Published on: 8th October 2024
Deaf Connect was proud to sponsor 37 casual and permanent staff members in a ticket giveaway, to attend the Australian Sign Language Interpreters and Translators Association (ASLITA) National Conference in September 2024. As the Interpreting Partner for ANC, it was great to support ASLITA to offer an invaluable opportunity for professional development to all attendees. Over 300 interpreters attended this three-day conference.
From September 13-15, participants got the chance to collaborate and connect with key stakeholders from the interpreting, translating and Deaf sectors. They also got to meet the Deaf Connect Interpreting Management and Bookings teams, and gain insights from keynote speaker’s research, presentations and topical debates.
Watch full interviews with our interpreters and translators at ANC here:
What did attendees learn?
Deaf Connect interpreters and translators learnt about:
- Ethical considerations:
“…There have been some hot topics that have really given me food for thought, as I mostly learn from meeting others, and learning their stories…
It’s a reminder of ethics and professional boundaries… especially when we’re working everyday it’s a good reminder of our own practice in our work and you can see those lightbulb moments happen for those newer interpreters.” David, Deaf Connect Interpreter
- Translating in a new age:
“…Stef’s research on interpreting, translating and ‘transcreating’ – I really like that one and want to talk more about what I can put into my practice going forward.” Racheal, Deaf Connect Translator
- Auslan-first approach to interpreting:
“…We need to think differently and show the message rather than tell the message, it’s a constant reminder that we have such a strong English influence around us and that we need to be mindful of an Auslan-first approach.” Jacinta, Deaf Connect Interpreter
- History, respect and purpose in the industry:
“A takeaway from Rebecca Ladd is that we stand on the shoulders of giants; that we have history, we need to respect the interpreting industry, the work that we do, and the Deaf community is the reason why we’re here.” Melissa, Deaf Connect Interpreter
How did the ANC sponsorship support our staff’s career and professional development?
Our sponsored attendees were able to network with interpreters and translators from across the country and form connections for mentorship and support:
“…I now have people that I can contact, whether it’s to debrief, ask about particular situations, or how they would overcome a challenge I am facing, which means that I have more opportunity for a successful future” Tatum, Deaf Connect Interpreter
“Networking with people will help my future…I’m quite isolated working on the Sunshine Coast, so it’s good to know that there are people who are on my side.” Kylie, Deaf Connect Interpreter
And translators saw more representation in the industry:
“They’ve incorporated translators for the first time, so it’s so exciting to be here” Debbie Kennewell, Deaf Connect Translations Manager
Giving opportunities to those who need it:
Rebecca O’Brien, General Manager of Deaf Connect Interpreting Services, highlighted how important it is to provide opportunities for professional development, particularly to those who may usually face barriers:
“Some of the interpreters that won our ticket giveaway expressed that they can now attend the conference, whereas they would not have been able to afford it previously” Rebecca O’Brien, General Manager Interpreting Services
“I was not going to come to ANC this year because I couldn’t afford flights from Northern Territory…and then somebody gave me the survey…
Then I got a phone call from Bec telling me I had won and within two minutes I had booked my flight, booked accommodation, told my husband I was coming. I’m just so grateful, so thank you so much” Lianna, Deaf Connect Interpreter
“I couldn’t afford this conference, so it’s a wonderful opportunity that I’m not sitting at home missing out and I’m very grateful.” Salomon, Deaf Connect Interpreter
Other testimonials from those we sponsored:
“As a carer of a child with complex needs, it can be very challenging to attend professional development opportunities regularly due to caring commitments or hospital appointments and assessments etc. Attending ANC gave me the opportunity not only to learn and gain knowledge but also to further develop my professional network with my peers/colleagues within our industry.
On a personal level, it also felt good to do something for myself and take time to remind myself why I do what I do and why I am so lucky to be part of the Deaf community” Jacinta, Deaf Connect Interpreter
“As a new interpreter it was so valuable to have the chance to meet a whole network of interpreters. It was an opportunity to see people who are supporting and learning from each other, not only at a local level but nationally. I have realised how important it is to leave your comfort zone and try something new because there really is so much to learn – and for me it has only just begun.” Souraya, Deaf Connect Interpreter
“Trying to attend PD (Professional Development) at night for a couple of hours with a busy life and work life, there’s not enough time to decompress and focus on what is being presented. ANC being here for a full weekend provides that opportunity…”
“Being here today amongst interpreters, Deaf interpreters, First Nation interpreters, hearing interpreters, translators, agencies and peak organisations – everyone needs to work together to get to know each other more, support each other, and from there we can become a stronger industry.” Jinaya, Deaf Connect Interpreter.
Deaf Connect is committed to investing in the Auslan workforce, and it was a pleasure to sponsor staff to attend this event. We’ve loved seeing how ANC has developed the careers of the interpreters and translators registered with us.
To join Deaf Connect, Australia’s largest provider of Interpreting Services, click here to access professional development opportunities like this and more!
