This medical workshop was everything. It's been a while since I have done professional development that was not online. I really miss on-site interaction. Naomi did a phenomenal job--it was a confetti of knowledge for all skill levels. She advocated for many perspectives and had a lovely presentation style. I would like to attend a part two--let's go deeper, get ethically stickier and further increase our awareness. She really knows her stuff and I respect that. Even if you are a hearing person and not in the interpreting field, your healthcare company should hire her. I hope we can get her to Milwaukee!
Kat Siudzinski
NIC Advanced
I was evaluated by Dr. Sheneman using the diagnostic assessment rubrics while employed as an interpreter at a local community college district in Southern California. While I had gone through a variety of assessments through my interpreter education program, continuing education and mentorships, the assessment tool and corresponding dialogue gave me a new perspective on my interpreting that allowed me to consider a more Deaf centric perspective on my interpreting and allowed me to advance my interpreting to another level that I was not even aware was available. I began to look at processing information from English (at the time interpreting at the community college was primarily lecture based and English to ASL) to ASL through the lens of “how would this look if it originated in ASL,” not merely translated from English to ASL with various source language intrusions that proliferate translated pieces. I would have to say that the natural feel of a live interpreted, real-life evaluation allowed me the ability to quickly, easily, and fluidly transfer the recommendations into my work, advancing my skills and providing an improved experience for Deaf students, professors, and classmates. I had since recommended Dr. Sheneman’s assessment tool to others and will continue to do so. I believe her assessment tool can be used to improve the skill set of our interpreting community.
Judith Abou Fares
MA, CI /CT
Dr. Sheneman's assessment is comprehensive in that it examines the linguistic elements of the interpretation, carefully examining use of space, sign production, sign choices and facial expressions. It also captures the professional disposition of the interpreter, a critical aspect of what affects interpreting dynamics. This assessment is an appropriate tool for interpreters at all levels of experience, from novice to expert, in that it is goal-oriented and focuses on highlighting strengths and capturing areas for improvement. It has had a tremendous influence on my professional interpreting by highlighting areas where I can improve, and receiving such thorough feedback has inspired me to fine-tune my own awareness of the necessary components of a successful interpretation.
Chrys Burcham
MA, CI /CT