Url Resource class Title Creator Subject Date Type Identifier Language Rights Abstract Date Available Degree Note History note Type https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/12702 Inclusive approach for marginalized groups in the interpreting field Kristeena Martinez Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | deaf interpreters | marginalized groups | people of color | cultural brokering | intersectionality | ethics 5/26/2017 Image; Moving Image; Text theses/35 sgn-US | eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ There is little research on the marginalized groups in the interpreting profession. There is the need to gather data to discuss how we, marginalized groups, maintain our role boundaries through conflicts and stay adhered to ethics in our assignments. There is the need to assess whether ethnicity have impact on the work. There is little research on triggers of the marginalized groups and how we can maintain self care from vicarious trauma in the interpreting field. In order to assess the unique position of Deaf interpreters of color and other marginalized groups in the interpreting profession to find the best approach to identify, describe, and examine the ethical decision making by the marginalized groups and how they are impacted by these decisions. To provide a better understanding of Deaf interpreters of color and other marginalized groups and their approach to the interpreting field. Identifying ethical decisions makings to understand how we remain true to the Code of Professional Conduct that is established by Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc and how we remain professional when we face conflicts in our role boundaries. 5/26/2017 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda R. Smith, Erica West Oyedele, Rosemary Wanis thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4619 When there are no words: ASL/English interpreter practices with alingual and semi-lingual deaf immigrant children Roselia M. Fichera-Lening Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Alingual | children | immigrants | interpreting | semilingual | deaf 8/1/2016 Text theses/32 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ The purpose of this study was to extend the current research on alingual deaf immigrant studies to include the American Sign Language (ASL)/ English interpreters who work with them. The investigation included questions: How does working with alingual deaf immigrant children affect the work practices of ASL/English interpreters? How does the documentation status of alingual deaf immigrant children affect the work practices of ASL/English interpreters? In what ways do collaborative practices with other interpreters or peer professionals impact the work practices of ASL/English interpreters working with alingual deaf immigrant children? Nineteen participants from across the United States completed a mixed method survey. Participants were ASL/English interpreters over the age of 18, all of whom had experience with alingual or semi-lingual immigrant deaf children. The online questionnaire was administered through interpreting social-media websites and collected data from working ASL/English interpreters who have experience with alingual and semi-lingual deaf immigrant children. The survey further gathered data on peer professional collaboration and if the rights of the alingual deaf immigrant child appeared to be influenced by documentation status. The main results support the following perceptions: that when ASL/English interpreters use their preparation time and are well prepared they perceive interprofessional collaboration as more useful. The data also support the conclusion that when ASL/English interpreters perceive that they are well prepared they perceive a higher level of collaboration (as ranked on Table 4), with other professionals as best when working with alingual or semi-lingual deaf immigrant children. There is a relationship between ASL/English interpreters’ perceptions of how useful it is to be well prepared for an interpreting assignment and perceptions of the usefulness of collaborations with peer interpreters. Data also support that when ASL/English interpreters collaborate they perceive that they are seen as useful to their peers when working with alingual or semilingual deaf immigrant children. 10/16/2016 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Vicki Darden, Erin Trine, Patrick Graham thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4617 What is available for potential deaf interpreting students? Obtaining a snapshot of colleges that offer a B.A. or B.S. in Interpreting Studies Tiffany Green Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Interpreting | Interpreter | Interpreter Education | Deaf Interpreter 4/28/2017 Text theses/36 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ In this thesis, the history of interpreter education pertaining to the education and training of Deaf Interpreters will be reviewed and summarized. While some research and examination of current training programs and curriculum for hearing interpreting students exists, there is little or no research on the educational or training needs of and opportunities for the deaf students who enroll in a college offering a Bachelor’s degree in interpretation and major in interpreting studies. The goal of this research is to gather information about existing colleges that offer a degree in interpreting studies by examining the course offerings required to graduate with a degree in interpreting. For this study, the information was gathered from colleges identified as offering an undergraduate degree in Interpreting Studies and also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE), an accreditation board for interpreter education programs that certifies programs meeting the educational standard requirements for interpreting studies degrees. In addition, Gallaudet University and California State University, Northridge, two universities with long histories of serving individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing, were added to the research pool. The charts and diagrams in this study provide a snapshot of current options for deaf students interested in earning a degree in interpreting studies. The conclusions and results from examining the data and course offerings show that there are many more possible research avenues, including the need for additional research on curriculum design and development and research on the educational needs of interpreting students, especially deaf interpreting students’ needs. 4/28/2017 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda R. Smith, Elisa Maroney, Marie LeJeune thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4613 Video relay service interpreting: interpreters’ authority, agency, and autonomy in the process of ethical decision making Kathleen C. Holcombe Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | ASL | American Sign Language | video relay service | demand control schema | ethical decision making | interpreting 12/12/2014 Text theses/16 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ The accumulated literature on signed language interpreting implies that despite the emerging conceptualization of signed language interpreting as a practice profession applying teleological ethics, interpreters struggle to abandon the perception of strict role constructs governed by deontological ethical decision making. The goal of this study is to gain insight into the ethical decision making process amongst a sample of video relay interpreters using the reflective practice of supervision applying demand control schema. The findings suggest the existence of both teleological and deontological ethical decision making approaches for the practice of interpreting in the video relay setting. The findings also demonstrated participants’ lack of agency that impacted the prominent gap between a practice professionalism perspective and technical skill orientation among VRS interpreters. The participants’ application of teleological ethics suggests an awareness of various controls to achieve effective outcomes and develop strategies to improve practice. The participants’ lack of agency suggests serious deleterious implications for callers and interpreters. An argument is made for interpreters to become functional leaders in acknowledging the apparent relationship between stress, conditions of VRS employment, and effective service as a beneficial means of guiding improved practice. 12/12/2014 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda R. Smith, Elisa Maroney, Campbell McDermid thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4587 Unlocking the Mysteries of DeafBlind Interpreting Krystle A. Chambers Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | DeafBlind | interpreting | Protactile ASL | communication 11/19/2019 Text theses/55 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ As the field of signed language interpreting is growing and receiving more recognition and research there is an area that remains understudied, DeafBlind interpreting. Working with the DeafBlind community needs the focus of research and data collection. The research and data collected for this paper is focused on the San Joaquin Valley of California. This specific DeafBlind community is spread over several hundred miles and the interpreters available with the skill set to accurately interpret, in this specialized area of interpreting, are few and far between. This research is based on qualitative and quantitative data collection to represent the geographical area of focus and the people who live there. The data collected are from surveys that were sent out to the interpreting and DeafBlind communities in the geographical area of interest. With the data collected from these surveys and a review of national and international research, an examination of possible solutions to the lack of qualified interpreters who work in the DeafBlind community can continue. The hope for this research is that the information gathered will add another piece to the nationwide DeafBlind interpreting puzzle. 12/11/2019 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda Smith, Elisa Maroney, Sandra Amundsen, Angelica Martinez thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4585 Trends in Teaching Pre-Assignment Preparation Strategies in ASL-English Interpreter Education Programs David M Rice Applied Linguistics | Curriculum and Instruction | Disability Studies | Education | Educational Assessment | Evaluation | and Research | Educational Methods | Higher Education and Teaching | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Preparation | prep | interpreting | ASL | curriculum | direct 1/22/2020 Text theses/59 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Through the process of interviewing instructors of ASL-English interpreting courses, trends in how pre-assignment preparation is taught to students in interpreter education programs (IEPs) were identified and documented. Until now, there have been no studies on how preparation methods are taught in IEPs. Through a cursory examination of ASL-English interpreting curriculum and a look into relevant research, it was found that no standard on how to prepare for assignments or how to teach preparation strategies currently exist within the field of ASL-English interpreting (Nicodemus et al., 2014). Trends in how preparation is taught included data on the amount of context given to students before asking them to interpret, techniques used in teaching preparation, information about where preparation is taught within an IEP, participant’s satisfaction with students’ preparation abilities, and ways the process of teaching preparation skills could be improved. Participants shared their thoughts on themes discussed in the literature on preparation which included topics such as the demands that interpreters prepare for, the value of preparation, the variables that the selection of preparation methods depend on, preparation significance for interpreters of various skill levels, the debate between conceptual preparation and terminological preparation approaches, reasons that an interpreter may not prepare, the role of agencies in the preparation process, and the possible negative effects of over-preparing. Participants also explained how they learned how to prepare for assignments; how they prepare for both assignments they are familiar with, and those they are not; and whether or not they are satisfied with their own ability to prepare for assignments. 