Here were the  topics and presenters for the 2008 Silent Weekend.
The 2009 topics will be posted as presenters send in their proposals.
 
Topics were divided up among beginners, intermediates and advanced/interpreters based on the total number in each group.  There were over 260 interpreters/advanced, 80 intermediates and 40 beginners identified.

Silent Weekend presenters include:  JoyAnn DiGiovanni, Patrick Fischer, Linda Horton, Paul Jones, Dennis Buck, Debbie Smith, Melani Crosby. Mike McKee, M.D., Mike Ernest, Maureen Longo Tuccelli, Jon Barr, Jose Granda, Cathi Bouton, Marietta Patchin, Jon Ziev, Shannon Simon, Patricia Chun, Jose Granda, Trix Bruce, Keith Wann, Peter Cook and Crom Saunders.  There may never have been an event with Peter Cook, Keith Wann, Crom Saunders, Trix Bruce and Patrick Fischer in one place at the same time!   You will have more than 115 hours of topics to choose from.

There will be a pre-workshop special Thursday afternoon free for registered participants.  Shannon Simon will present this from 2 to 6 p.m. Using Expansion in the Classroom – English to ASL Interpreting so you should arrive by 1:30 to register or you can register after 6 p.m. before we begin orientation at 7 p.m.  CEUs will be applied for this workshop but to earn CEUs, you must be on time per RID regulations. Topics of special interest to medical interpreters have been proposed by Dr. Mike McKee, MD & Melani Crosby and educational interpreters have also been proposed by Shannon Simon, Debbie Smith and Maureen Longo Tuccelli.

Thursday night, we will have an ASL Idol Competition by Trix Bruce after orientation (for registered participants only).  Friday night will be a show by Keith Wann (open to registered participants only).  Saturday night will be the ASL Improv directed by Jon Ziev.  It was a sell out last year and registration now is open.  This is after the close of the Silent Weekend and registration is separate from the Silent Weekend.

Friday morning, we are having a pre-conference warm-up where you will learn how to juggle!
We are having a pre-conference Saturday morning special with "Sunrise With Peter" ... for all levels. 

We will close with our last class "ASL Grammar Demystified" with some of the presenters on a panel -- open to all levels .. to answer any concerns, questions, challenges to share, or anything else (maybe drawing the questions written down earlier in the afternoon and/or the audience asking questions).  You and the presenters all have different perceptive, knowledge, experience, and thoughts. For example, maybe one of you is a school faculty member who do not know any linguistic in grammar, structure, rules for the interpreters/ASL participants that apply for the presenter's point of views. Some on the panel will be experts in telling stories, others expert in voice interpreting, and another expert in “brush-up” skills.  It would be a great opportunity and experience for the audience to see everyone’s expression of thesis in the educational of entertainments.

Also, maybe we will demonstrate different “English to ASL” translating – each of us have a different skill or perspective of showing how this can be made clearer!  If we do not understand the concepts – we will help each other and make the story look lovely together as teamwork.  Almost like ASL Improv but  based on audience questions.

                Presenters and topics

Peter Cook

Sunrise With Peter -- one hour for all levels
Description coming -- this will be Peter's stories!

Creativity and ASL -- one hour each for beginners, intermediates and advanced (CEUs)
The purpose of this workshop is to explore the role of Creativity in ASL. The participants will have the chance to create their own works such as Poetry, Storytelling, and Humors. Features such as Body shifting, Eye gazing, Physical features, Positions, and Power shifting will be discussed. The participants will create stories through their personal experiences and will be given assignments during the course of the workshop.

Discourse in ASL -- one hour for advanced (CEUs)
The purpose of this workshop is to explore the role of discourse in ASL.  The participants will state the role of ASL discourse in our daily conversation and list the patterns that occurred during the discourses between two people or in a formal presentation. Features such as comparisons of informal and formal conversation, the main context of discourses and the par lingual elements within the discourses will be discussed. The participants will create discourses through their personal experiences and will be given exercises during the course of the workshop.

Jon Ziev

“Deaf Idioms, How to Translate That?” – to be presented for advanced/interpreters (CEUs)

       Participants will learn how to change conceptually accurate transliterating Deaf idioms into visually exciting and appropriate interpreting through games, observation, brainstorming and “hands on” practice.

“Hearing Idioms, How to Translate That” – to be presented for advanced/interpreters (CEUs)
       Participants will learn how to change conceptually accurate transliterating hearing idioms into visually exciting and appropriate interpreting through games, observation, brainstorming and “hands on” practice.

Debbie Smith and Maureen Longo Tuccelli

Anticipating the ASL/Predicting the Phrase -- one hour for advanced (CEUs) --- to be presented twice
Learn mind mapping techniques to help make the voicing job easier.

Debbie Smith

Details:  You Need Them! -- intermediates and beginners -- one hour each
Do you miss details in your receptive communication?  When you try to describe someone or something, do you use enough adjectives and/or adverbs?  This workshop will give you time to practice your receptive and expressive skills while foucsing on specific factual information.

Expressive Fingerspelling:  Am I Clear? -- intermediates and beginners -- one hour each
This workshop will discuss ways to improve expressive fingerspelling skills through interactive practice.

Shannon Simon

Multiple Meaning Words = Creating Equivalent Messages – for advanced/interpreters (CEUs) – one hour

Created with educational interpreters in mind!  This presenter’s goal is to increase the interpreter’s ability to present equivalent messages using conceptual accuracy.    The meaning of a word changes based on its usage:  The man’s losses were light.   Do you need a light?   The couple slipped out of town. He backed out of the deal.    

Grow Your Sign Vocabulary by Thinking of English Synonyms (for Educational Interpreters) (CEUs)– one hour

Do you find yourself stumbling on how to sign words like: Humdrum, vessel, task or dude….   Understanding English synonyms can help you expand your vocabulary by attaching numerous English words to one ASL Sign.    Dictionary conditioning prevents us from flexing our vocabulary muscles.    Come and explore English words and their synonyms and identify signs you know to express them.  Rewrite your English to ASL dictionary.  

