Interested in gaining interpreting experience in a low risk closed setting?
Join our future PCRID Sandbox events as a mentor or participant.
Complete our Interest Questionnaire now!
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PCRID is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. This Professional Studies program is offered for 0.3 CEUs at the Some Knowledge Level for both Sandbox participants and mentors.
For all accommodations requests and general questions: vp@pcrid.org
About the Sandbox
The Sandbox is a judgment-free, low-risk space to practice, experiment, reflect, and grow.
The PCRID Sandbox is open to anyone looking for a supportive space to strengthen interpreting skills, from students and emerging interpreters to experienced practitioners and mentors.
Participants will be grouped based on individual goals and will work in teams through a simulated interpreting assignment using pre-selected stimuli. The session will include assignment preparation, real-time interpreting practice, teaming, mentor support and feedback, and a structured post-assignment debrief.
There are no recordings and no formal evaluations. The Sandbox is designed as a confidential practice environment where participants can try new strategies, make mistakes, reflect on their work, and explore different approaches without the pressure of real-world impacts.
Sign-Up Options
Participants
Participants will be assigned to interpreting teams and will take on the role of working interpreters during the simulated assignment. Teams will prepare, interpret the stimulus, practice teaming strategies, and participate in a post-assignment debrief with the facilitators, mentors, and fellow participants.
As a Participant you will:
- Practice preparation strategies for real-world interpreting assignments
- Experiment with interpreting and teaming strategies in a low-risk environment
- Recognize patterns in your interpreting process through guided reflection and mentor feedback
- Build confidence in giving and receiving meaningful feedback
- Develop strategies for effective post-assignment debriefing
Mentor
Mentors will be assigned to a participant team to observe preparation, interpreting, teaming, and decision-making throughout the simulated assignment. Mentors may provide support or team as appropriate and will guide feedback and reflection during the post-assignment debrief.
Mentors will have opportunities to:
- Practice observation strategies for simulated interpreting assignments
- Identify patterns in participant preparation, decision-making, teaming, and interpreting strategies
- Strengthen skills for giving supportive, non-evaluative feedback
- Use reflective questions to help participants analyze their own interpreting choices
- Develop strategies for facilitating effective post-assignment debriefs
- Reflect on their own mentoring approach and identify areas for continued growth
Target Audience
Deaf, hard-of-hearing, Deaf Parented, and hearing interpreters, including students, emerging interpreters, experienced interpreters, Deaf interpreters, and interpreters interested in developing mentoring skills.
The Sandbox is intentionally designed for participants with varied levels of experience. Participants will be grouped according to individual learning goals and mentoring needs.
Facilitators
Carolyn Boykins, NIC
PCRID Vice President, PCRID Sandbox Committee (they & he)
Carolyn Boykins began interpreting professionally in 2013, moving to Washington D.C. as a freelance interpreter in 2019. With a focus in community interpreting, mental health, social justice, translation, and legal spaces, Carolyn has dedicated their career to supporting the professional development of interpreters both in formal mentor programs and informal mentorship.
Emily Dittmer, NIC
PCRID President, PCRID Sandbox Committee (she/her)
Emily Dittmer has been a freelance interpreter in the Washington D.C. area since 2019, and has been interpreting professionally for 7 years in government, legal, university, and international settings. Emily has worked professionally as an interpreting mentor with emerging interpreters through CORE DC and RIT’s ASL-English Interpretation practicum program.
Gavin Gobble Baker, NIC
PCRID Board Member, PCRID Sandbox Committee (he/him)
Gavin H. Gobble Baker has been interpreting professionally for roughly 13 years, working primarily in government and STEM/STEM-adjacent settings. During that time, he has mentored, both formally and informally, colleagues at various stages in their career, often focusing on pattern identification and schema development. His colleagues have also supported him by their mentorship throughout his career.
Accommodations
For all accommodations requests, please email vp@pcrid.org.
Non-Discrimination Learning Environment
PCRID does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any protected class. PCRID is committed to accessible, inclusive learning environments that minimize bias and support full participationThe Sandbox is designed to be a supportive space for honest reflection, experimentation, feedback, and professional growth while minimizing judgment and bias.
Cancelation Policy
This event is free to attend. If you are no longer able to participate, please let us know as soon as possible so we can open your spot to another participant.