Visual Description: Caucasian woman with asymmetrical salt and pepper hair stands in front of a marble staircase with black railings. She is wearing a grey shirt that has the ASL sign for PRIDE on it, with a rainbow of colors spreading out below it.
Transcript/Interpretation: Hello - the first day of WASLI is coming to a close shortly. It was great to learn more about the rich history of WASLI from the first seeds to the over 506 delegates attending this year from (I believe) over 80 various countries around the country. It moved me beyond words.
There were also a number of delegates who were willing to perform dances while wearing traditional garb and sharing their rich historical traditions. I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to see that and to learn how to communicate across languages and cultures.
We'll use every resource we have access to by sharing/peeking at the badges to help determine if we had a shared language or not. We've been trying to use every tool in the book to make our meanings clear. It always keeps you on your toes too, and it's impossible to rest on your laurels in the same old ways you always have.That is why it is so crucial to bring together so many Deaf and hard of hearing community members for our shared benefit. There is so much to be learned!
Delegates have had two streams to pick from, on a number of topics about the past, present and future of the field. There are shared keynote presentations and then breakout sessions. During the breaks, there is always a flood of interactions and conversations and we have to be herded back to our subsequent meetings.
It's fascinating to meet other interpreters from other countries and get updated on the most recent publications that may have otherwise been overlooked. This is the way that the rising tide lifts all boats. It's only my first at WASLI but if you've never been, what is holding you back? Come join the conversation here!