Using Expansion in the Classroom – English to ASL Interpreting – (CEUs)for advanced/interpreters – 4 hours

This workshop is designed for educational interpreters.  Using the 7 unique language features of ASL can help you create an accurate and understandable message for students of all ages.  We will be exploring the 7 language features (contrasting, faceting, reiterating, role-shifting, nesting/couching, noun-listing/explain by example, and describe then do), watch video examples of each feature and practice using each feature. 

Michael McKee MD and Melani Crosby, CI & CT -- 8 hours for advanced/interpreters

Medical Interpreting- What do you need to know to be effective interpreters in these roles?  (CEUs)
Medical interpreting requires special knowledge and skill to effectively interpret for deaf clients.  Health care situations with deaf clients are extremely challenging given that medical situations can vary widely anywhere from an emergency room situation to an outpatient setting with a primary care provider.  Both Michael McKee, M.D. and Melani Crosby will outline key points to be aware of in each medical setting.  Also, there will be sessions covering medical terminology and medical signs.  First hand stories from a deaf family medicine physician and an interpreter with extensive experience with medical interpreting will make this a highly informative and entertaining session to attend to.
      Dr. McKee will present an overview of the medical situations (varied locations – clinic, hospital and ED)
      Melani will present on the issues and adaptations of how interpreters function in each of these varied settings. Mike and Lani will be discussing the importance of understanding why an interpreter needs to understand the goals of the doctor and medical team in addition to medical terminology and procedures in order to be completely effective in the medical setting.
      Medical signs and concepts and how it relates to ASL structure and Deaf eyes will be discussed.
      Both presenters will be providing medical vocabulary and group skill building reinforcement activities.
      We will have Q and A segment for Mike to share his experiences as a Deaf MD and Melani to share her experiences interpreting medical school.
      We will:  1) Teach English medical terminology and what each word means.  The participants will demonstrate their knowledge by playing a vocabulary game designed to evaluate their personal growth in this area.  They will then have a working vocabulary base from which to take home and build on.
      2) Examine the ASL signs and concepts for the English words.  The participants will be able to contrast and compare 20 or more ASL signs and concepts with English words.
      3) Examine and teach the medically based ASL signs and how to weave them into ASL structure and visual pictures and not just “match” English with signs. The participants will be able to take 5 medical scenarios and convert each into an accurate interpretation using ASL structure including all the visual information necessary for a complete ASL translation.
      4) Discuss interpreting for specific situations (ex., high visual patients, children, mental health, situational conflicts and how to handle professionally)  The participants will demonstrate a working knowledge of  5 specific and complicated situations and how to approach each in a professional manner and have a successful outcome. Participants will be divided into groups and recreate each scenario and role play effective solutions.
     5) Discussion on being realistic with the seriousness of interpreting in the medical setting.
      Participants will be encouraged to take a personal analysis of their medical knowledge base, their ASL skills and the emotional fortitude the field of medical / mental health interpreting requires.  The participants will be making a personal and private list of strengths and weaknesses for them to take home and build upon. This journaling will continue the self evaluation process and assist to establish personal goals for improvement.
      6) List the 5 steps of the medical care process.  We will then compare and contrast the Doctor, the Deaf and Interpreters perspectives and expectations in each step. Participants will be able to identify each of the 5 steps in the process. The participants will be able to demonstrate their understanding of each perspective and expectation by applying it to sample scenarios to better facilitate the interpreting process.

Patrick Fischer from Portland, Oregon  -- his website is www.mrshineyhead.com

Sign Mime --  two  hours for intermediates or advanced (CEUs)
      Sign mime uses non-conventional signs and is all mimed.  Classifiers, gestured movement, and visual emotions/expressions are used to perform in sign mime.  Inspirations are from movies, cartoons, scripts, books, and your creativity.  The benefits of using sign mime are the ability to tell a story either through scripts or imagination that is wholly visual, ability to imitate expressions and emotions, and enrichment in descriptive skills.  Develop your storytelling skills in showing you how to use classifiers, gestures, and visual signs.  All will have a “hands on” learning experience in different areas of Sign Mime’s techniques which are:  Body Classifiers, Body Part Classifiers, Instrument Classifiers, Locative Classifiers, SASS, Point of Views, Abstract, and Split Screen.

Study and Translation of a famous oath & a national anthem -- two hours for intermediates or one hour for advanced (CEUs)
      All oaths and national anthems have a meaning in their words and in order to accurately interpret, you are encouraged to study the background behind the creation of oaths and anthems.  Using our famous oath and anthem (“The Pledge of Allegiance” and “The Star-Spangled Banner”), students will develop an understanding of what each line represents/means.  Students will have hands-on learning on identify what the difference is between ASL and English structure (ASL grammars, classifiers, and visuals vs English grammars, frozen ASL, and word by word).

Study and Translation on scripts of different genres -- 2 hours for advanced (CEUs)
     Using “Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “This Wonderful Life”, and “Underpants” scripts for translating to ASL.  There are several different ways in translating plays depending on genre (ie Shakespeare, serious drama, and comedy drama).  Learn to how to work with a team in working thru translations.  Students will be given a script to practice with a team.

ASL Colloquialisms -- one hour for intermediates or adavanced (CEUs)
      Part of linguistics study of how colloquialisms and slangs differ in ASL in comparison to English.  For example:  brown nose, held back anger, lost the thought, and more.  Each slang has their own ASL sign/grammar.  This is one of the most misused and misunderstood part of our ASL language.

