CSUN University News Clippings

Deaf studies alum Myisha J Blackman to facilitate workshop on signing

(June 30, 2009)

Hands to Heart annual Sign Language interpreters workshop faciltators Myisha Blackman and Jose Abenchuchan.

Hands to Heart is an annual Sign Language interpreters’ workshop hosted by Deaf Pioneers Life Centre, at 34 St Joseph Street, (British American Building, next to Sissons paints), Arima, and is in its second year of existence. The motivation behind its conception has been to provide training in effective communication in Sign Language for persons (Deaf and Hearing interpreters) working directly with the hearing impaired.

The objectives of the Workshop include aiding sign language interpretive training according to international standards for interpreters working in T&T; to allow media houses to become aware of the elements for effective interpreting for television; and, to allow deaf persons to become more involved in the process of interpreting especially in communicating with those with minimal sign language skills.

The information that will be covered in the workshop intends to enhance the skills and knowledge of persons performing activities as interpreters and at the same time encourage many to further pursue any studies available in T&T that will give them more knowledge in this field. This workshop will be conducted by well qualified speakers who have proven to be capable to do so due to their wealth of experience and qualification.

Facilitators of the workshop

Jose Abenchuchan is a deaf person and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Gallaudet University and a Master of Science in counseling from Western Maryland College. He is the Director of Bible Translation at Deaf Missions, Omaha, Nebraska, since September 2008 and is an ASL Bible Translator and On-Camera Presenter for American Sign Language for many years.
Abenchuchan will be conducting the session on communicating with deaf individuals with limited sign language. He was recommended by the organisation Deaf Missions in Omaha Nebraska as being well qualified and experienced to conduct this session.

Deaf Mission is an organisation in America that has recently conducted an interpreter’s conference in America to which I attended. Both Myisha J Blackman and Abenchuchan participated in this workshop which was certified by the National association of sign language interpreters in the US. You can contact Deaf missions’ website—www.deafmissions.com—and email coordinator Angie Mathis for further information at angiemathis@deafmissions.com

Myisha J Blackman, MA, CI/CT, holds a BA in Deaf Studies from California State University, Northridge and an MA in Interpretation from Gallaudet University. She teaches ASL and interpreting at El Camino College and is the owner of In Good Hands, LLC. Through her company’s Interpreter Boot Camp educational series she endeavors to inspire competence, professionalism and accountability among interpreters.

More info

The Hands to Heart workshop will be held on July 16-21, and sessions will be from 9 am to 3pm daily.

• July 16: Interpreting (Principles ethics and standards ); Divine Encounter Fellowship
• July 17: Transliteration & application of skills; Divine Encounter Fellowship
• July 18: Interpreting Music; Divine Encounter Fellowship
• July 19: Deaf Fellowship; Divine Encounter Fellowship
• July 20: Deaf Interpreters; Arima City Hall
• July 21: Interpreting for TV—Sport, weather, international and local news; Arima City Hall

The Deaf Fellowship is a planned activity for Christian deaf/hearing interpreters and deaf persons and any interested persons. It is not part of the topics to be taught. If you like to attend bring along something to eat or drink to share and Fellowship with us. This workshop would certainly benefit Interpreter Assistants, teachers in public and private schools, all NGOs working with the Deaf and all deaf persons in T&T.

Publication: Trinidad Guardian - Trinidad and Tobago