When Work is Not Work: Interpreting Technical ASL (13 Jun 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 18:00:00 GMT

.5 PS CEUs

Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. If this expansion of “laser” seems impossible to interpret elegantly into American Sign Language (ASL), then this workshop is for you!

Join us in undertaking a holistic exploration of interpreting technical STEM content. We will explore the challenges inherent in such work so that participants can identify their personal areas of improvement. An ASL-centric technical language framework incorporating both vocabulary and syntax will be introduced as a tool for effective communication, suitable for various settings ranging from K-12 classrooms to professional workplaces. Elements of this framework developed recently by the presenter and colleagues will be reviewed, with an emphasis on leveraging the full capabilities of ASL to convey the richness of STEM content in creative ways.

We will also analyze syntactic best practices, covering approaches for combining technical signs into coherent and compelling sentences. Participants will be provided with opportunities to collaboratively assess and strengthen their technical interpreting skills using the discussed ASL- centric language framework as a guide.

NOTE: A pre-workshop reading and video activity is required in order to earn CEUs for this event, and is due June 11. Detailed instructions provided upon registration.

This workshop is intended for working hearing and Deaf interpreters

Educational Objectives:

Participants will be able to self-identify personal areas of improvement in their technical interpreting skills
Participants will be able to recognize what deaf clients seek in technical interpreting
Participants will be able to describe the core requirements for effective voice and ASL interpretation of technical content
Participants will be able to summarize the components of an ASL-centric language framework for technical interpreting
Participants will be able to apply an ASL-centric language framework towards effective technical interpreting

About the Presenter

A headshot of Colin Lualdi, a white male with brown hair and beard. He is wearing glasses and smiling as he looks into the camera

Colin Lualdi is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the group of Paul Kwiat at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he researches quantum information science. He is involved at all levels of ASL STEM development, ranging from training local interpreters to serving as a contributor to various national ASL STEM projects, including Quantum ASL and ASLCORE. A graduate of the Learning Center for the Deaf in Framingham, MA, Colin received his PhD in physics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Prior to his doctoral studies, he received an AB degree in physics and certificates in linguistics and computer science from Princeton University.

COST

PCRID Members: $50

Non-members: $65

Students: $30

Registration will close on 6/10/2026. Refunds will be determined on a case by case basis. Please contact pdc@pcrid.org with questions or concerns.

PCRID is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. This Professional Studies program is offered for .5 CEUs at the Some Content Knowledge Level.

PCRID does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), culture, socioeconomic status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, language, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status. PCRID remains grounded in mutual respect and inclusion to minimize bias, and is committed to addressing any actions that conflict with these values.

This workshop will be presented in ASL. To request reasonable accommodations, please contact pdc@pcrid.org at least two weeks before the event. We will strive to accommodate any last-minute requests, but they cannot be guaranteed.

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When Work is Not Work: Interpreting Technical ASL (13 Jun 2026)