Mulitple Meanings -- one hour for beginners, intermediates or advanced
       One word equals one sign?  NO.  There are several semantics signs for one English word depending on the content of the sentences.  Students can learn to select right sign to match information and avoid using a wrong sign which cause confusion and misunderstanding.  Example:  My nose is running vs Jane is running for office.  The sign for running is different for both sentences.  This is one of the most misused and misunderstood part of our ASL language.

JoyAnn DiGiovanni

Just Like Child’s Play Two Dimensional Lines, Shapes and Patterns – one hour for beginners or intermediates <> 

In this session you will use different combinations of your fingers to draw two-dimensional lines, shapes, patterns and objects in the air. The techniques you are about to learn are some of the conventions for expressing visual-gestural information which are also elements of American Sign Language. They will become the building blocks to make scenes to show action clearly, and ultimately, to tell stories which you will learn to do in different activities.

The Rules of Noun and Verb Pairs- What’s the Movement in ASL? – one hour for beginners or intermediates

There are many nouns and verbs which related to eachother in meaning and form and differ only in movement.  These are called noun-verbs pairs.Some verbs have a single movement and the related noun has a smaller repeated movement. How can you sign the sentences using the sign for “rain as a noun and sign “rain” as a verb.

Numbering Systems in ASL – one hour for beginners or intermediates 

Numbers play an important role in everyday life. We_ constantly communicate numbers relating to time, age, money and everything. Definition in ASL . Incorporation in time and sequence. Incorporation in money stystems. Incorporation in Age. Incorportation in nouns and pronouns using whole entity classifiers. Sometimes its useful to express an appropriate number. There are several ways of doing this in ASL. Number representation is an important part of ASL structure. These signs use a number handshape with modified motion or location or a noun to express a meaning

Deaf Culture   Our Way – one hour for beginners or intermediates.

To be able to understand more about  the humorous aspects of the deaf experience. Will share examples of classic “deaf “jokes .The following jokes have been passed down through generations of deaf people and are widely known among individuals within the American deaf community.  They are usually among the first to be shared with newcomers to the deaf community. Will share the  funny stories.


Crom Saunders

Making Faces for beginners and intermediates

     ASL grammar includes a great deal more than just sign vocabulary and placement. This workshop focuses on the use of facial expressions and gestures as key components of ASL grammar- increasing abstract concept expression and fluency.

Can you See what I Saw? - for intermedates and advanced (CEUs)

     It is classifiers discussion and development- how to create new classifiers for new images -- The use and variety of classifiers go beyond the standard ones taught in ASL classes- true fluency in ASL includes the ability to create new classifiers that are syntactically correct, and the meaning of such new classifiers clearly conveyed. Attendees will learn models for classifier creation opportunities, and how to think in 3-D/Visual linguistic style, and a greater understanding of classifier use. Attendees will also learn how to describe actions and objects without using standard ASL vocabulary or reliance on PSE.                                                                                                           

ASL FOR THE 21st Century - for advanced -- two hours (CEUs)
      Just as one would talk and behave differently in different social circles, or in different environments such as home and work, one also modifies ASL to match different visual mediums. The most common one is conversational (also educational), but ASL is also a long-standing presence in the theatre environment. Now, more than ever, there are many Deaf performers and performing groups that ASL students and Deaf/HH people can go and watch and/or observe. Also- thanks to technology, with the current explosion of Deaf –produced film- as viral videos online, and as independent studio/school project productions-we also have ASL for film- the cinematic style, which is much different than the tradition Deaf actor or actress’ cameo or role in a TV show or movie with a speaking cast. This workshop analyzes those different categories, discusses the structural difference of each one, and how one can become versed in more than one- either to apply or to teach .

TRIX BRUCE

Trix Upon A Time: An ASL Storytelling Handbook – (beginners –ONE HOUR)
      Create your own visual storytelling! Brainstorm the steps needed to put a story together. List all the details of the play that affect the body's senses ( vision, sound, smell, taste, and touch). Imagine yourself as a member of the audience ( both deaf & hearing). What do they really want to see?  Exercises that help you learn how to make clearer body language, gesture, and signs. Finalizing the story and narration in ASL. Participants will learn the following aspects of ASL Storytelling: Role Shifting, Eye Gazing, Characterization, Classifier Usage, Building a story in ASL.

MORE CLASSIFIERS: Camping Adventures (new!) (Intermediate – ONE HOUR)
      Classifiers can do anything – well, almost! This workshop offers a variety of stories presented by Trix entirely through the use of classifiers.  You will see handshapes transforming into camping, hunting, canoeing, rafting, snowboarding, fishing, driving, and many more. Have fun with more classifier storytelling!

MORE CLASSIFIERS: Water Activities (new!) (Intermediate – ONE HOUR)
     Classifiers can do anything – well, almost! This workshop offers a variety of stories presented by Trix entirely through the use of classifiers.  You will see handshapes transforming into water skiing, boating, stunts, wakeboarding, windsurfing, driving, and many more. Have fun with more classifier storytelling!

ASL SEMANTICS: Precision of Expression Series Focus Word: OUT (advanced – ONE HOUR) (CEUs)
     Semantics is defined as the study of meanings expressed by the elements of a language or a combination of the elements.  A concept expressed in an ASL sign often cannot be conveyed by a single all-purpose English word. Likewise, English words and phrases may have variations in meaning, which require translations using different ASL signs. This workshop helps the the student advance skills in translating the languages of ASL and English. This workshop will focus the word of OUT.

Visible Words: The Art of Storytelling With Classifiers (Advanced --Two Hours) (CEUs)
       Let’s create better visual imagery with ASL classifiers! Maybe you’ve wondered: Are there any new classifiers? Which classifiers best express certain ideas? How can we use classifiers most effectively?
      ASL classifiers are simply handshapes used to convey action and ideas in concise and visually articulate ways. Let’s polish our storytelling by improving visual imagery with classifiers. This workshop will offer hands-on practice in using classifier handshapes with creativity and precision. Move away from thinking in English and stringing signs together. Let handshapes tell the story!

