Presenters

Lori Karker & Sam Marlo Bragg

Workshop description

This two-part workshop is designed to educate interpreters on how to work safely and effectively in the wilderness environments. Interpreting in outdoor and remote settings presents unique risks, and this training will provide interpreters with tools to recognize, assess, and manage those risks.

Participants will explore fundamental concepts of risk management and wilderness medicine, focusing on how to make informed decisions and maintain personal safety while interpreting. The training also covers how to interpret effectively during emergencies without compromising one’s own safety- ensuring that the interpreter does not become another patient in the field.

This workshop is ideal for interpreters interested in expanding their skills into wilderness settings or enhancing their knowledge of field safety and emergency response protocols.

CEU Information

Vancro Integrated Interpreting Services (VIIS) is an approved RID CMP sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This workshop is offered for 0.4 CEUs in the Professional Studies area at the “little to no” Content Knowledge level. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance. The target audience for this activity is: novice interpreters, experienced interpreters, Medical interpreters, interpreters interested in wilderness medicine, outdoor safety, and risk management. As always, VIIS is committed to offering educational opportunities free from discrimination and bias. For accommodations contact: wanda@trailblazingterps.com.

Presenter

Keith Doane

Workshop Description

Step into the adventurous world of orienteering—a unique sport where participants use a map and compass to navigate through unfamiliar terrain. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the basics of orienteering and put your new skills to the test on a navigation course challenge. Whether you’re competitive or curious, get ready to explore the outdoors in a whole new way.

CEU Information

Vancro Integrated Interpreting Services (VIIS) is an approved RID CMP sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This workshop is offered for 0.15 CEUs in the Professional Studies area at the “little to no” Content Knowledge level. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance. The target audience for this activity is: novice interpreters, experienced interpreters, interpreters interested in interpreting for outdoor sport & hobbies. As always, VIIS is committed to offering educational opportunities free from discrimination and bias. For accommodations contact: wanda@trailblazingterps.com. 

Presenter

Sonya Wilson

Workshop Description

In this dynamic and reflective session, Deaf climber Sonya Wilson shares her personal journey into the world of rock climbing—highlighting the barriers she’s faced and the breakthroughs she’s made within the outdoor industry. Participants will gain insight into the climbing world through Sonya’s lens, learning the basics of multi-pitch and trad climbing, essential gear, knot-tying, and key climbing terminology. A hands-on rope activity will help interpreters connect physically and conceptually with the material. The session will also explore inclusive communication strategies on the rock, emphasizing Deaf-centered approaches and avoiding a one-size-fits-all mentality. This workshop offers both practical tools and an invitation to reflect on how interpreters can help shape more accessible outdoor spaces.

CEU Information

Vancro Integrated Interpreting Services (VIIS) is an approved RID CMP sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This workshop is offered for 0.15 CEUs in the Professional Studies area at the “little to no” Content Knowledge level. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance. The target audience for this activity is: novice interpreters, experienced interpreters, interpreters interested in outdoor interpreting. As always, VIIS is committed to offering educational opportunities free from discrimination and bias. For accommodations contact: wanda@trailblazingterps.com.

Presenter

Sonya Wilson

Workshop Description

What does true accessibility look like at outdoor events and film festivals? In this thought-provoking session, Sonya Wilson shares her journey as one of the first Deaf individuals to regularly attend and advocate for access at outdoor festivals. From her lived experience fighting for communication equity, Sonya explores how interpreters can show up in ways that support—not overshadow—Deaf attendees.
This workshop will offer a practical blueprint for interpreting at festivals, including team structure, role clarity, and recommendations for Deaf-hearing interpreter collaboration. Participants will also examine power dynamics in public spaces and how to navigate them ethically, centering Deaf autonomy. Whether you’re new to outdoor interpreting or looking to fine-tune your approach, this session provides insight into working collaboratively to create events where access is intentional, respectful, and sustainable.

CEU Information

Vancro Integrated Interpreting Services (VIIS) is an approved RID CMP sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This workshop is offered for 0.15 CEUs in the Professional Studies area at the “little to no” Content Knowledge level. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance. The target audience for this activity is: novice interpreters, experienced interpreters, interpreters interested in outdoor interpreting. As always, VIIS is committed to offering educational opportunities free from discrimination and bias. For accommodations contact: wanda@trailblazingterps.com.

Presenter

Aaron Rose

Workshop Description

Aaron Rose, MSDE will explain the background of avalanche education for recreationalists and professionals, review vocabulary used in recreational level avalanche courses, explain safety considerations and mode of travel for interpreters working in cold environments on snow, and share takeaways from the first Deaf Avalanche Course. 

CEU Information

Vancro Integrated Interpreting Services (VIIS) is an approved RID CMP sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This workshop is offered for 0.1 CEUs in the Professional Studies area at the “little to no” Content Knowledge level. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance. The target audience for this activity is: novice interpreters, experienced interpreters, interpreters interested in outdoor interpreting and interpreting avalanche courses. As always, VIIS is committed to offering educational opportunities free from discrimination and bias. For accommodations contact: wanda@trailblazingterps.com.