Adrean Clark

I have been watching with interest all the conference information that
comes up on various lists. Especially the L&L one, since we are in
NC. I haven't registered yet because I'm not sure if we will be moved
off to Minnesota by then. (Hi Alex! ;) ) The other reason is because
of accessibility issues --

Since I'm Deaf, I usually request an ASL interpreter for events. I'm
also aware of two things - one, that the conference budgets are tight,
and two, that my own budget is tight. There are other Deaf
homeschooling families but no unschoolers that I know of, so it could
be $70 an hour to provide access for me. Not exactly economical for
conferences not run by organizations.

So, I'm wondering -- has anyone ever experienced having Deaf attendees
or second language attendees to their conferences? How did you
resolve the interpreter issue?

Some more thoughts on that: It would be neat if there was an added
line item in sign-up forms that asks if you have an intermediate+
level in a foreign language and would be willing to provide
translation services in exchange for a discount if needed. (like the
work-discount setup at L&L?) On the other hand, there's also the
problem of not being able to "fire" volunteers if their abilities
aren't strong enough. Plus, in NC the law says if an uncertified
interpreter is used in a certain setting, the person and the people
responsible may be fined, possibly up to $5k. I would have to look
into that to be sure what settings it applies to...

Adrean

BRIAN POLIKOWSKY

HI !!!!!!! So where are you moving to in MInnesota ??? I used to live in NC before MN....
Anyways, I have worked as a translater ( POrtuguese) IN NC for the Special Olympics in 1999 as a volunteer. I have no acreditation for it and it was not a problem.
I will have to brush up my basic ASL to meet you ( I love it ASL) and maybe I can learn more with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As for the Conferences I guess so far everyone spoke english in them, with a few bilingual families ( like me and my kids)but I have only been to L & L last year so I may be wrong!
Alex




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diana jenner

On Feb 12, 2008 6:13 AM, Adrean Clark <adreanaline@...> wrote:

> Since I'm Deaf, I usually request an ASL interpreter for events. I'm
> also aware of two things - one, that the conference budgets are tight,
> and two, that my own budget is tight. There are other Deaf
> homeschooling families but no unschoolers that I know of, so it could
> be $70 an hour to provide access for me. Not exactly economical for
> conferences not run by organizations.
>
> So, I'm wondering -- has anyone ever experienced having Deaf attendees
> or second language attendees to their conferences? How did you
> resolve the interpreter issue?
>












*** We've not yet had a Deaf attendee, though I've attended 4 years with my
Interpreter Brain :)
I'd LOVE to interpret an unschooling conference, alas we'll not be making
the journey to L&L this year :(
I've often imagined myself interpreting for the speakers I listen to (part
of being unable to turn my internal interpreter, things like speeches get
automatically translated to ASL before storage. Kinda like my internal zip
file :::bg:::). It's also a situation where an unschool experience would
greatly assist the interpreter, as the nuances of the English Language are
different in our context, in ways not as obvious to those unfamiliar with a
conceptual language like ASL.

Another challenge would be overuse. There're not big breaks between speakers
(all of whom you'd want to see!), if you wanted to see a couple in a row, it
would be physically tough for a veteran, let alone a newbie 'terp.
It could be done, and it could be a beautiful experience. I sure hope it
works out for ya!! Your life will NOT be the same after a conference :D

>
> Some more thoughts on that: It would be neat if there was an added
> line item in sign-up forms that asks if you have an intermediate+
> level in a foreign language and would be willing to provide
> translation services in exchange for a discount if needed. (like the
> work-discount setup at L&L?)
>








***like the work discount, but bigger. It's A LOT more work to interpret
than any of the other volunteer positions available. Good interpreters are
worth the investment (as you, Adrean, know all too well, I'm sure!!),
especially at a conference setting where the on/off time line is very
blurred.


> On the other hand, there's also the
> problem of not being able to "fire" volunteers if their abilities
> aren't strong enough. Plus, in NC the law says if an uncertified
> interpreter is used in a certain setting, the person and the people
> responsible may be fined, possibly up to $5k. I would have to look
> into that to be sure what settings it applies to...
>
>
In 1992 I interpreted a NASA conference while working at CSUN, as one
student's personal interpreter. It was amazing and tough and challenging and
FUN and enlightening and... and... :D Then, the professional standard was:
transportation, lodging, all meals, $250/day stipend and back-up
professionals as needed. You're right, 'twould be tough for Kelly to do,
though I don't think this job belongs in the same category as the other
volunteer jobs. Especially as an interpreter, bound by professional code of
ethics, would not be having his/her *own* conference experience while on the
clock.

Just my 5 cents worth ;)
--
~diana :)
xoxoxoxo
hannahbearski.blogspot.com


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[email protected]

> Since I'm Deaf, I usually request an ASL interpreter for events. I'm
> also aware of two things - one, that the conference budgets are tight,
> and two, that my own budget is tight. There are other Deaf
> homeschooling families but no unschoolers that I know of, so it could
> be $70 an hour to provide access for me. Not exactly economical for
> conferences not run by organizations.
>
> So, I'm wondering -- has anyone ever experienced having Deaf attendees
> or second language attendees to their conferences? How did you
> resolve the interpreter issue?

At the last Northeast Unschooling Conference we did have a deaf dad. We
searched for an interpreter, but even apart from the expense, which was
considerable, we were unable to find someone available (for a Memorial Day weekend).
As I am sure you know, there's a big shortage of ASL interpreters. If we had,
we couldn't have covered the whole thing --we would have lost lots of money.

The family was awesome, and this is what we were able to work out. All of my
presenters who used written speeches for their talks happily gave him
printouts he could read. The big problem was that he really wanted to be able to
attend the Dad's gathering.

We lucked out! One of our vendors was this awesome man who was doing a
Funshop on ASL and is staff at RI School for the Deaf. He offered to interpret for
the Dad's group for a very reasonable cost.

It's a hard issue. I would think if there is flexibility something can be
worked out to make things happen, usually.

Kathryn



Come to the Northeast Unschooling conference Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25
2008 in Peabody, Massachusetts _www.northeastunschoolingconference.com_
(http://www.northeastunschoolingconference.com/)



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Nicole Willoughby

Do you have a laptop by any chance? There are a few programs out..one is dragon naturaly speaking that will translate speech to text on your screen. The presenters could clip a wireless mic on and you'd have the typed version via laptop screen.

That still makes things complicated for workshops where many ppl are speaking and isnt as naturaly flowing as ASL but its a start .

How old are your kids?


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