“Face-Painting” with Non-Manual Signals in ASL (Advanced -2 hours) (CEUs)
     Non-manual signals (NMS) in American Sign Language enrich and clarify the meaning of manual signs.  Come and learn that art of painting your face with a full spectrum of NMS colors and designs.  
     Non-Manual Signals include: 1) Non-Manual Adverbs 2) Lexical Non-Manual Behaviors 3) Non-Manual Grammatical Markers 4) Emotional States / Evaluative judgments 5) Prosodic Structure 6) Discourse Structure 7) Turn Taking 8) Backchannel Feedback 9) Grammatical “Sound” Markers, and 10) Mouth Movements.
      This workshop will focus on developing accurate non-manual signals and markers as used in ASL. Demonstrations of each category of facial behaviors and head movements will be shown in context. Practice exercises will be offered.  By the end of this workshop, you’ll be an artist!

Keith Wann will have the following topics, including a full show!  This will NOT be open to the public.  There will be an ASL Improv night on Saturday open to  the public.

ASL songs  for CEUs

Here is time for you to develop ASL along with the meaning of the music from the artist and also your own life experience.  Discussing the use of ASL and how it applies to sign choices for songs.  Discussion and hands on practice to define the meanings of the song and how to portray it as either a character or classifier influenced theme to show meaning and intention of the artist and/or the listener. 

Many workshops on this subject have talked about singing choices without taking into consideration the cultural impact that is involved or even missed when the song itself is not consider including the artist's intention and his/her story behind it.  Popular culture will be also discussed in how the listener expects certain frozen register to help identify the song. 
The workshop will involve some comedy as performance pieces from the show "My Experience…Different" are analyzed along with other popular songs.


Storytelling "What Are You looking At?"  (CEUs)

Understanding how to interpret stories, listening to the meaning and portraying it with ASL.

Visual Story Improv for CEUs

      Using other things to help us learn ASL and be able to show what we are trying to communicate.  Interactive Improv games to improve your confidence in using everything you have to be understood by the other person.  Hands, Arms, Legs, and those faces…just make it up .. interpreters do!

Jose Granda

 <>“Getting a Picture in Your Mind”  -- for intermediates two hours
This workshop will help develop strong receptive skills that will teach participants to create a picture and walk through the picture, this workshop will develop those visualization skills. The participants in challenging activities like drawing a homefloor plan , describe a car in detail, and learn signs of characters to interpret children’s stories.

City & State & Country Signs – to be offered for advanced/interpreters (CEUs) -- Two hours each       
There are over 180 signs to memorize! Gain knowledge of our American signs and the native sign for that country. Some of the signs are definitions of a cultural aspects or trademarks. 

Sex Signs  -- to be offered Friday night for two hours.   Open to all but geared to advanced/interpreters.  (CEUs)
  ( Informal and Formal ) This year’s vocabulary list will have over 100 words. Multitudes of activities to assist you in using the appropriate signs of sexual tones in your casual signing and interpreting. You will be exposed to the actual signs along with explanation for their usages. The activities will teach how to accurately use the sign in natural conservation or interpreting settings. Handouts for more than 100 signs will be given at the workshop.   

My Experience With "Deaf Rights"  for advanced  (CEUs)
This workshop will focus on my experience from 1950’s through present time  related with communication systems , using interpreters, the laws, jobs, and the communication barriers.

Also, I will discuss old technology to new technologies for communication and living. How did my parents communicate with me during my childhood?

“Polish Up on Fingerspelling and Numbers” -- one hour intermediates
 Participants  will learn how to recognize the correct way of fingerspelling and using numbers. Demonstrate proper handshape to make concept clear to the Deaf reader. Categiories covered  will be money , measurements, height, ages ,sports, etc.

Paul Jones

Deaf Church Service Sunday morning

Here, participants can sign up to take turns voicing for a Deaf preacher ... an excellent conclusion to the Silent Weekend to incorporate what you've learned in a live church service.

ASL Stories for intermediate and advanced (CEUs)

Paul will sign stories in ASL giving you invaluable practice to see various types of classifiers ... statitve descriptive, contact and process as well as size and shape specifiers, mimetic and descriptive. 

One real problem that we are seeing is that hearing people still think in English.  They see ASL information and try to relate to English word order.  ASL stories and dialogues done mostly with classifiers and facial expressions will encourage the participants to visualize the action, not verbalize.  Six ASL stories (A.S.L. In 2083 A.D. Crazy Hockey Game Imagine (Deaf Version) Painter's Nightmare ( Hand Shaped Story) Samson's Deli...lah and Ten Minutes In Heaven will be signed.

Marietta Patchin

Conceptual Accuracy and Idioms for Beginners.     
     Most beginning signer become confused and frustrated because they cannot think of or recall the sign for a particular word.  Hearing minds tent to rely on their native which is based on sound and is not a conceptual language.   ASL is not a word for word system of communication.  ASL is a CONCEPTUAL system.   Individuals who want to become skilled singers must become conceptual signers and not WORD signers.   In this class we will take a good look the meaning of CONCEPTURAL ACCURACY and learn ways to train the mind to SEE rather then HEAR.    Join us for the fun as we also throw in a few English idioms to make that signed word for word will blow your mind !!!!

How do you voice that?? :   Intermediate     
     You might call this conceptual accuracy in reverse,   Now we are looking at ASL to English instead of English to ASL.   What words will you use for  that ASL phrase.  Will the “hearing” understand.   Am I getting the point across?   Dose my voice tone match the Deaf persons sign tones.    Do I follow English word order or voice ASL??   How important is it anyway??