1/24/2020 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda Smith, Elisa Maroney, Diana Gorman Jamrozik thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4580 The transition from participation to facilitation of supervision: an autoethnography Daniel V. Maffia Other Education | Other Educational Administration and Supervision | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Other Linguistics | Other Teacher Education and Professional Development | Supervision | Demand Control Schema | Interpreting | Reflective Practice | Autoethnography | Facilitation 6/11/2014 Text theses/13 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This autoethnography examines the journey from being a participant of supervision to a facilitator of supervision. The researcher documents his journey using journals to express his experiences facilitating supervision for a group of medical interpreters working in the hospital setting. The purpose of this study is to gather data that could guide future trainings for facilitators of supervision. The supervision group consisted of both American Sign Language/English and Spanish/English medical interpreters. As a newer interpreter to the field with limited medical interpreting experience, it was expected that the researcher might face difficulties successfully facilitating supervision sessions for that staff. It was found that limited experience in the setting and being a newer interpreter did not have any impact on the facilitating process. The findings from this study can be used as one potential guide for future individuals interested in becoming a supervision facilitator and can also be used for those interested in developing materials to train facilitator. 6/11/2014 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda R. Smith, Robyn Dean, Elisa Maroney thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4578 The Start of Something New Leslie Ann McCuan Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Interpreting | ASL | ITP 3/1/2022 Text; Image; StillImage theses/149 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ The goal of this professional project is to generate a proposal for a sign language interpreter training program at California State University of Bakersfield, constructed from research on the community’s needs in Bakersfield. Surveys will be issued to all stakeholders such as, American Sign Language students, working interpreters, interpreting agencies and the Deaf and hard of hearing community of Bakersfield. The data collected from these groups will provide information on the current state of the interpreting field in Bakersfield. This data collected from surveys will be used to support the proposal for an interpreter training program at California State University Bakersfield. Any issues that arise, related to the interpreting field in Bakersfield, from the surveys will be addressed and possibly researched as well. While this project is specific to Bakersfield, this information could be of use to others as well, to improve their community and field of interpreting. 1/14/2022 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda Smith, Stacy Lugo, Kiarah Moore professional_project https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4576 The role of emotional intelligence in signed language interpreting Brenda Puhlman Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Emotional Intelligence | Signed Language | Interpreting | Supervision 12/7/2017 Text theses/40 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ The focus of this research is on the role of emotional intelligence in the profession of signed language interpreting The impact of Goleman’s (1995) five attributes of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills and how those attributes impact the way interpreters reflect on and discuss their work will be explored. An online survey was administered and two focus groups were convened. A total of 177 participants met the criteria and completed the online survey. The results showed evidence that interpreters with higher emotional intelligence levels tended to reflect on their work more frequently when compared to those with lower emotional intelligence levels. A total of five interpreters participated in the focus groups. The findings of the focus groups indicated that interpreters who were more emotionally intelligent demonstrated through discussion of their work Goleman’s (1995) five attributes of emotional intelligence. These attributes were less evident in individuals who had lower levels of emotional intelligence. Reflection and discussion of interpreting work allows professionals to be more aware of additional options that can be employed in their work and better prepare them for their future work (Dean & Pollard, 2001, 2013). 1/31/2018 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Elisa Maroney, Vicki Darden, Sarah Hewlett thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4570 The Importance of Voice and the Power of Narrative: Developing a Workshop for Sign Language Interpreters Ali Ann Artis Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | transformative learning | interpreting | asl | deaf | perspective | voice 6/11/2019 Text theses/54 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This paper outlines my process of developing a workshop for sign language interpreters. In the field, we encounter many perspectives and a diverse range of individuals who see the world in different ways. One of our roles is to become the voice of the deaf individuals with whom we work. This requires a tremendous amount of trust on the part of the signer, and it is our responsibility to do our part to ensure that their voice is accurately represented and heard. Part of our ability to do so involves seeing things from their point of view. I created a workshop based on transformative learning theory, which is the process of experiencing a shift in worldview that causes us to see our environment through a new lens. Using this the framework, I compiled data that reveals the first-hand experiences of deaf students working with interpreters in an academic setting. Their ability to have a voice and speak freely in the classroom was a meaningful issue that arose. I then broadened my search to include stories of others who have experienced isolation and found empowerment through various methods of self-expression. This highlighted the power that narratives have on how we view the world, ourselves, and one another. It also underscores the importance of allowing space for multiple narratives to be heard and the responsibility we have in our role as we become someone’s voice. 6/11/2019 Amanda Smith, Erin Trine, Sarah Hewlett professional_project https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4549 The good, the bad, and the ugly: Students report on experiences with instructors in interpreter education programs Ann Adamiak Adult and Continuing Education | American Sign Language | Curriculum and Instruction | Education | Educational Methods | Higher Education | Higher Education and Teaching | Interpersonal and Small Group Communication | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | motivation theory | interpreter education program | ASL | Student instructor interactions | positive | negative 3/7/2018 Text theses/46 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This research study was exploratory in nature, seeking to gather and document the experiences and perceptions of current and former students in interpreter education programs with the focus of interpreting between signed language and spoken language in the United States. Data was collected through an online survey for a three-week period, resulting in 514 consenting respondents from 40 states and 126 distinct interpreter education programs. The mixed methods study included quantitative and qualitative questions. The qualitative responses were coded, and emergent themes were identified in a grounded theory approach (Corbin & Strauss, 1990; McMilan & Schumacher, 2009; Strauss & Corbin, 1994, 1998). In this study, the data-driven themes have been limited to two top 10 lists for the most prevalent categories of positive and negative experiences with instructors. The findings show that the top 10 negative categories of student-reported experiences with faculty are: Personality; Feedback/Grading; Classroom Management; Intolerance for Others; Lack of Current Knowledge and Skills; Unclear or Unreasonable Expectations; Turnover or Institution Incompatibility; “Told Me I Couldn’t Do It”; Playing Favorites; and Too Busy Elsewhere. The top 10 positive categories of student-reported experiences with faculty are: Supportive and Encouraging; Teaching Techniques; Kind, Caring, “Wonderful”; Sharing Real Work Experiences; One-on-One Time; Community Connections and Resources; Content of Class/Curriculum; Desirable Outcome of Education; Passionate and Invested; and Available and Willing to Answer Questions. Each of the categories in the two top 10 lists can be shown to either strengthen or weaken the four motivational conditions of Wlodkowski and Ginsberg’s (1995) Motivational Framework for Culturally Responsive Teaching: establishing inclusion, developing attitude, enhancing meaning, and engendering competence. The data collected from the instrument, as well as the literature reviewed, suggest that faculty play a crucial role in student motivation. With the emergent themes from the data, ASL and interpreting instructors are given the opportunity to consider the national perspective and use it to improve their individual and systemic practice to work with and motivate adult learners. The findings in this research study can be used to formalize and optimize interpreter education. 3/14/2018 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Elisa Maroney, Amanda R. Smith, Catherine Calen thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4544 The Black Perspective: A Need for Representation and Inclusion in ASL/English Interpreter Training Programs Jordyn Beal American Sign Language | Education | Language Interpretation and Translation | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | American Sign Language | Black | interpreter educators | ITP | professional identity | social identity 6/9/2021 Text theses/67 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ American Sign Language/English interpreting is a profession growing in recognition in the United States and internationally. As its popularity increases, its diverse groups, specifically interpreters who identify as Black or African American, should follow. As a result, the diversity of its practitioners should imply that more interpreters of diverse backgrounds, under the influence of interpreter educators, are acquiring knowledge under keen leadership that positively impacts their acquisition of knowledge and their social and professional identity. Interpreters acquire language, cultural information, and knowledge through varying degree levels of Interpreter Training Programs (ITPs) across the United States. However, this paper hypothesizes that the documented programs, established at institutions of varying levels, struggle to meet the diverse needs of the students they serve, or lack the attendance of culturally diverse groups. This project seeks to obtain insightful information from Black and African American ITP students and graduates through personal accounts, resulting in discussion relating to the growing issue of ITPs and the deficit produced in serving marginalized and culturally diverse populations. By collecting data specific to identifying experience impact on social identity, professional identity, and their acquisition of knowledge, this collection aims to provide suggested practices to mediate the cultural deficit. The desired result is greater awareness leading to an increase in accessibility and strategies fostering the social and professional identities of Black/African American and other diverse interpreters, interpreting students, and ITP graduates. 