Deaf Interpreter Conference 5
June 22 - 26, 2026
Workshops
When American Sign Language Isn't Enough: Expanding the Deaf Interpreter Toolbox
Community
.15 CEU
(PS)
Deaf Interpreters frequently encounter situations where standard ASL structures alone do not fully support comprehension, particularly in contexts involving language deprivation, trauma, or complex timelines. This hands-on workshop introduces practical visual strategies that expand the DI toolbox, including gesture amplification, rapid sketching, object anchoring, and environmental referencing. Through guided activities and group practice, participants will experiment with embodied visual mediation techniques designed to clarify relationships, sequencing, and roles. Rather than replacing ASL, these tools enhance clarity and consumer understanding when language is fragile or incomplete. Participants will leave with transferable, field-ready strategies that can be applied in legal, medical, forensic, and community settings.
Jay Krieger
Jay Krieger is a Certified Deaf Interpreter with over 14 years of experience working in legal, forensic, medical, and high-stakes interpreting environments. He specializes in complex communication mediation, language deprivation contexts, and advanced visual translation strategies. Jay is also a workshop presenter and educator focused on practical skill-building for Deaf Interpreters. His work integrates structured ASL analysis, visual cognition, and ethical decision-making to improve access and clarity for Deaf consumers. He brings an interactive, hands-on approach to training that centers Deaf lived experience and real-world application.