Collaborating for Access: Deaf Interpreters and Educational Teams

Workshop description

Successful Deaf education depends on meaningful collaboration among educators, interpreters, students, and families. Yet many educational professionals have limited experience working alongside Deaf interpreters or understanding the unique expertise they bring to educational settings. This session introduces participants to the role of Deaf interpreters within collaborative Deaf education, exploring how Deaf interpreters enhance communication access, language modeling, cultural mediation, and student engagement. This workshop will also address the common perceived barriers to having CDIs in K-12+. Participants will learn when and why Deaf interpreters should be included as members of educational teams and how effective partnerships improve outcomes for Deaf and hard of hearing students.

Presented by Gloria Nathanson and Laura SkyQuest.

Gloria Nathanson

Gloria Nathanson, AuD, CDI is a Deaf educational audiologist, Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI), educator, and national presenter. Dr. Nathanson serves on statewide advisory committees related to early hearing detection and intervention, and Deaf education. She has contributed to legislative efforts that expand the role of Certified Deaf Interpreters in educational settings in Minnesota. Dr. Nathanson teaches in the ASL and Interpreting program at St. Catherine University. She is also an adjunct instructor at Gallaudet University, McDaniel College, and University of Minnesota where she prepares future professionals in Deaf education.She has dedicated her career to advancing equitable access for Deaf and hard of hearing children through education, family support, and interpreter collaboration.

Laura SkyQuest

Laura SkyQuest, MA, CDI, QMHI, holds a Master's Degree in Deaf Education and a Bachelor's Degree in History from Gallaudet University. With more than 15 years of experience as a K-12 teacher and ASL specialist at three Deaf schools, Laura has dedicated her career to education, language access, and supporting the Deaf Community. Laura has been a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) for four years working in a wide variety of settings, including educational, medical, mental health, legal, vocational, community, and conference settings. She is also a newly credentialed Qualified Mental Health Interpreter. Her experience as both an educator and interpreter provides a unique perspective on language access, Deaf-Centered communication, and interpreter collaboration, particularly in classroom settings