Scriptural Concepts.  Open to all levels.      (CEUs)
     How many concepts are there in the scripture for the word “glory”?   Are you using the same sign for all of them?  What about phrases like: “the carnal mind”, ‘without a vision men parish” or “be ye not unequally yoked together”   How many concepts for simple words like sleep, dead, or though can you find in the scripture?  We will examine words and biblical phrases in this class keeping them  in context with the verse. We also will look at various passages and consider the entire meaning, then put it into a visual picture.   
Knowing and understand scriptural concepts is vital for those who want to give a clear message.  As the scripture says, “If the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the battle”.  If you want to "tune up your  trumpet" this is the class to take.

Teaching Bible Study to the Deaf –        (CEUs)

      I started teaching bible study to Deaf individuals 18 years ago and during those 18 years the Deaf have taught me as I taught them.  In this class I will be sharing with you what both God and the Deaf themselves have taught me.  
Such as:  
1.  How the Deaf view the bible.
2.  Tips on teaching Deaf bible study.
3.  Necessary tools you can’t do without.
This class is a must for those who work in Deaf Ministry

What really is Involved in Deaf Ministry  ???   Am I called??     

     This class will either move you or anger you.  I will share with you some facts that have been confirmed to me by both the Lord and my experience of 27 years in this Ministry.   If you feel like you are spinning your wheels and getting no where in your ministry this class is for you.  It will answer question like:       How do the Deaf view the church????  
What is Ministry??    What constitutes DEAF MINISTRY??  How do I go from Sign Minisgtry to SUCCESSFUL DEAF MINSTRY??!!

"Congregational Worship Songs"  For all levels Sunday morning (CEUs)

Jon Barr

Deaf Culture: From the Inside Out - 2 hours - Beginners or Intermediate
Deaf culture is often described but rarely defined.  This interesting  session will take a look at Deaf Culture from a hearing person's  perspective and will consider the question, "What is a culture?"  Four elements of culture will be presented, with special emphasis on how Deaf and Hearing cultures differ."  Finally, "Common Elements of Deaf Culture" as seen by hearing people will be presented.

50 ASL Phrases or Idioms - 1 (partial) or 2 hours (complete) - Beginners
Beginners often look at ASL and wonder, "Why didn't I learn that in my class?"  These class will help beginners with many commonly used ASL Phrases or Idioms, from "Think-dwell" to "What-do?" to "Dumbfounded."

Church Music for the Deaf - 1 or 2 hours - Intermediate and advanced (CEUs)
Church interpreting can be a challenge, especially when the songs are not provided in advance.  This session will provide suggestions and practical help with making beautiful and meaningful church music interpretations.  Next time you will be prepared!

Interpreting Difficult Words in the Bible - 1 hour - Intermediates and advanced (CEUs)
Have you ever wondered how to sign words like abased, conversation, grace, emerods, feebleminded, and more?  This practical workshop will present numerous difficult words, their definitions, and strategies to interpret them into today's language and culture.  There will be time
for group questions and interaction.

Interpreting with Style - Making it Interesting to Watch - 1 hour - Intermediate and advanced (CEUs)
"That interpreter is boring!"  Hopefully that has never been said about your interpreting.  Part of the interpreter's job is to communicate the
meaning with the same feeling as the speaker.  This class will provide practical strategies to help interpreters provide a more accurate and
interesting interpretation through proper posture, facial expression, and owning the message.

Classifiers A to Z - 1 hour - Beginners
Knowing about classifiers and using them are two different things.  This session will show many classifiers and provide practical helps in using classifiers in everyday conversation and in interpreted settings.

How to Develop a Church Deaf Ministry - 1 hour - Intermediate and advanced  (CEUs)
Developing a functioning church deaf ministry is more than interpreting the services.  What are the key areas to develop?  Who should be involved in the deaf ministry?  How can the leaders get the hearing church interested and involved in the deaf ministry?  This class will provide answers to building and improving a church deaf ministry.

Mike Ernest

How to Oppress Deaf People: A Field Manual – for intermediates
   Interpreters are often well-meaning individuals who have the best intentions to provide communication access for Deaf people. Yet, interpreters are often viewed with suspicion and as oppressors by members of the Deaf Community.
    Using sociological theories of In-group / Out-group dynamics, this workshop will discuss the tension between interpreters and the population they serve, and suggest methods to improve the cooperation and communication between the interpreting community and the deaf community. 

Video Remote Interpreting: A Technological Model of Services? – for advanced  (CEUs) (co-presented with Linda Horton)
     Video Remote Interpreting is viewed by some medical, educational and government organizations as the solution to the critical need for interpreters, especially in rural areas. But, is VRI the answer for every need and are Deaf people satisfied with the initial results of this new technology?
    In addition, this workshop will analyze additional skills that may be needed by video interpreters compared to on-site interpreters, and will discuss what interpreter training programs can do to prepare their students for employment  in VRS and VRI positions.

Deaf President Now 20: A Perspective on Protest and Leadership – for intermediates or advanced (CEUs)
    In March of 2008, the 20th anniversary of the selection of I. King Jordan as the first Deaf President of Gallaudet University was celebrated on the Gallaudet Campus. Many of the student, faculty and Alumni leaders of DPN gathered to reflect on the historical event and the changes in the Deaf Community since that time. In the words of the participants, this workshop will present a summary of the advances and continuing barriers to equality for deaf persons.

Defining Prosody in American Sign Language – for intermediates or advanced (CEUs)
   In spoken languages, prosody refers to variations in rate, pitch, loudness, stress, intonation and rhythm of continuous speech. As it relates to fluency - the absence of prosody is perceived as monotonous speech. Speech that is not rhythmic or prosodic is also characterized as unusually slow or fast, halting, dysfluent and lacking the normal rhythm and fluency of a native speaker.
   In American Sign Language, prosody is a term that is used to refer to variations in handshape, the movement, rhythm and size of signs, and to movements of the torso, head and neck. Variations in posture and body movement, the rate and direction of sign movement, sign tension and stress, increases and decreases in the size of sign production, variation in pacing and pauses, and repetition of signs create rhythm and fluency. As in spoken languages, native and near-native fluency are often marked by skill in prosodic variation. In this workshop, we will examine characteristics of native signers that are examples of prosody.