6/9/2021 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda Smith, Elisa Maroney, Royce Carpenter thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4509 Supervision in signed language interpreting: Benefits for the field and practitioners Jenna Curtis Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | supervision | case conferencing | demand control schema | interpreting | sign language 11/30/2017 Text theses/42 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ The fields of medicine and mental health have a long history of conducting and researching case conferencing and supervision; however, to date, there has been no research into how or if signed language interpreters are participating in supervision and what benefits they experience as a result. For the purposes of this research, supervision is defined as an intentional interaction between two or more practitioners, the goal of which is to engage in reflective practice, ensure quality services for consumers, and support the wellbeing of the practitioner. The study included survey responses from 113 signed language interpreters about their experiences attending supervision sessions that use the demand control schema (DC-S) framework. Results revealed a profile for the type of practitioner who has participated in supervision. The majority of respondents of the survey had been involved in an ongoing supervision group that was facilitated in a participatory or co-operative manner. Benefits of supervision revealed from this research can be categorized as enriched learning (formative), increased professional standards and accountability (normative), and support for the wellbeing of the practitioner (restorative). Some of the most frequently cited benefits in these categories included: relationships with colleagues, new perspectives, professional development, more options for responding to work demands, a better understanding of decision-making, and support. These findings indicate that current issues in the areas of education, standards and ethics, and work-related stress for practitioners within the signed language interpreting field may be addressed through the use of professional peer supervision groups. Recommendations include establishing an infrastructure for the provision of professional peer supervision, a requirement of supervision as a component of credentialing interpreters, and further research on supervision. 12/7/2017 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda R. Smith, Elisa Maroney, Robyn Dean thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4503 Social workers’ cultural competency with deaf clients: a continuing education module Audrey W. Ulloa Bilingual | Multilingual | and Multicultural Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Social Work | Deaf culture | social work | interpreter 12/10/2014 Text theses/14 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This project focuses on improving the cultural competency that social workers have with Deaf clients. With few materials about the American Deaf community geared towards social workers, there may not be sufficient resources for social workers to develop the cultural competency necessary to provide the best services. It is important to understand social workers’ perspectives towards and experience with Deaf people in order to assess the need for continuing education in the field. This study asks the question, what do social workers need to know in order to work with Deaf clients and interpreters? The initial hypothesis was that social workers in Texas would have negative to neutral attitudes towards Deaf people, as a result of their lack of contact with that population. Social workers from Texas were recruited to participate in an online anonymous survey that included the Attitudes to Deafness Scale developed by Cooper, Rose, and Mason (2004). The results of the survey showed that social workers in Texas actually have neutral to positive views of the Deaf community. While it was not possible to identify a definitive reason why this might be the case, the overwhelming majority of social workers surveyed voiced a need for more training focusing on the American Deaf community. In response to the desire for increased knowledge of this population, a learning module for social workers was produced, which allows them to earn continuing education units. 12/9/2014 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Pamela Cancel, Erin Trine, Angela Nonaka professional_project https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4496 Secondary educational interpreters: role ambiguity and role strain Rhoda Smietanski Accessibility | Disability and Equity in Education | Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Special Education and Teaching | Educational Interpreting | Dual Roles | Tutoring | Role Strain | Sign language | Deaf 12/2/2016 Text theses/33 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This research is a response to discrepancies between directives from interpreting credentialing bodies regarding dual roles and actual practices in schools. The goals of the study are to explore the causes of interpreters tutoring while interpreting and role strain. The study focused on signed language interpreters who work in secondary educational settings and those who have left secondary educational interpreting. The makeup of the subpopulations of this study—those who report tutoring while interpreting and those who report not tutoring while interpreting—have similar demographic profiles, and driving forces behind their work. The participants who report tutoring while interpreting are not necessarily required to do so. Participants who report not tutoring while interpreting were more likely to consult with the code of ethics of their certifying body when making decisions about tutoring, and they were less likely to feel their role is misunderstood by consumers and colleagues than participants who report tutoring while interpreting. Participants who report tutoring while interpreting were more likely to feel stress from the demands of tutoring and interpreting and more likely to need more resources and options to approach their work than participants who report not tutoring while interpreting. Factors contributing to role strain were identified in participants’ responses. The causes of secondary educational interpreters tutoring while interpreting may be interpreter dependent, and may be based on their perceptions of the contexts in which they work and how they define their work. There is an urgent need to further research effects of these practices so secondary educational interpreters can function in an evidence based practice of secondary educational interpreting. 12/6/2016 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Elisa Maroney, Amanda R. Smith, Jill R. Baker thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4492 Safe/unsafe: the impact of horizontal violence, microaggressions, and decision making control on ASL/English interpreters Sarah Hill Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | safety | microaggressions | horizontal violence | DC-S | Coda | CDI 12/5/2018 Text theses/52 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ The purpose of this study was to start collecting the narratives and definitions for the word “safety” as it is used within the American Sign Language/ English interpreting community. I had both heard in spoken English and seen signed in American Sign Language the term “safety” being used by interpreters when they discussed different settings in which they had worked. The way “safety” was described indicated that these interpreters were not referring to their physical safety but, rather, to their emotional or psychological safety. There are no formal recorded narratives that are explicitly focused on the concept of emotional “safety” and what it means to interpreters in the sign language interpreting community. In this study, interviews were conducted to record the narratives of six interpreters who work as American Sign Language/English interpreters. The six participants interviewed have diverse backgrounds and identity demographics. Face-to-face interviews, conducted in person or through video conferencing, with six experienced American Sign Language/ English interpreters from diverse backgrounds, were used to collect the narrative data. [JSO1] Analysis of the data leads to the conclusion that the interpreters interviewed have had experiences of working in a setting where they felt they were not “safe.” While each participant’s reasoning for not feeling safe differed in detail, all had common themes that aligned with the initial literature review. Three themes were found in the data: psychological safety, microaggressions, and limited control in decision making. For all themes, the interpreters reported resulting feelings of shame and unworthiness. This was expressed in negative self-talk regarding the interpreter’s worth as a professional. Several of the interpreters questioned their ability to do this work and questioned whether or not they should leave the profession. Several of the interpreters reported they had a hard time separating the identity they hold as a professional from themselves as a person; therefore, if they were unworthy as an interpreter, they were also unworthy as a person. Findings from this study can help professionals in the field move toward finding remedies for these occurrences. Hopefully, this research will help others reflect on how interpreters work with one another in a supportive and successful way, rather than emotionally threatening those who do this work and, potentially, degrading the work that interpreters do. 11/28/2018 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Elisa Maroney, Audrey Ramirez-Loudenback, Amanda Smith thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4490 Roles, conflicts, and disclosures: American Sign Language/English interpreters’ adherence to best practices in legal settings Sonja W. Smith Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | American Sign Language | legal | interpreting | conflicts | disclosures | roles | current practices 4/26/2016 Text theses/29 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Interpreting in legal settings is a complex task in which multifaceted factors such as the setting, individuals involved, roles of those participating individuals, expanded ethical considerations, and the language of the legal system require specialization from the interpreter practitioner (Berk-Seligson, 2002; Mathers, 2007; Russell, 2000; Simon, 1993). There are many texts, workshops, and resources that promote best practices; however, only one study has been done related to the demographics of the interpreters who do legal interpreting work and their use of proposed best practices in the legal setting (Roberson, Russell, & Shaw, 2011). This research is designed to collect information about who is currently doing the work of legal interpreting and discover what their daily practice entails. An online survey was designed and disseminated to current signed language interpreters working in legal settings to ascertain demographic information and the frequency of certain circumstances arising in the course of their work. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis, this research discusses the demographics of the practitioners, including education, training, and background, as well explores inconsistencies in the way best practices are applied in daily practice, specifically conflicts and disclosures, interpreter roles, and the definition of legal interpreting. The results of this study provide a glimpse of the legal interpreting specialization as it currently stands and potential implications for future practice and study. 