Workshop Title:
“An Open Education Resource for Interpreter Education Programs”
Workshop Description:
This presentation introduces an innovative Open Educational Resource (OER) Digital Workbook designed to strengthen foundational skill development in American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter education. Created as a collaborative, cross-institutional effort, the workbook responds to a critical need for accessible, affordable, and high-quality instructional materials in a field where resources are often limited and costly. Grounded in the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, this OER promotes equitable learning opportunities while supporting diverse student needs and learning styles. The workbook is organized into targeted modules that address five key areas of skill development: Message Comprehension, Message Analysis, Content and Context Comprehension, Facilitating Meaning, and Prosody—areas identified by educators as common gaps in student proficiency. Each module features structured lessons, interactive activities, and assessment tools designed to foster engagement and mastery through scaffolded learning. Developed during a 2026 sabbatical, the project incorporates ongoing collaboration and feedback from interpreter education programs nationwide. As one of the first open-access resources of its kind, this OER provides a flexible, adaptable framework that enhances instructional consistency, reduces financial barriers, and better prepares students for success in the interpreting profession.
Participants will be able to:
1) Identify the five foundational skill areas (Message Comprehension, Message Analysis, Content and Context Comprehension, Facilitating Meaning, and Prosody) and explain their significance in ASL interpreter education.
2) Examine how principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and Accessibility are integrated into the design of an OER Digital Workbook.
3) Evaluate the benefits of Open Educational Resources (OER) in reducing student costs and addressing barriers related to access and equity in higher education.
4) Analyze the structure and components of the OER Digital Workbook, including lesson plans, activities, and assessment tools, to support foundational skill development. Apply strategies for adapting or implementing OER materials within interpreter education programs or related instructional contexts.
Dr. Leslie Puzio is an Associate Professor at Frederick Community College in the ASL Interpreter Program. Dr. Puzio has over 21 years of professional interpreting experience and over 12 years of mentoring and teaching experience. She currently serves on the State Board of Sign Language Interpreter Licensure. Her current research and area of focus are looking at advancing standardization among Interpreter Training Programs. She resides in Maryland with her family.
RID CEUs Offered: .15