Time X Ten  -- for beginners or intermediates
   Vertical time, horizontal time, calendar time and sun time? Time is managed in ASL in a variety of creative visual ways, using space, movement, direction and non-manuals. Here is a workshop that describes and allows practice for ten variations in time for beginners and advanced students.

Dennis Buck has proposed the below topics.  Details are coming!

ASL Concepts – Advanced (CEUs)

Overview

American Sign Language (ASL) is a language just like a foreign language. The major difference of this is using hands, facial expressions, and body language to reflect the meaning of the message. Also, ASL is a visual language as opposed to English where it is written language. The major difference between visual and written language is how you translate into ASL. Remember, ASL is not a word-to-word signing pattern. Thus, ASL is required you to translate the context into a conceptual meaning. It is a post-translated language. A written language is a pre-translated language because it is written and the reader has to figure out its meaning in his/her mind.

The challenge is how to translate into the most sensible and useful signing concepts.  That is the person who needs to know the language proficiently by knowing deaf tendencies, slang, idioms, and specific signs that deaf people frequently use. The pre-requisite to have the skills is that the person is very familiar with Deaf culture and keeps in the Deaf loop because the language tends to evolve over period of times.

The heart of ASL is delving the correct signing concepts. Otherwise, the meaning will be lost. For example: You are a green thumb person! First, you need to understand its meaning. ASL is a straightforward language which is unlike English where language can be manipulative to make the person think and figure out what it really means.

In the seminar, the presenter will provide many English sentences and allow the audience gets involved to translate then the presenter will provide feedback of how it should be translated based on its meaning.

I want to point it out that there is no one fixed way to translate English into ASL conceptual meaning. However, to understand the most accurate ASL concept is to mingle with deaf people and learn from their style of conversation including facial expressions and body language. You must remember facial expressions and body language is the core to reflect the meaning of ASL conceptual signs.

I would like to give the audience an opportunity to practice their translation before the presenter will demonstrate. This will allow the participants to see their translation compared to the presenter.  There are 40 ASL conceptual sentences

ASL Idioms – Advanced

Overview

American Sign Language (ASL) is a language just like a foreign language. The major difference of this is using hands, facial expressions, and body language to reflect the meaning of the message. Also, ASL is a visual language as opposed to English where it is written language. The major difference between visual and written language is how you translate into ASL. Remember, ASL is not a word-to-word signing pattern. Thus, ASL is required you to translate the context into a conceptual meaning. It is a post-translated language. A written language is a pre-translated language because it is written and the reader has to figure out its meaning in his/her mind.

The challenge is how to translate into the most sensible and useful signing concepts.  That is the person who needs to know the language proficiently by knowing deaf tendencies, slang, idioms, and specific signs that deaf people frequently use. The pre-requisite to have the skills is that the person is very familiar with Deaf culture and keeps in the Deaf loop because the language tends to evolve over period of times.

The heart of ASL is delivering the correct signing concepts. Otherwise, the meaning will be lost. For example: Stop beating around the bushes! First, you need to understand its meaning. ASL is a straightforward language which is unlike English where language can be manipulative to make the person think and figure out what it really means.

In the seminar, the presenter will provide many idiomatic sentences and allow the audience gets involved to translate then the presenter will provide feedback of how it should be translated based on its meaning.

I want to point it out that there is no one fixed way to translate from English into ASL conceptual meaning. However, to understand the most accurate ASL Idioms is to mingle with deaf people and learn from their style of conversation including facial expressions and body language. You must remember facial expressions and body language is the core to reflect the meaning of ASL conceptual signs.

I would like to give the audience an opportunity to practice their translation before the presenter will demonstrate. This will allow the participants to see their translation compared to the presenter.  There are 40 ASL Idiomatic sentences.

ASL Linguistics 101 – Beginner and Intermediate
     American Sign Language (ASL) is a complex visual-spatial language that is used by the Deaf community in the United States and English-speaking parts of Canada. It is a linguistically complete, natural language. It is the native language of many Deaf men and women, as well as some hearing children born into Deaf families. <> 
      ASL shares no grammatical similarities to English and should not be considered in any way to be a broken, mimed, or gestural form of English. In terms of syntax, for example, ASL has a topic-comment syntax, while English uses Subject-Object-Verb. In fact, in terms of syntax, ASL shares more with spoken Japanese than it does with English. 
       Some people have described ASL and other sign languages as "gestural" languages. This is not absolutely correct because hand gestures are only one component of ASL. Facial features such as eyebrow motion and lip-mouth movements as well as other factors such as body orientation are also significant in ASL as they form a crucial part of the grammatical system. In addition, ASL makes use of the space surrounding the signer to describe places and persons that are not present. <> 
      Sign languages develop specific to their communities and is not universal. For example, ASL is totally different from British Sign Language even though both countries speak English. 
      Interesting, however, American Sign Language shares many vocabulary terms with Old French Sign Language (LSF) because a French Deaf man, Laurent Clerc, was one of the first teachers of the Deaf in the U.S. in the nineteenth century. So if you know ASL, you're better off taking a vacation in France than in England! But the French connection to America is rare, most sign languages develop independently and each country (and in some cases, each city) has their own sign language. <>

ASL Made Easy – Beginner

History – ASL begins.

Interesting Facts of Deaf/Hard of Hearing People – ASL has benefits.

Gestures – use universal signs.

Crucial of ASL – Facial Expressions – observe body language to enhance understanding in ASL.

How to Improve Skills – there are various ways to boost your signing skills.