5/14/2016 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda R. Smith, Amber D. Farrelly, Esq., Amber Deets thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4466 Real-world shock: transition shock and its effect on new interpreters of American Sign Language and English Stephanie A. Meadows Bilingual | Multilingual | and Multicultural Education | Critical and Cultural Studies | International and Intercultural Communication | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Special Education and Teaching | transition shock | interpreting | sign language 6/3/2013 Text theses/8 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Real-world shock has historically been defined as a form of transition shock experienced during the transition from the academic to the professional world. It is marked by distinct phases and causes both emotional and physical stress. Previous research has found that real-world shock is experienced by new members of a variety of fields, especially training-intensive service professions such as education and medicine. However, even though the profession of American Sign Language/English interpreting is also a training-intensive service profession, there is no research that indicates whether or not new members of the profession experience similar shock to their counterparts in other professions. As such, this thesis shall attempt to determine if real-world shock is experienced by new interpreters of American Sign Language. To do so, a survey was electronically distributed to American Sign Language/English interpreters throughout the United States of America. The resulting data collected was analyzed to determine if new interpreters experience real-world shock and, if so, what the root cause of it is. It was found that interpreters of American Sign Language and English do experience real-world shock upon entering the profession. Furthermore, the shock is a result of the profession rather than from intercultural interactions with the d/Deaf community. 6/10/2013 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Elisa Maroney, Amanda R. Smith, S. David Zuckerman thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4465 Quality of life for deafblind individuals: Comparing the effect of living with and without support service providers Sheridan K Lachney Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | DeafBlind | SSP | independence | isolation | depression. 1/4/2018 Text theses/47 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ In this paper, the quality of life for DeafBlind individuals who have Support Service Providers (SSP) available will be compared to DeafBlind individuals who do not. SSPs are trained individuals who assist the DeafBlind population with tasks such as a communication support, environmental information, and mobility support; in addition, they typically possess at least some fluency in American Sign Language. The availability of SSP services varies between DeafBlind individuals depending on a variety of factors. This study explores possible differences in quality of life reported by DeafBlind individuals who currently have SSP services available and those who do not. In consideration to the responses provided by the DeafBlind community, a new discussion emerges attempting to identify ways to achieve an accessible world for these community members. The 56 participants in this study are comprised of female and male individuals, 18 years or older, from a variety of ethnic and social groups across the United States who have a combination of hearing and visual loss. The methodology for this research is a quantitative survey. This study used KIDSCREEN Group’s (2004) pre-existing survey. The survey respondents are divided into two groups: those with SSPs and those without SSPs. Each group had 28 respondents who filled out a similar survey. The group that had the higher percentage of positive responses was identified as possessing a higher quality of life. It was concluded that DeafBlind individuals with SSPs consistently had higher positive responses than the other group, DeafBlind individuals without SSPs. 1/18/2018 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Elisa Maroney, Jaime Wilson, CM Hall thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4460 Professional is Not Just a Title: The Value in Reclassifying Pennsylvania's Paraprofessional Educational Interpreters Marilyn P Sterner Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Professional | Paraprofessional. Reclassification | Educational Interpreters | Practice Profession | Recognition 12/8/2021 Text theses/73 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ The desire and necessity to reclassify Pennsylvania educational interpreters from paraprofessional to professional status needs to be addressed. Understanding the history and need for interpreting services in the K-12 setting will provide a solid foundation for moving educational interpreters forward to professionalization. The concept of applying professional status to educational interpreters working in the Pennsylvania K-12 setting is explored within the literature review. Within this study, I used qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect data from stakeholders throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These stakeholders consisted of educational interpreters working in the K-12 setting and agencies who employ these interpreters. The two separate surveys further support the idea of reclassifying educational interpreters from paraprofessionals to professionals. The data and research explored throughout this study guides the conversation to further research in advancing educational interpreters working in Pennsylvania’s K-12 settings to professional status. 12/7/2021 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Elisa Maroney, Amanda Smith, Rebecca Kane thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4459 Playing! It’s All for Fun! Or is it? An Examination of Play in the Field of Sign Language Interpreting Jazmin Vollmar Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Play in interpreting | language play | play 12/1/2021 Text theses/72 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This thesis examines the impact of guided and exploratory language play by interpreters. Interpreters in the current study participated in a pre-survey, engaged in an ASL language play group that engaged in language play through the phone app Marco Polo, reported their experiences in a nine-part reflective journal on their ASL and interpreting skills, and took a post-survey. The timeline of the play group was one week, where participants completed all the components of the study. Chapter one introduces the concept of general play and language play. It provides a definition of terms, which revolve around play and play groups, and states the problem of interpreting programs not providing the tools to play with language. It also provides the theoretical basis of this paper, which is grounded in Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). The curriculum was built on the concept of scaffolding information found in the theory of ZPD. Chapter two provides the literature review defining play, its benefits and impacts, play in the work place, and tangential subject of collaborative learning, which happens in play. The literature repeats several variables that were brought into the design of the study, such as creativity, flexibility, working with people, and level of enjoyment. Chapter three discusses the mixed methodology of qualitative and quantitative questions in the pre- and post-survey, with the “treatment” as the language play group and the reflective journal. The study was designed to provide a baseline data with the pre-survey and see if changes occurred after engaging in the treatment or play group. In the play group, participants played and watched language games using both languages ASL and English, which are described in full in the methodology section. Chapter four is the discussion and results, which shows that interpreters increased in their ASL and English creativity, ASL fluency, and flexibility with teams. The data showed that most participants learned ASL by watching and copying others, and the data reported in the reflective journal supports the participants enjoyed watching others played the game by using terms like entertaining, educational, and curious. Chapter five is the discussion, which points to the importance of giving interpreters the tools to play with language and outlines how that can benefit their linguistic skills. Lastly, chapter six is the summary, the conclusion, that playing with language can benefit interpreters, and recommendations for researchers to continue studying interpreters’ linguistic development through play. 12/8/2021 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda Smith, Elisa Maroney, Wanette Reynolds thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4454 Perception in American Sign Language interpreted interactions: gender bias and consumer orientation Colleen Jones Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | American Sign Language interpreting | gender bias | orientation to the interpreted interaction | consumer orientation | gender discrimination | feminist framework 12/1/2017 Text theses/41 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Research has shown that both women and Deaf people experience oppression, limiting their access to power and their workplace success, as well as coloring their experiences in the world (e,g,, Baxter, 2012; Eckert & Rowley, 2013; Hancock & Rubin; Ladd, 2005; Punch, 2016; Williams & Tiedens, 2015). There has been little research, however, examining how gender bias toward the interpreter impacts perception of the Deaf consumer. In a survey of hearing people who do not know sign language, participants described their perception of a male Deaf presenter and rated him in 10 soft skill categories. Responses from participants who listened to a female interpreter were compared with responses from participants who listened to a male interpreter. Some patterns emerged that may be substantiated by future research, but definitive evidence of gender bias was not present. This survey did result in an unexpected finding that emerged from participants’ open-ended responses. Forty-four percent of participants were confused and/or distracted by the presenter’s use of American Sign Language or by the process of watching the presenter and listening to the interpreter. Furthermore, participants who indicated confusion or distraction in their open-ended comments gave the presenter lower-than-average ratings in the soft skill categories. A review of the literature and of current practice standards revealed that there is very little written on orientation to the interpreted interaction, wherein consumers are educated about what to expect during the interpreted interaction, how the interpreter will function, and how they can participate in ensuring that communication is accessible and inclusive. Recommendations from this study include further research on the topics of gender bias and orientation to the interpreted interaction. Interpreters and consumers would also benefit from discussions within their Communities of Practice. 