Deaf Interpreter Conference 5
June 22 - 26, 2026
Workshops
Interpreting for Deaf Youth in Legal Settings
Pt. 1 & 2
Legal
.3 CEU
(PS)
Interpreting in child welfare matters is a challenging task. Due to sensitive nature of interpreting for Deaf children who may have been sexually molested, Deaf interpreters, along with their team members, must consider effective approaches in working with the investigator, social worker, an agent from child protective services and the Deaf child. What considerations need to be undertaken for the language of the Deaf child, specific signs, background information about the Deaf child, the role of the Deaf interpreter and the team member?
Several case studies (depending on time) will be presented for group discussions on ethical considerations, approaches, and strategies to assist in providing effective interpretation. Each group will have an opportunity to present their case study analysis with guidance and recommendations from the workshop leader. A framework will be presented for a critical analysis and decision-making processes. Self-care strategies will be discussed to prevent vicarious trauma.
Eileen Forestal
Eileen Forestal, Ph.D., RSC, a certified Deaf interpreter since 1979, interpreted primarily in legal and medical settings. A coordinator/professor of ASL/Deaf Studies and Interpreter Education Program for 36 years (retired 2015) in NJ, she continued as adjunct professor for several years in NYC, Montclair State University, NJ, University of North Florida. A national/international educator, she presented on Deaf interpreting, Deaf-Hearing teams, legal interpreting, Ethics etc. She is listed as a legal interpreter trainer on NCIEC’s Legal Interpreting website. Forestal has published “Deaf Interpreters: The Dynamics of their Interpreting Processes”, “Deaf Translation: Socio-Cultural Perspective” (co-author, 2018), and “Deaf Translation: Pedagogical Perspectives” (co-author, 2021).
Eileen Forestal, Ph.D., RSC, a certified Deaf interpreter since 1979, interpreted primarily in legal and medical settings. A coordinator/professor of ASL/Deaf Studies and Interpreter Education Program for 36 years (retired 2015) in NJ, she continued as adjunct professor for several years in NYC, Montclair State University, NJ, University of North Florida. A national/international educator, she presented on Deaf interpreting, Deaf-Hearing teams, legal interpreting, Ethics, etc. She is listed as a legal interpreter trainer on NCIEC’s Legal Interpreting website. Forestal has published “Deaf Interpreters: The Dynamics of their Interpreting Processes”, “Deaf Translation: Socio-Cultural Perspective” (co-author, 2018), and “Deaf Translation: Pedagogical Perspectives” (co-author, 2021).