ASL Slangs - Beginner and Intermediate

Computer Terminology – Advanced (CEUs)

Overview

Computer Terminology is essential to understand its meaning, but it is not necessary for an interpreter to comprehend its depth because you may need to know computer basic first. The words “Pascal” or “ColdFusion” are names of programming languages. Pascal and ColdFusion perform a different function. Pascal requires compiling the codes into executable file which consumes some time to translate codes.  It is two steps to get the outcome as opposed to ColdFusion.  ColdFusion is a web language that performs the code on the fly. 

Let me give you a scenario. A credit card company hired a programmer to develop an application that reads all data that has 30th day of billing cycle and checks if the 30th day bill has an outstanding balance of one cent or greater. If yes, it generates a bill sending to the customer. If the balance is zero, it will not send the bill. The programmer (a human) wrote the code to instruct computer to perform a function. A minor overlooked flaw happened when computer sends a bill to a customer for the balance of $0.00; please send the check for the amount of $0.00 to the creditor. The customer saw the bill and decided to throw away because it is zero balance. Then the next month comes up, the computer keeps sending to the customer saying the customer owes $0.00 or will send the bill to the collection agency. The customer laughed and threw it away. The third month the computer threatens that customer if the balance has not been paid in full, there will be a serious problem. So the customer went ahead to send a check of $0.00. Then the computer received the check of $0.00. Then the computer is satisfied. Now you see, the computer is a machine and does not understand anything, but only understands the instructions that a programmer instructs the code to perform a task sequentially based on conditional statements.

Thus, computer terminology helps you to understand the concept of its meanings and able to translate into the most sensible signs.

We will discuss about three agenda:

1) Computer Components                      2) Computer Questionnaires                   3) Computer Terminology

Computer Components

·         CRT v. LCD

·         Floppy Disk v. Zip

·         Hardware v. Software

·         Pentium v. AMD

·         Driver v. Drive

·         CD v. DVD

·         Motherboard v. CPU

·         Desktop, Mini-tower, Full Tower

·         CDR, CDW, CDWR, DVD, DVDR. DVDWR

·         Webcam v. Monitor

·         Internet v. Intranet (WAN & LAN)

·         Secure v. Security

·         Encryption v. Decryption

·         Byte v. Bits

·         Video Relay v. Traditional Relay

·         Narrowband v. Broadband (high speed)

·         Laptop v. PC Computer

·         Text Pager v. SideKick 

Computer Questionnaires

·         What is a computer?

·         Does a computer have intelligence?

·         What is Artificial Intelligence?

·         What is programming?

·         What is operating system?

·         What does GUI mean?

Computer Terminology

      v   Website                  v   Hackers                  v   Pop-up Windows                       v   JavaScript

      v   ColdFusion             v   Perl                        v   Bug                                          v   Downtime

      v   Upload                   v   Download               v   SCSI                                         v   Access

      v   Database                v   Back Door              v   Denial-of-service attack (DoS)   v   Cyber terrorist

      v   Espionage              v   Malicious                v   Virus                                         v   Worm

      v   Reboot                   v   Soft Reboot            v   Hard Reboot                             v   IP Address

      v   URL                        v   Interface                 v   Integrity                                    v   Email

      v   Client                      v   Server                     v   Firewall                                     v   Policy

      v   Unix                        v   Linux                      v   Password                                 v   Change Control

Open Forum - Discussion

·         Ethics

·         Terminology

·         Anything

Drug Vocabulary 202 –  Advanced (CEUs)

The signs shown in this session will enhance your ability to identify and understand specific word choices that are not used in normal daily conversation. This session can be used by anyone who has a strong sign language foundation and is looking to heighten their awareness of explicit sexual signs to facilitate communication between individuals/groups in Medical/Interpreting fields. Most courses in Interpreting Training Programs (ITP) may not include these specific necessary terms in their curriculum. You will enjoy these provocative and drug explicit signs as they are presented in this presentation.

Overview

The signs shown in this session will enhance your ability to identify and understand specific word choices that are not used in normal daily conversation. This session can be used by anyone who has a strong sign language foundation and is looking to heighten their awareness of explicit drug signs to facilitate communication between individuals/groups in Medical/Interpreting fields. Most courses in Interpreting Training Programs (ITP) may not include these specific necessary terms in their curriculum. You will enjoy these provocative and drug explicit signs as they are presented in this presentation.

Learning Objectives

The objective is to provide a pre-test with list of vocabulary in two different settings (formal and informal) and see whether or not participants know the proper drug signing concept in two separate settings then the presenter will demonstrate the drug signing concepts at two settings.  After the session, the participants will have the opportunity to evaluate their pre-test to measure of how much they have learned.

There is agenda to be discussed in the session:

Environmental Settings: Informal, Formal, Meetings, Conferences, One-on-One, Counseling

Explicit Drug Signing Concepts

Hands-on Activities and Discussion

Open Forum

Wrap up

Environmental Settings

There will be some general questions asking the audience of the scenario before the presenter explains the proper dress for the certain scenario such as what to wear when you are in a meeting with professionals. The audience will learn how to gather information before going to a meeting without any possible surprises. The presenter will discuss the depth of the code of ethics of the best approach to the setting such as what the participants should behave professionally. The settings will be discussed as follows:

Informal

Formal

Meetings

Conferences

One-on-One

Counseling

Explicit Drug Signing Concepts

There are some examples of drug signing concepts as listed below. However, there will be more signing concepts in the session.

Medicine (OTC and Rx) – how do you explain to a Deaf person if using minimal level of education?

Drugs – what is it used for by adding an explanation to its function such as MEDICINE WHAT-FOR!

Informal Drug Signing Concepts – Facial expressions and body language reflect the exact meaning.

Formal Drug Signing Concepts – how to keep yourself in a professional level?

Drug Terminology – the signs you can use and don’t use.