12/6/2017 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda R. Smith, Elisa Maroney, Ellie Savidge thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4450 Navigating language variety: ASL/English interpreters “giving voice” to African American/black deaf signed language users Nicole Shambourger African American Studies | Bilingual | Multilingual | and Multicultural Education | Critical and Cultural Studies | Discourse and Text Linguistics | Ethnic Studies | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Race | Ethnicity and Post-Colonial Studies | African American/Black | ASL/English Interpreter | Deaf | Signed Language | African American English | Culture 6/3/2015 Text theses/23 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ American Sign Language (ASL)/English interpreters working between ASL and spoken English make linguistic and cultural choices that impact the success of an interpreted event. One task is the selection of comparable vocabulary to best represent their clients' thoughts. This exploratory qualitative study was conducted to identify how ASL/English interpreters transfer meaning when African American English (AAE) is incorporated into signed language. Each interpreter simultaneously interpreted an ASL narrative into spoken English. Participants were asked to complete a demographic survey to ascertain whether social factors of age, race, ethnicity, experience, mode of language acquisition, and/or age of language acquisition had any bearing on the interpretation. Following the collection of the interpreting sample and demographic data, two interviews were conducted utilizing a semi-structured format to provide insight into the strategic decisions made by the participants. The findings identify three strategic decisions interpreters used in lieu of incorporating AAE: omission, external processing, and discourse chunking. The overarching purpose was to collect empirical data that will lend itself to dialogues on how to best equip signed language professionals to meet the needs of African American/Black Deaf consumers. 6/9/2015 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Pamela Cancel, Elisa Maroney, Carolyn McCaskill thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4427 Moving toward allyship: a current climate of agent skill sets of hearing ASL-English interpreters Jessica Minges Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | allyship | sign language interpreter | Agent | Target | social justice | skill sets 4/26/2016 Text theses/28 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ In all societies, there exists a rank system that provides some with advantages and privileges, and others with disadvantages which result in oppression. In the United States, those who are considered disabled, like the Deaf community, are systematically marginalized and are considered Targets, whereas those who are not considered disabled receive advantages and are thus Agents (Hays, 2001, 2008; Nieto et al., 2010). Hearing ASL-English interpreters inherently hold advantages and are Agents based on their ability to hear (Baker-Shenk, 1991; Nieto et al., 2010). ASL-English interpreters are in a unique position to recognize the oppression of the Deaf community and the social imbalances the Deaf community may face, and these interpreters are afforded the opportunity to work with the Deaf community toward social justice and equity as allies (Witter-Merithew, 1999). Nieto et al. (2010) developed an Agent Skills Model to provide a means to describe the skill sets that those who are advantaged can develop in order to work with Target group members toward equity and move from Agent-centric skills to Agent-relative skill sets, potentially resulting in Allyship. Edwards (2006) discusses the idea that there are multiple types of allyship based on the privileged person’s motivations. This study intends to assess the current climate of ASL-English interpreter Agent skill sets based on Nieto et al.’s (2010) model and determine ASL-English interpreter ally identification and their definition of allyship behaviors and beliefs. Using Likert scale and open-ended question data, the study assessed 270 responses, and data indicated that ASL-English interpreters strongly identify with Agent-relative skill sets, yet do not always cite the behaviors and beliefs associated with those skill sets when defining their own allyship. Additionally, it was determined that each type of allyship defined by Edwards (2006) was supported among collected responses. The results from this study provide a foundation for further research into types of allyship ASL-English interpreters identify, expanded understanding of the Agent skill sets ASL-English interpreters demonstrate, and additional discussion around how ASL-English interpreters can use their privilege to work toward anti-oppressive consciousness and equity with the Deaf community. 5/10/2016 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda R. Smith, Marie LeJeune, Dave J. Coyne thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4413 K-12 Educational Online Job Posts: Titles, Descriptions, and Qualifications Anne Carlson Disability and Equity in Education | Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Minnesota | education | online job posts | interpreting | public schools | qualifications 1/18/2021 Text theses/63 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ In the 1960s, federal and state legislation was enacted allowing children who are deaf and hard of hearing the opportunity to attend local public schools. Education of the deaf has been a documented struggle throughout history. Students with disabilities were denied education and discriminated against because they could not hear. A new profession called educational interpreting entered the workforce responding to an increased demand (Ball, 2013). Educational interpreting was implemented in classrooms providing free, appropriate public education (Yell & Bateman, 2019) before educators, administrators, and school districts knew how to hire for the role. Since then, educational interpreting has been laden with problems that hinder advancement and professionalization (Ball, 2013; Johnson et al., 2018; Winston, 2004). Online job posts for K-12 educational positions revealed inconsistent job recruitment practices regarding titles, levels of expertise, qualifications, and responsibility expectations. Using qualitative research methods, Minnesota job postings were collected from public Internet domains for one year. Position announcements contained four themes that were compared to industry standards and legal compliance. The findings show the educational institutions’ recruiting practices for jobs working with deaf and hard of hearing students conflict with recommended industry standard qualifications (NAIE, 2019). Research on job posts has an impact on the system of professionals who work in the educational setting such as school administrators, principals, managers, teachers, staff, students, and families. 2/6/2021 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda Smith, Jay Fehrman, Carolyn Ball thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4412 Job satisfaction, role strain, burnout, and self-care among American Sign Language/English interpreters Carrie Humphrey Bilingual | Multilingual | and Multicultural Education | Critical and Cultural Studies | Interpersonal and Small Group Communication | Other Arts and Humanities | Other Business | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Job Satisfaction | Burnout | Role Conflict | Self-Care | American Sign Language Interpreter 12/9/2015 Text theses/24 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This study is an analysis of various factors relating to job satisfaction, role strain, physical injury and/or mental/emotional hardship, and burnout in the American Sign Language (ASL)/English interpreting profession in the United States. It includes 81 responses by interpreters using an online survey that collected data on individual interpreter background and demographics, role strain components, burnout, self-care, and job satisfaction. The responses were analyzed through a multiple linear regression focusing on job satisfaction as the dependent variable. They were also analyzed in a bivariate correlation to identify potential relationships among the 60 variables. The results of this study show a high level of job satisfaction despite frequent injuries and hardships, and high demands and/or controls within specific settings of the ASL/English interpreting profession. The results also contain many correlations among the variables of the categories of job satisfaction, background, burnout, and self-care. These correlations may aid novice and experienced interpreters in forming a map by which they can guide their professional practice to maximize their job satisfaction, reduce injury, and minimize potential burnout. The background information collected by this survey provides information that can be used to educate the general population about ASL/English interpreters as well as educate interpreting students in their preparation for the profession. 12/9/2015 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Vicki Darden, Sarah Hewlett, Sabrina Smith thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4388 Interpreter educators in the United States: Teaching, research, and practice Sandra L. Maloney Bilingual | Multilingual | and Multicultural Education | Curriculum and Instruction | Education | Educational Assessment | Evaluation | and Research | Higher Education and Teaching | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Other Teacher Education and Professional Development | signed language | interpreter educator | critical social theory | research | teaching 3/18/2018 Text theses/45 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ In this thesis, the teaching, research, and practice of signed language interpreter educators in the United States is examined through a Critical Social Theory framework. While there is literature on interpreter educators from the perspective of program directors, very little research has been done that gathers data directly from interpreter educators. The research available leads to recommendations for instructor credentials and qualifications; however, no data exists regarding current signed language interpreter educators and whether they possess the recommended criteria. An exploratory survey was disseminated to interpreter educators in the United States to elicit information regarding their experience as signed language interpreters, as teachers, and regarding their engagement in research. Demographic information was collected to better understand how a participant’s social identity may affect program outcomes. The charts and diagrams in this study provide a broad overview of current interpreter educators, curriculum utilization, professional development, and research. The data from the survey was compared with the existing literature to assess for alignment, incongruences, and gaps. The conclusion and results from critiquing the research and the findings show there are many additional areas for research regarding interpreter educators. The results also show the need for established hiring requirements for interpreter educators, peer-reviewed course materials, effective professional development for current instructors, and an increased engagement in conducting and disseminating research. It is the recommendation that educators and researchers engage in a critical self-assessment to understand the impact of interpreter educators on program outcomes. 3/18/2018 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Elisa Maroney, Amanda R. Smith, Dawn Whitcher thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4384 Initial Understandings of the Perceptions to the Self-Efficacy in Interpreters Working in K-12: Potential Underlying Factors Angela L O'Bleness Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Educational Interpreter | Self-Efficacy | Role | Responsibilities | Sign Language | Classroom | Environment 2/25/2019 Text theses/53 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ The intent of this research is to utilize the self-efficacy construct in the profession of signed language interpretation specific to those in the K-12 environment and identify factors potentially influencing self-efficacy. Perceived self-efficacy influences the cognitive, motivational, affective, and selection processes in the behaviors of people (Bandura, 1977). Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in their capabilities “to organize and execute the course of action required to manage prospective situations” (Bandura, 1997, p. 2). Research demonstrates that teachers with high self-efficacy influence successful student outcomes and persistent in teaching (Henson, Kogan, & Vacha-Hasse, 2001). In a survey of educational interpreters, participants described conflicting responses between the self-efficacy Likert scale ratings and open-ended comments. The data revealed interpreters are highly influenced by multiple aspects of the environment. Some patterns emerged that may be substantiated by future research. This survey resulted in unexpected findings. Self-efficacy demonstration and belief may reveal itself as the ability to enact professional agency in the interpreter role defined by the environmental expectations, understanding and application of interpreter role. Additional findings revealed 97% of the respondents indicated the need for more training, 50% indicated the need for being included in collaboration as a valued member of the educational team and factors included a felt need for national standardization of educational interpreters. 47% of the respondents identified the need for clearer consistent guidelines and parameters within this specialization. This represents initial understandings of self-efficacy and its potential influence on the beliefs and behaviors of those who work in the educational system. 2/25/2019 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda Smith, Sarah Hewlett, Linda Ross thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4379 Improving Professional Relationships in the Classroom: Teachers and Interpreters Working Together Brittany C LeGal Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | teamwork | professional relationships | interpreter roles | relational theory | IEP team | collaboration 12/10/2019 Text theses/56 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Interpreters placed in mainstream settings are not just there to provide access to communication between the hearing counterparts and the deaf students. They are there as “integral members of the team” (Ohtake, Milagros, & Fowler, 2000, p. 16) and should be recognized as equals with the teacher in the classroom (Boys Town, n.d.). This research investigates professional relationships and how they can be established and maintained, the types of relationships mainstream teachers and educational interpreters have within Clark County, and how working together can result in educational benefits for everyone in the classroom. Interpreters are a member of the educational team and should be utilized to help support education (Ministry of Education, 1994). They have first-hand interactions with the client which enables them to know and understand the client(s) thoroughly. According to Siple (1994), interpreters listen to the lesson at hand and breakdown the message’s meaning to match the student’s language level and learning style so that they may comprehend the lesson. Interpreters are there to pass the teacher’s message to the deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students. They are the first to recognize whether that message was understood, if interpreter expansion is needed, or if teacher clarification is needed to ensure comprehension. Responses from teachers and interpreters gathered from the online survey, as well as previous findings, will be examined to see how they work together as an effective team and how their united efforts could impact students’ education. The techniques that teachers and interpreters indicated enabled them to successfully establish and maintain professional relationships with each other, how they clearly defined their roles, and the educational impact their teamwork had will be explored. 12/11/2019 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda Smith, Patrick Graham, Holly Jones thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4375 How Massage Therapy Affects Educational Interpreters Sarah Ray Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | self-care | American Sign Language interpreters | massage therapy | stretching | educational interpreters 3/20/2021 Text theses/65 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This thesis examines the importance of self-care for American Sign Language educational interpreters. The research presented in this study adopts a holistic approach to analyzing the mental and physical health effects resulting from the regular use of massage therapy. The goal of this thesis is to identify some controls an interpreter can implement when mental and physical demands intensify due to job-related stress. Data was collected using a questionnaire available only to educational interpreters concerning job-induced stresses and the effects of regular massage. The findings of this study identify the psychological and physiological benefits professionals feel after implementing periodic massage therapy as a form of self-care. Further investigation could reveal a greater variety of self-care opportunities that could impact an interpreter’s wellbeing. 3/19/2021 thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4344 General overview of the Puerto Rican signed language interpreter Katia Y. Rivera Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Puerto Rico | interpreter | interpreting | general | overview | Puerto Rican | signed language | sign language | profile 3/24/2017 Text theses/34 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ The aim of this research is to explore the research question: What is the general profile of the Puerto Rican signed language interpreter? The purpose of this study was to identify the overall characteristics of the Puerto Rican signed language interpreter, including the demographics, their training in interpreting, and their work settings, experiences, needs, and challenges. This study used a mixed methods approach; the data was collected from a survey and three interviews. According to the data, the signed language interpreting field in Puerto Rico is behind compared to the field in the United States, due to lack of research and limited educational opportunities for continuing education. The data revealed that the signed language interpreting field in Puerto Rico is still young; it is dominated by females and a majority of interpreters work in educational and VRS settings. Most Puerto Rican signed language interpreters feel that they need more educational support. 3/23/2017 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Elisa Maroney, Erin Trine, Amanda R. Smith thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4343 From the Cold Seat to the Hot Seat: An agency guide to interns Heather Moore American Sign Language | Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | sign language | internship | intern | agency | sign language agency 3/17/2022 Text; Image; StillImage theses/148 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Sign language interpreting agencies can provide interns with authentic learning experiences and assist with the transition from student to professional. A review of literature regarding the gap between classroom and professional work experiences was conducted. From this review, current practices, problems, and practical solutions were identified. With these providing a theoretical foundation, surveys and interviews of agency owners were conducted regarding their current and past experiences of utilizing interns in their agencies. Results revealed a list of reoccurring themes on how to better include and support interns, such as the use of mentors, shadowing, and development of business practices. Utilizing these suggestions or recommendations may allow agencies to better prepare interns as they transition from the “Cold” seat to the “Hot” seat. 3/17/2022 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda Smith, Elisa Maroney, Sarah Hewlett professional_project https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4341 FOR US, BY US: Why do we need an HBCU interpreter education program? Rencia Gravesande Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Black | HBCU | Historically Black College and University | Black Deaf | culture | interpreter education program | IEP | anti-racist 12/1/2021 Text theses/74 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This research document can be used as a catalyst for a proposed interpreter education program housed at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Currently, there are not any education programs for sign language interpreters at these institutions. This research is cross-disciplinary between HBCUs and the sign language profession. A review of literature addresses issues in current interpreter programs under the phenomenon of ‘White gaze’ in the profession explained through the lens of anti-racist policies. The aims of this research were to answer: 1) What are the benefits of having an interpreter education program (IEP) at an HBCU? 2) Why is there a need for our (Black/African American) own space? and 3) If given the option, would current and former Black interpreting students have chosen to go to an HBCU for their IEP? Bishop State Community College is an HBCU that once offered an interpreting program. The program was analyzed through four semi-structured interviews with administrators and alumni. A look into the inner workings of the program was coupled with survey results. A mixed-methods approach uncovered five major themes from interview and survey data. Those themes are Culture, Positive Impact on Black Deaf community, Increase Numbers/Representation, Racism/Microaggressions, and Program Structure. This study provides continuing conversations for recognizing the importance of not only diversifying the profession but educating the current/future pool of interpreters on serving, understanding, and working with the demographic of Black Deaf and hearing consumers, interpreters, students, and interpreter educators. 12/8/2022 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda Smith, Elisa Maroney, Leandra Williams thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4338 Exploring professional identity: a study of American Sign Language/English interpreters Nicole Harwood Adult and Continuing Education | Bilingual | Multilingual | and Multicultural Education | Education | Educational Leadership | Educational Psychology | Leadership Studies | Other Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Psychology | Sociology | Teacher Education and Professional Development | professional identity | self-concept clarity | ASL/English interpreters 6/14/2017 Text theses/37 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Professional identity is a complex and multi-faceted concept that encompasses definitions pertaining to the professional identity of the collective, the professional identity of the individual practitioner, and the process of developing a professional identity. Individuals start with a fundamental concept of self and then layer on a variety of identities, including a professional identity, thereby forming the answer to the question: who are you? Utilizing the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) directories and online social media resources to survey interpreters, this study attempts to explore the professional identity for ASL/English interpreters. In order to explore the collective identity of ASL/English interpreters, the Professional Identity Scale in Counseling developed by Woo (2013) was adapted to fit the interpreting profession. This adapted scale is an instrument intended to measure the professional identity of ASL/English interpreters. Survey participants also took the Campbell et al. (1996) Self-Concept Clarity scale to assess the individual interpreter professional identity and impact of self-concept clarity on professional identity. Finally, survey participants answered optional open-ended questions to evaluate the process of professional identity development for ASL/English interpreters. The mixed-methods approach allowed this research study to begin the exploration of the broad and intricate topic, and the resulting data is a foundation for future research. While credentials alone may not hold the key to understanding the professional identity of ASL/English interpreters, the experiences of the collective profession and individual professionals present a glimpse into the possible connections between professional identity, self-concept clarity, professional confidence, and ultimately, professional competence. 