signing errors and disfluent language use, this is an opportunity for interpreters to reflect on their own accent and how they might remedy some of the issues with a little concentrated effort.
6. Self-Awareness: How Sign Language Interpreters Acknowledge Privilege and Oppression
I Wanted to Call the Presenter So We Could Have Coffee and Talk
Powerfully, Stacey Storme reminds sign language interpreters that while the situations we enter into as interpreters have nothing to do with us, “Our work has everything to do with us.” The interpreter is the third context in an interpreted communication and it behooves us never to forget that fact.
7. Horizontal Violence: Can Sign Language Interpreters Break the Cycle?
The Most Popular Post This Year
Clearly, many sign language interpreters have had negative experiences with colleagues which could fall into categories like bullying, harassment or intimidation. Kate Block explores how reflective practice might positively impact the interpreting field. It appears that people agree.
8. Deaf Interpreters: Shaping the Future of the Sign Language Interpreting Profession
A New Paradigm Emerging for Hearing Interpreters
Eileen Forestal’s StreetLeverage – Live presentation explores the dissonance many hearing interpreters feel about working with Deaf Interpreters and encourages practitioners to come to the table open to the possibility that both groups have something to offer as professionals.
9. 10 Lessons from my First Year as a Freelance Sign Language Interpreter
There is Encouragement and Positivity in the Field of Interpreting Today
Brittany Quickel’s 10 lessons illustrate the power of self-determination and positivity. Sign language interpreters everywhere can benefit from these simple, but sage, tips.
10. National Treasure
Those Who Inspire
While this wasn’t a post, our 2015 list of goodness would not be complete without one important addition. StreetLeverage was proud to honor Patrick Graybill at StreetLeverage – Live 2015 as the first StreetLeverage – National Treasure honoree.
Our Hope
Join us for another year of discovery, vulnerability, and meaningful conversation. We look forward to the magic of the journey that will be 2016.
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