Image 1 of 1
Workshop Description:
Emergency calls to 911 rarely occur under calm circumstances. In crises, callers may be distressed, overwhelmed, or unable to communicate clearly. When sign language interpreters facilitate these interactions, they must ensure communication remains accurate, precise, and authentic while managing their own internal reactions to urgent, high-stress situations. The risk of vicarious trauma adds cognitive and emotional strain that can affect interpretation quality and, ultimately, the effectiveness of emergency response.
Understanding the unique demands of interpreting in emergency contexts is essential for preserving message fidelity and protecting interpreter well-being. In this workshop, we will examine the dynamics of 911 calls, explore the challenges they present, and develop practical strategies for delivering effective, ethical, and resilient interpreting in high-stakes environments.
Educational Objectives:
By the end of this workshop participants will be able to
Analyze the linguistic, cognitive, and emotional demands present in 911 interpreting scenarios by identifying at least three factors that impact message accuracy and interpreter performance.
Evaluate interpreting decisions made in simulated emergency call samples, justifying their judgments using professional standards, ethical reasoning, and demand–control analysis.
Develop a personalized strategy plan for managing high-stress emergency interpreting assignments that includes at least four evidence-based techniques for maintaining accuracy, composure, and psychological resilience.
Presenter Bio:
Will is a Deaf-Parented Interpreter and has been working as a professional interpreter for 35+ Years. Prior to returning to interpreting as a career, Will worked for more than 5 years with the Knox County 911 Center in Knoxville, TN. During that time he processed 911 calls, dispatched for fire, medical, and police services in his region. Will is now the Director for the American Sign Language - English Interpreting program at Maryville College. He has 2 children, Benaiah and Lyvi, and is married to co-presenter Heather White now for 15+ years.
Heather White has been a sign language interpreter for 35+ years. Heather went on to become a licensed mental health professional and is currently working with Pellissippi State Community College as a counselor. Heather is also a counselor / presenter with United Adoration specializing in projects that focus on guiding people through their healing journeys dealing as related to trauma. Mother of Benaiah and Lyvi, married to Will White and proud pack mom to 3 dogs, 2 cats, and a bearded dragon.
Disclaimer:
Should you require any accommodations, please contact us at kayla@signlanguagestudiosllc.com. This event upholds nondiscriminatory practices and encourages a learning environment of mutual respect and free from bias. Sign Language Studios is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This program will offer 0.3 PS CEUs, at the Little/None Content Knowledge Level.
For a full refund, contact SLS.
*Upon purchasing this workshop, you will receive an email with the Zoom link for the workshop. Please keep this email saved*