6/14/2017 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Vicki Darden, Erin Trine, Ruhama Freeman thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4337 Expanding the collective narrative: exploring the experiences of American Sign Language/English interpreters of Asian heritage Christine Nakahara Asian American Studies | Bilingual | Multilingual | and Multicultural Education | Education | Educational Leadership | Educational Sociology | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Other Teacher Education and Professional Development | Race and Ethnicity | Asian Heritage | Microaggressions | Racism | ASL/English Interpreting | Cultural Awareness | Asian American/Pacific Islander 4/29/2016 Text theses/30 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This study focuses on the experiences of Asian and Asian American/Pacific Islanders in the field of American Sign Language/English interpreting within the United States. This study was conducted in two phases, an online survey followed by one-on-one interviews either online or in-person. The information was gathered, coded, and then analyzed for common themes to see if there was a common trend or experience among this particular minority group. The literature review revealed that a majority of the Asian and Asian American/Pacific Islander community does experience microaggressions on a weekly basis, if not daily; however, this has not yet been investigated among current and former practitioners of American Sign Language/English interpreting. It was found that many Asian and Asian American/Pacific Islander interpreters experienced their interpreter education programs (IEPs) to be lacking in discussions about diversity and multiculturalism. The same holds true for practitioners who did not attend an IEP. Working interpreters often felt there was a lack of understanding and conversation about cultural differences and diversity among their peers and consumers. This lack of understanding can lead to more microaggressions and frustration experienced by the Asian and AAPI interpreter. To increase discussion and awareness, participants desired more education and discussion about race, racism, and microaggressions in their education and with their colleagues and consumers. 5/25/2016 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Vicki Darden, Melanie Landon-Hays, Geri Mu thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4304 Does the Use of TAPs Impact a Final Interpreted Product: A Self-study Stacey Stevens Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures 12/6/2019 Text theses/60 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ What makes it possible for an English/American Sign Language Interpreter to work between two modes of language? The current study explored this question by examining preparation and direct connection to a final interpreted product. This thesis describes a self-study that sought to pinpoint the cognitive process as it occurs during preparation time to determine the feasibility of the designed method. Utilizing Think-Aloud Protocols (TAPs) and a segment of the Demand Control-Schema as tools, I explore my own process as student-researcher/participant starts an investigation into their own process. The study demonstrates use of preparation time impacting a final interpreter product and uses retrospective interviewing to aid in understanding of one cognitive process. 12/10/2019 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda Smith, Christyn Burcham, Laurence Hayes thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4270 Current teaming practices in video relay service Stacey L Rainey Broadcast and Video Studies | Communication | Interpersonal and Small Group Communication | Other Communication | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Video Relay Service | VRS | Teaming | Communication 6/4/2013 Text theses/6 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ The field of signed language interpreting is a young profession. Professionally recognized in the 1960s, American Sign Language/English interpretation has been through much change and growth over the years. At the beginning of the profession and still to this day, the most prevalent settings where interpreters work are in the community and educational systems, as well as the medical field and performing arts, to name a few. Interpreters often work alone, although sometimes interpreters are placed with another interpreter during certain assignments. This is called teaming or team interpreting. Since the early 2000s, there has been fast growth in technology and a new means of communication has launched for the deaf community to use American Sign Language (ASL) in communicating with hearing people through a professional signed language interpreter. This innovation is called Video Relay Service (VRS). VRS facilitates the communication of a deaf and a hearing person to communicate over the phone via a professional ASL/English interpreter. Communication between the two parties is possible with a webcam or videophone using American Sign Language and a phone line using spoken English. The Video Interpreter (VI) has the complex task of processing calls between persons with two languages and cultures, as well as operating the technological demands and interpreting, all at the same time. Often the VI does not have any idea what the call will be about, or the goal of the conversation. Now imagine putting a second interpreter into this situation. Teaming in VRS compared to working in the community looks very different. In this study, the following questions are asked: “Do teaming practices exist within VRS?” and, if so, “What are current teaming practices within VRS? 6/12/2013 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda R. Smith, Elisa Maroney, Jill R. Baker thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4261 Cultivating Confidence: Embodying Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy in Novice Signed Language Interpreters Kiarah Moore Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Personality and Social Contexts | Competence | Confidence | Self-Efficacy | Self-Esteem | Novice | Signed Language Interpreter 6/10/2020 Text theses/62 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Interpreter Training Programs (ITPs) are tasked with the responsibility of preparing prospective interpreters for certification and work in the professional field. Many ITPs focus on the student’s development of technical skills required for interpreting but ignore the cultivation of the student as a whole (Smith & Maroney, 2018). There currently is limited research concerning the importance of self-confidence in interpreters. The purpose of this study is to show the significance of self-esteem and self-efficacy on novice interpreter success. Furthermore, the present study investigates the possible use of high-power poses for interpreters coping with lack of confidence. Prospective and novice American Sign Language/English interpreters in the state of Texas were surveyed to explore their levels of self-esteem and self-efficacy as well as gauge their self-perceived levels of competence and confidence. A small sample of prospective and novice interpreters were also interviewed to test the use of high-power poses and explore confidence at a deeper level than ascertained from the survey. Results from the survey and interview illustrate the crucial role that confidence plays on interpreter success. They also display the link between competence and confidence. Additionally, coping mechanisms are suggested for dealing with stressful scenarios, including implementation of high-power poses. 6/10/2020 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda Smith, Elisa Maroney, Tyriibah Royal, Amber Galloway thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4231 Communicative equality: Needs assessment of sign language interpreters in South Dakota Cyndi Fisher Adult and Continuing Education | Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching | Bilingual | Multilingual | and Multicultural Education | Community College Leadership | Education | Educational Assessment | Evaluation | and Research | Educational Leadership | Higher Education | Higher Education and Teaching | Online and Distance Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Teacher Education and Professional Development | South Dakota | needs assessment | rural | needs vs quality | certification readiness 6/16/2018 Text theses/48 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Data compiled for this research will be used as a pilot study to support further research needed to consider an interpreter education program in West River region of South Dakota. Surveys were distributed to businesses, individuals in the Deaf community, and interpreters who are registered in the state of South Dakota. Face-to-face interviews were scheduled with two owners of two interpreting agencies that schedule interpreter requests throughout South Dakota. Data collection hinted at the need for qualified interpreters in the state, with a more enhanced focus on the western region of the state. Survey results suggest that interpreters are needed; however, flaws occurred during the study, creating recommendations for further research to offer clarity and more detailed conclusions. The participants who responded to the interpreter surveys offered information on their educational backgrounds and ideas on what they wish had been part of their own interpreter education training. Interviews supported information gathered in surveys, offering their perspectives on the need for interpreters. With research compiled and data analyzed, data suggests a possible need for interpreters, a suggestion for further studies to develop a fuller understanding of the concept of a qualified interpreter, and how their quality is measured is applied in the recommendations. In addition, future studies are suggested that may lead to a more comprehensive proposal for an interpreter education program in the West River region of South Dakota. 6/13/2018 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda R. Smith, Erine Trine, Marlee Dyce professional_project https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4226 Called to service and finding a purpose: A mixed-method study of signed language interpreters volunteering in church and religious settings Jennifer Kinnamon Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Church Interpreting | Religious Interpreting | Deaf Ministry | Non-professional Interpreting | Professional Interpreter | Signed Language Interpreter 6/15/2018 Text theses/49 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Many non-professional interpreters volunteer their services in church and religious settings to give Deaf congregants access to the message. Church interpreting has been a unique way many interpreters have gained interest into the profession and entered the interpreting field. Although they continue to volunteer in religious settings on a regular basis out of a sense of calling and act of service (Berg, Grant, & Johnson, 2010; Hokkanen, 2014), according to the literature, interpreters in their first 10 years of work choose benevolence as their number one value for entering the interpreting field (Ramirez-Loudenback, 2015). Often that desire to help and provide a service precedes the knowledge and skills to provide the services of interpreting, which leads to a problem of “church interpreters” having a negative stigma within professional certified interpreting circles (James, 1998). There is interpreting work to be done in religious environments; this need creates a setting in which novice interpreters can gain practice. In this study, I collected quantitative and qualitative data to provide an accurate depiction of the professional interpreters who are working in these settings, their church environments, their stories of pursuing professionalism, the reasons for their pursuit, their experiences with professional interpreters, and their motivation for continuing to work in religious settings. These data could help the interpreting profession develop a greater awareness of the connection and mentorship gap between certified interpreters and volunteer interpreters working in religious settings and discover ways to partner in creating a cohesive environment to facilitate professional development. 