Deaf Interpreter Conference 5
June 22 - 26, 2026
Workshops
Beyond Interpretation: The Future of Deaf Language Access
Community
.15 CEUs
(PS)
This co-presented session explores the shift from interpreting as the sole model of access to building scalable, Deaf-centered language access infrastructure. Drawing from their lived experience as Deaf leaders, over 15 years as marketing technologists, and their work developing PIVOT, a patent-pending language access platform, they examine how current systems place the burden of access on individuals rather than designing environments where access is built in—despite multiple federal and state laws that require meaningful language access and compliance.
Through real-world examples across government, healthcare, and digital spaces, this session highlights gaps between legal requirements and actual implementation. It introduces integrated approaches that combine interpreting, technology, and multimodal delivery (sign language, audio, and text). Participants will gain practical insights into building sustainable, equitable access while positioning Deaf professionals as leaders shaping the future of language access.
Katherine Lees & Michelle Lapides
Katherine Lees and Michelle Lapides are the co-founders of dozanü innovations, an award-winning marketing and accessibility firm redefining how organizations connect with diverse audiences. As Deaf leaders and members of the signing community, they bring lived experience into their work and actively investing in advancing language access. They co-created PIVOT, a patent-pending language access platform delivering multimodal communication through sign language, audio, and text. The powerhouses lead strategic growth and brand positioning. Together, they are shifting accessibility from reactive accommodation to embedded infrastructure, creating scalable, equitable solutions that drive measurable impact across industries.