Unveiling the Hidden Curriculum: Addressing Gaps in ASL Interpreter Training Programs and the Public Health Crisis
Workshop Description:
This presentation highlights the intersection between gaps in Interpreter Training Programs (ITPs) and a growing public health crisis within the Deaf community. Focus groups with healthcare interpreters reveal that ITPs inadequately prepare students for medical environments, where the stakes are particularly high for Deaf patients. The curriculum often lacks essential medical training, leading to miscommunication, compromised patient care, and unequal access to healthcare for Deaf individuals.
Compounding the issue, a hidden curriculum within ITPs perpetuates outdated deficit perspectives of Deaf individuals, suggesting that their professional and educational achievements are secondary concerns. This mindset not only undermines the training of interpreters but also contributes to systemic barriers that prevent Deaf people from receiving the specialized services they deserve.
With an increasing demand for qualified interpreters and a pipeline shortage, the healthcare sector is facing a public health crisis that disproportionately affects Deaf individuals. This presentation will examine these urgent issues and propose actionable solutions for reforming ITP curricula to better equip interpreters for medical settings and to challenge harmful perceptions of the Deaf community. Attendees will learn strategies to advocate for more inclusive and robust interpreter training programs, ultimately improving health outcomes for Deaf patients nationwide.
Workshop Objectives:
As a result of attending this workshop, participants will be able to:
-
Identify the deficiencies in current Interpreter Training Programs (ITPs) related to preparing interpreters for healthcare settings.
-
Explore the hidden curriculum within ITPs that perpetuates a deficit perspective of Deaf individuals and limits interpreter effectiveness.
-
Demonstrate an understanding of how the lack of qualified interpreters exacerbates the public health crisis for Deaf patients.
-
Propose reforms in ITP curricula to improve interpreter readiness and expand the pipeline of skilled interpreters.
Presenter Bio:
Dr. S. Jordan Wright, Ph.D., is a seasoned expert in communication access, interpreter education, and public health advocacy. A native ASL signer with over 40 years of lived experience as a Deaf individual, Dr. Wright brings a unique blend of personal insight, academic rigor, and professional leadership to his work. He holds a Ph.D. and has established himself as a published scientist in the fields of interpreter training and communication access, contributing innovative research that bridges gaps between academic knowledge and real-world application.
As the current Director of Communications for the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), Dr. Wright has demonstrated an ability to foster dialogue between Deaf and hearing communities, addressing challenges such as hidden curricula in Interpreter Training Programs (ITPs). His efforts emphasize the need for comprehensive training models that better prepare interpreters for high-stakes environments like healthcare, mitigating risks to public health caused by untrained or underqualified interpreters. Dr. Wright’s recent presentation at the ADARA conference underscored these critical issues, drawing on focus group research to highlight how systemic gaps in ITPs contribute to a nationwide shortage of competent medical interpreters.
In addition to his research and advocacy, Dr. Wright is actively involved in developing workshops and interactive learning experiences aimed at improving the educational landscape for interpreters. His upcoming workshop, "Unveiling the Hidden Curriculum: Addressing Gaps in ASL Interpreter Training Programs and the Public Health Crisis," offers a deep dive into implicit curricular challenges. The session explores how interpreters are socialized, the hidden pressures of navigating independent contractor business practices, and the significant time lag between graduation and certification. With a focus on actionable strategies, the workshop aims to empower educators and policymakers to create more robust training frameworks.
Dr. Wright’s work embodies a commitment to improving communication access, rebuilding trust within the interpreting profession, and enhancing the quality of service delivery to the Deaf community. His research continues to shape conversations on accessibility, equity, and education, not only within the U.S. but with potential implications for international collaboration as well.