6/12/2018 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda R. Smith, Elisa Maroney, Vicki Darden thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4217 Beauty and the Butch: The Lesbian Interpreter Stephanie Ehrlich Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | lesbian | interpreter | coming out | appearance | LGBTQ 3/18/2020 Text theses/58 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ The purpose for this project is to collect data from American Sign Language Interpreters who identify as lesbian, specifically targeting their experiences “coming out” to consumers while at work. Research about coming out/self-disclosure at work is a relatively new field of study. Most of what has been studied was about coming out to family and friends and the stages of self-disclosure. There is also limited research about the lesbian appearance and the recent shift in the androgynous-appearing lesbian. Times have changed, and there are no longer just femme and butch lesbians. Elizabeth Donovan has been the only researcher to study LGBTQ+ American Sign Language Interpreters. This study, however, focuses solely on lesbians only. This study explores how lesbian interpreters’ experiences vary when coming out to consumers, but appearance seems to be a common theme in the data collected for this study. From the onset of the study, analysis was done to see if there was a link between gender expression and sexual identity. This was done by examining clothing and appearance and seeing if there was an impact on stress levels at work. Szymanski (2005) found that awareness of LGBTQ experiences of distress was important because of the negative impact it has on mental health. The results of this study suggest that further research related to interpreters coming out at work is warranted. This research can serve as a springboard for further research in the LGBTQ community. 3/20/2020 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda Smith, Tie Burcham, Elizabeth Donovan thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4191 An investigation of student perception how to better prepare signed language/English interpreters for the real world Darlene K Wilbeck Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Curriculum | Gap | Internship | Mentorship | Practicum | Support 6/7/2017 Text theses/39 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This investigation of current and former interpreting students was conducted to explore students’ experiences of the interpreter education program. Discourse analysis of surveys revealed four areas of improvement: practicum/internship, mentorship, curriculum, and peer/community support. The study was based on Dean and Pollard’s demand control schema (2013), social-constructivist education (Kiraly, 2000), and phenomenology (Smith, 2013). A survey was created and disseminated via email and social media. A total of 102 participants responded to the survey. The participants were diverse, and the survey was designed with yes/no, multiple choice, and open-ended questions with no word or character limit. The project was limited to students and graduates of interpreter education/training programs. The results demonstrated that the respondents were dissatisfied with their curriculum, the number of practicum/internship hours, the lack of mentorship, and they expressed a desire for additional peer and community support. This study showed that while participants completed 100 to 200 hours of internship/practicum hours they would have preferred up to 400. Ninety-five percent of participants did not have access to post-graduation mentorship, and 90% reported that they could have benefited from it. Determining best practices, entrance and exit requirements, along with in-program mentorship are all areas for additional research. 6/13/2017 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Elisa Maroney, Amanda R. Smith, Vicki Darden thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4189 African American interpreters in the video relay service setting Taiwo A Olopade Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | Racial mircroaggressions | Racism | Video relay service setting | African American interpreters | Burnout | Video interpreters | Qualitative research 4/12/2017 Text theses/38 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This study focuses on African American Sign Language video interpreters (VIs) working in the video relay service (VRS) setting in the United States. No study has been carried out to date that explores the experiences African Americans have when interpreting in VRS settings, where there is little or no autonomy due to policies governing the VRS companies by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). Coupled with the rules and regulations from VRS companies and the FCC, African American interpreters also experience racism and racial microaggressions from VRS users and from their colleagues. This study was carried out using qualitative methods. Three African American female VIs were interviewed about their experiences working in the VRS setting. Their stories show that racism and racial microaggressions are a part of their working landscape. Their narratives also disclosed that there is a lack of diversity in the workplace and in the interpreting profession as a whole. The African American VIs interviewed reported that their interpreting programs failed to discuss issues of multiculturalism in the field, and their access to mentors from similar cultural backgrounds was limited. These participants suggested that courses in cultural awareness be offered in interpreter education programs and to their colleagues at work. Likewise, they believed African Americans could benefit from training that helps them cope with the systems of racism and racial microaggressions they face in the workplace. 4/29/2017 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Elisa Maroney, Amanda R. Smith, Erica West Oyedele thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4182 A Work in Progress: Establishing, Growing, and Maintaining Working Relationships Between Educational Interpreters and their Administrators Kallie Rank Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | educational interpreters | relationships | administration | mainstream | education | deaf | hard of hearing | deafblind 2/25/2021 Text theses/64 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ Since the implication of federal laws, such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Deaf and Hard of Hearing children are able to attend public school districts (Seal, 2004). While an educational interpreter is working in a unique setting, often alone, it is important to have an administrator and network of professionals to reach out to share successes with and to have support from, in times of need. Through personal experiences and conversation with colleagues, it has been shared that working relationships between educational interpreters and their administrator can vary. This thesis identifies who is being assigned as an administrator to educational interpreters and it looks at the working relationships that educational interpreters have with their administrator. Data relating to current working relationships between educational interpreters and their administrators was gathered via an online survey. This survey was sent out across the United States to collect a range of perspectives from educational interpreters. This thesis also takes a look at the personalities of educational interpreters, as well as their administrators and how that could impact their working relationships. It is the hope that the research found can act as a basis for educational interpreters to conduct conversations around creating, building, and maintaining a working relationship with their administrators to ensure their success in the field. 3/7/2021 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda Smith, Erin Trine, Julie Holma thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4176 A Look at How We Discuss the Work: Observations of Feedback in the Interpreting Classroom Chevon Nicole Ramey Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures 12/10/2021 Text theses/71 eng Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above. | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ The aim of this study is to look at how the work of interpreting is discussed in the classroom. The focus was specifically on the language content and types of feedback being modeled by the instructors to the interpreting students. Data was collected through observations of an Interpreting II and Interpreting III course at San Antonio College. The hypothesis was that there would be a notable difference in the feedback given based on the level of student as well as a decrease in how often the feedback utterances of the students were reframed or redirected. The data showed negligible differences in the type and content of the feedback given by both instructors at the two different levels of the interpreting courses. The data illuminated the need for the incorporation of more appreciation feedback. Further research on how interpreters, mentors, interpreting educators and students discuss the work of interpreting is needed. The hope is that by implementing strategies that encourage and foster effective discussions universally we will then change the culture of horizontal violence that is prevalent in the field. 12/8/2021 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Amanda Smith, Sarah Hewlett, Tom Cox thesis https://wou.omeka.net/s/repository/item/4151 “Ever since I left the city”: An auto-ethnographic action research project on interpreting in a K-12 setting Halle Hamilton Education | Other Languages | Societies | and Cultures | K-12 Interpreting | Social Capital | Auto-ethnography | Action Research | Mentoring 8/3/2018 Text theses/129 eng http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ This paper discusses the auto-ethnographic action research project that I conducted with the goal of improving my work as an interpreter and therefore reducing the “readiness to work gap” in my own professional practice. This action research project contained two different approaches with the goal of leading to self-improvement in my interpreting ability. The first approach involved working with a mentor to create goals that work toward the improvement of specific aspects of my interpreting process. This was typically done by selecting a sources text that would lend itself to practice working towards a specific interpreting goal. With limited mentoring opportunities in my region, this was mainly done through sharing recorded work samples synchronously and asynchronously with mentors over FaceTime, Google Hangout, Email, and over the phone. The second part of this project involved intentional practice in my work place through the documentation of both social and performance aspects of my interpreting practice. The documentation of these aspects of my interpreting lead to questions about my role as an Educational Interpreter and allowed me to keep track of how many times I intentionally worked towards the interpreting goals I created with my mentor. 6/10/2022 Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies Elisa Maroney, Amanda Smith action_research