Hands-on Activities and Discussions

In the session, we will have the opportunity to discuss on the pre-test handouts. The presenter will give out a few scenario and discuss what the audience feels what they should do or shouldn’t do. This will be in-depth discussion how to address unexpected situations and make situations more solutions instead of adverse effects on the deaf client and interpreter.

Facial Expressions 101 – beginner and Intermediate

Mathematical Terminology – Advanced (CEUs)
Can’t image to sign mathematical terms in front of a math student and teacher where you feel you are lacking knowledge in mathematics? You don’t have to become an “expert” in mathematics to interpret. Demonstrate Arithmetic, Algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus, and differential equations terminology into ASL visually and explicitly

Demonstrate the course names and its descriptions.  We will cover about the popular mathematical course names below:

Sex Vocabulary 202 – Advanced (CEUs)

Overview

The signs shown in this session will enhance your ability to identify and understand specific word choices that are not used in normal daily conversation. This session can be used by anyone who has a strong sign language foundation and is looking to heighten their awareness of explicit sexual signs to facilitate communication between individuals/groups in Medical/Interpreting fields. Most courses in Interpreting Training Programs (ITP) may not include these specific necessary terms in their curriculum. You will enjoy these provocative and sexually explicit signs as they are presented in this presentation.

Learning Objectives

The objective is to provide a pre-test with list of vocabulary in two different settings (formal and informal) and see whether or not participants know the proper sexual singing concept in two separate settings then the presenter will demonstrate the sexual signing concepts at two settings.  After the session, the participants will have the opportunity to evaluate their pre-test to measure of how much they have learned.

There is agenda to be discussed in the session:

Environmental Settings: Informal, Formal, Meetings, Conferences, One-on-One, Counseling

Explicit Sexual Signing Concepts

Hands-on Activities and Discussion

Open Forum

Wrap up

Environmental Settings

There will be some general questions asking the audience of the scenario before the presenter explains the proper dress for the certain scenario such as what to wear when you are in a meeting with professionals. The audience will learn how to gather information before going to a meeting without any possible surprises. The presenter will discuss the depth of the code of ethics of the best approach to the setting such as what the participants should behave professionally. The settings will be discussed as follows:

Informal

Formal

Meetings

Conferences

One-on-One

Counseling

Explicit Sexual Signing Concepts

There are some examples of sexual signing concepts as listed below. However, there will be more signing concepts in the session.

Virgin or Not Virgin – how do you explain to a Deaf person if using minimal level of education?

Sexual Roles – Straight (Heterosexual), Gay or Lesbian (Homosexual), Transsexual (Transgender)

Informal Sexual Signing Concepts – Facial expressions and body language reflect the exact meaning.

Formal Sexual Signing Concepts – how to keep yourself in a professional level?

Sexual Terminology – the signs you can use and don’t use.

Hands-on Activities and Discussions

In the session, we will have the opportunity to discuss on the pre-test handouts. The presenter will give out a few scenario and discuss what the audience feels what they should do or shouldn’t do. This will be in-depth discussion how to address unexpected situations and make situations more solutions instead of adverse effects on the deaf client and interpreter.

Open Forum - Discussion

Ethics

Terminology

Anything

 Patricia Chun

I know some signs….but I’m too scared to have a conversation!!!!

     This class is for beginners who have a good foundation of vocabulary, but would like to improve their signing skills.  We will focus on how to sign more complex sentences and how to keep a conversation going.  (If you promise not to tell, I will give verbal instruction as well as sign.) 

How do I sign “I’m on cloud nine???”

     This class will focus on teaching the conceptual inaccuracies of the English language and how to translate that to ASL.  For example, I will explain how to translate:  my nose is running, I feel blue, coffee break, and I’m onto you.  Also, we will go over deaf idioms.

 Classifiers…Making ASL So Much Easier:  Part I

     In this class, you will learn what a classifier is and how to utilize the most common classifiers.  You will cut down on your signing time and learn to sign much more clearly.  And to top it all off, it looks so much better!!!!!!!

Classifiers…Making ASL So Much Easier:  Part II

     This class will be an extension of Part I.  You will learn more classifiers and in what situations to use them.  You will also get practice using classifiers in conversation. 

Conversational Sign… Signing without talking or mouthing!!!!!

      This class will focus on conversational ASL.  We will try to incorporate all the things you learned in the previous classes.  You will get individualized practice signing with a partner and plenty of time to ask questions. 

A Beginner’s Look at Signing Music in ASL

     This class will give you a place to start when translating music into ASL.  We will take into consideration conceptual accuracy, flow, and sign selection.  And you’ll learn a new song or two to sign!!!!!

Cathi Bouton from Fairbanks, Alaska

Juggling! An art form to improve your ASL and interpreting skills -- for all levels (CEUs)
      This workshop will look at the similarities between learning a language and learning to juggle and how juggling can improve your ASL and interpreting skills. This is a very hands-on workshop and participants WILL learn to juggle!

Unusual View -- for beginners  
     This is to further develop visualization skills and confidence with manipulative, descriptive and body classifiers.  You will learn about manipulative classifiers showing how things are held or manipulated; semantic classifiers which represents nouns; body classifiers by using your body to represent things; and descriptive classifiers by describing the size and shapes of things.
     Using a Task-Based Language Teaching approach, the presenter will assign a task to be carried out by the participants. This task will be followed by an analysis of the grammatical features that emerge as a result of the task.

Sunday Comics -- for intermediates
      This is to further develop visualization skills and confidence with manipulative, descriptive and body classifiers.  You will learn about manipulative classifiers showing how things are held or manipulated; semantic classifiers which represents nouns; body classifiers by using your body to represent things; and descriptive classifiers by describing the size and shapes of things.
      Using a Task-Based Language Teaching approach, the presenter will assign a task to be carried out by the participants. This task will be followed by an analysis of the grammatical features that emerge as a result of the task.