Preparing interpreters to work in VR settings is a new initiative of the NCIEC. During the 2010-2015 grant cycle, the Consortium will focus on working with a range of stakeholders to define the competencies needed by interpreters working in VR settings. Through a thorough review of literature and existing curricula, along with the specification of learning content, a scope and sequence of training that will be designed and delivered.
Teaching methodology and curricular materials will be developed and introduced to interpreter educators, who will work to implement content modules into their IEP curriculum. As well, a series of online modules will be developed for delivery to interpreter practitioners, and content material will be available for use in developing in-service training programs for face-to-face delivery.
Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the quality, availability, and utilization of interpreters in VR settings by establishing state-of-the-art subject matter content for application to training activities including a series of online knowledge and skill modules, pre-service modules and VR internship activities. NCIEC also has the goal of assisting VR service providers and VR consumers in effective utilization of interpreting services.
Expert Panel and Focus Groups
May 25-26, 2011 an expert panel convened in Denver, Colorado for the purpose of formulating a strategy, process and procedures for collecting expert opinion and data regarding the competencies and content knowledge needed by interpreters working in the VR setting. Seven individuals, State VR Coordinators for the Deaf (SCDs), VR Counselors for the Deaf, training program administrators, educators and researchers, explored VR as a system and the current trends impacting that system. As illustration are the unique needs of VR clients with limited language proficiency versus those of Deaf professionals working within the system. From this meeting, a foundation of knowledge and competencies required for interpreters in this setting has been established and will be built on through additional From this meeting, a foundation of knowledge and competencies required for interpreters in this setting has been established and will be built on through additional stakeholder focus groups during 2011-2012.
Annotated Bibliography
Through a review of literature and curricula, the NCIEC VR Interpreting Initiative will build upon past work of the Consortium and earlier RSA-funded efforts (most notably the PDES Curriculum developed 1995-2000), as well as other relevant and contemporary publications addressing such topics as demographic analysis of the population served by VR, descriptions of the VR Services system in general and as it specifically relates to serving deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, transition from school to work, and interpreting-specific issues. The end result will be an annotated bibliography for each relevant publication reviewed indicating its salient points and relevance/contribution to training interpreters to work in the VR setting.
Next Steps
Through these described activities that rely heavily on stakeholder involvement, learning content will be specified, and a scope and sequence of training will be designed and delivered. Teaching methodology and curricular materials will be developed and introduced to interpreter educators, who will work to implement content modules into their IEP curriculum. As well, a series of online modules will be developed for delivery to interpreter practitioners, and content material will be available for use in developing in-service training programs for face-to-face delivery by 2013-2015. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the quality, availability, and utilization of interpreters in VR settings by establishing state-of-the-art subject matter content for application to training activities including a series of online knowledge and skill modules, pre-service modules and VR internship activities. NCIEC also has the goal of assisting VR service providers and VR consumers in effective utilization of interpreting services.
If you are interested in learning more about or participating in this initiative, contact Anna Witter-Merithew (anna.witter-merithew@unco.edu) who serves as the lead for the NCIEC workgroup on Interpreting in the VR setting.
References:
PDES Curriculum (1995-2000).
For additional resources on VR, visit our Resources.