Many of us see a need and wonder how to do more — to affect something or someone in a positive way. The SignTalk Foundation recently sponsored a six-week program, “A Basic Introduction to Professional Sign Language Interpreting,” for adult and young adult CODAs of Color, led by Nationally Certified Interpreter, Celeste Owens, NAD V, NIC.
The purpose and goal of this program was to introduce, share and enlighten CODAs of Color to the field of professional sign language interpreting. The sessions covered skills required in a variety of interpreting environments, the Code of Professional Conduct and its application in various settings, panel discussions with certified/qualified interpreters who shared their background and experiences, and a session in which members of the SignTalk staff discussed opportunities available to professional interpreters.
As a professional interpreter and CODA of Color herself, Celeste has been a long-time advocate and supporter of the Deaf Community in NYC — particularly the Black-Deaf community. SignTalk is extremely pleased to have partnered with Celeste and provide a grant in support of this six-week workshop series. The feedback from the students has been overwhelmingly positive and we wish them success in the future.
To see the 2-minute news clip featured on Time Warner/NY1 — CODAs of Color, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQLw_NU8Ml0&feature=youtu.be.
