Rethinking Language Access: A Bold New Approach for K–12 Interpreters

What does it really mean to "model language" for Deaf students? If you're a K–12 interpreter, you're not just delivering content—you’re shaping a student's access to their own language, identity, and culture. That’s a big deal. And it’s the driving force behind the Unlocking Language workshop series—a transformative professional development experience created specifically for educational interpreters.

This isn’t your average CEU filler. It’s a call to action.

Language Modeling Is a Superpower

Mainstream classrooms can unintentionally leave Deaf students linguistically and culturally isolated. For many, the interpreter is their primary (sometimes only) ASL language model. That’s why this series is designed to equip interpreters to model fluent, culturally rooted ASL, not just keep pace with spoken English.

Through immersive, ASL-presented workshops, co-taught by Deaf language experts and heritage signers, we dive deep into the mechanics of expressive, effective, and empowering interpretation.

What’s Inside the Series?

Each 3-hour session is hands-on, discussion-driven, and grounded in real-world interpreting practice. You’ll analyze video clips, collaborate in small groups, reflect on your current strategies, and walk away with practical tools you can use tomorrow.

Here’s a taste of what’s included:

🔹 Idioms and Figurative Language

Idioms aren’t just quirky phrases—they reflect identity, values, and community. Learn how to integrate common (and age-appropriate) ASL idioms into your interpreting and shift from surface-level translation to cultural fluency.

Standout Activity: Create your own modern ASL idioms—and try them out in practice sessions.

🔹 Non-Manual Signals (NMS) & Prosody

What happens when your hands are signing “yes,” but your face is saying “maybe”? NMS and prosody are essential to meaning in ASL. This session strengthens your skills in facial grammar, emotional tone, and grammatical markers—making your interpretations more accurate and engaging.

Bonus: Play “Emotion Wheel” and interpret sentences with shifting moods, sarcasm, and subtext—using only your face and body.

🔹 3D Space & Syntax

Effective ASL interpreters don’t just translate—they visualize. Explore the power of ASL’s spatial grammar, learn how to anchor referents in space, and practice processing noun-first sentences for more natural and visually clear interpretations.

Interactive Element: Build spatial maps, work with 3D models, and see how changing placement can change meaning.

🔹 DeafBlind-Inspired Strategies for Diverse Learners

Communication doesn’t have to be linear—or even visual. Drawing on DeafBlind interpreting principles, we’ll explore multi-sensory techniques like tactile cues and kinesthetic support that benefit students with diverse access needs.

Application: Brainstorm and test new strategies for students with ADHD, language delays, or those new to ASL.

🔹 Meaning-Based Interpreting & Processing Time

Are you “just keeping up” or really interpreting? This session unpacks how to shift from word-for-word coding to true message rendering. You’ll practice recognizing key concepts, prioritizing clarity over form, and making peace with lag time.

Reflection Prompt: Where in your work are you rushing the product instead of trusting the process?

🔹 Youth Culture & Slang

Whether it’s “the tea” or “shook,” youth language is fast, funny, and full of nuance. This session looks at current slang trends (both English and ASL) and how interpreters can honor voice, register, and context without overstepping boundaries.

Activity: Try your hand at interpreting a teen dialogue, slang and all—and get peer feedback.

🔹 Cultural Brokering

As interpreters, we often find ourselves in between worlds—translating not just words but entire worldviews. Learn how to connect Deaf students, their families, and school systems through resource sharing, community engagement, and cultural advocacy.

Practice Scenarios: Interpreting a difficult IEP meeting? Educating a teacher about Deaf norms? We’ve got it covered.

Designed for Real-World Impact

You won’t just walk away with knowledge—you’ll leave with new tools, strategies, and confidence. Participants also receive access to:

✅ Idiom of the Week video series✅ Printable handouts, bingo games, and glossaries✅ Peer connection through a private Google Classroom✅ Feedback from Deaf co-presenters✅ Optional CEUs and cohort discounts for EIPA prep

Who Should Sign Up?

📚 Interpreters working in K–12 schools🧠 Interpreters preparing for the EIPA👐 Interpreters committed to modeling authentic, dynamic ASL🌱 Mentors supporting interpreter development🧭 ITP grads navigating the professional world

A Note from the Creators

We know what it’s like to feel stuck. To fall into “auto-pilot” interpreting. To second-guess your register, or wonder whether you’re really helping a student connect. This series is built by interpreters and Deaf language experts who’ve been there—and are ready to lift each other up.

Let’s make education more accessible, more expressive, and more connected—together.

📬 Want in?Reach out to Admin@accessATL.org for cohort details, CEU info, and early access to materials.

Workshops presented in ASL. Format: Zoom or in-person (TBD).