Workshop Title:
“Metaphor No More: The Educational Interpreter Related Service Provider Scope of Practice Model”
Workshop Description:
Using a Related Service Provider framework and scope of practice lens (NAIE, 2024), the Educational Interpreter Related Service Provider Scope of Practice Model (Weirick, 2026) is a new, forward-looking, policy-based, practical tool designed to guide stakeholders in addressing long-standing issues of role confusion in K-12 interpreting. Neither a processing model nor a role metaphor, this model uses a policy-based framework to guide the field toward evidence-informed practices in K-12 interpreting. By centering four domains, a) direct services, b) indirect services, c) consultation, and d) documentation (PaTTAN, 2015; 2024), this model offers a path toward standardization by aligning with best practices and professional standards in both interpreting and special education (NAIE, 2019; 2021). If we want to uphold Deaf children’s civil rights, we must acknowledge that interpreters in schools are RSP under federal law. So when educators or administrators don’t get that, it’s more than a perception problem; it’s a policy problem. In this session, participants will “test out” the model using real-world examples. We will analyze realistic scenarios and explore how the model might be incorporated into program curricula, so graduates have a practical framework to guide them when interpreting in schools so they can more fully support Deaf students.
Educational Objectives:
1) Participants will be able to examine similarities and differences between processing models, practice models, and metaphors.
2) Participants will be able to use a scope of practice lens to analyze and categorize realistic interpreting scenarios based on four related service domains: a) direct services, b) indirect services, c) consultation, and d) documentation.
3) Participants will be able to explore how the Educational Interpreter Related Service Provider Scope of Practice Model may be incorporated into interpreting curriculum to provide students a functional service delivery model when working in schools.
Bio:
Whitney Weirick (pronounced WHY rick), PhD (she/her) is a certified interpreter, community college transfer student, parent, and partner. She has interpreted for students of every age and grade level from pre-K to PhD. As an independent researcher, coach and consultant, “Dr. Whitney” is focused on advancing educational equity for K-12 Deaf students through critical examinations of how educational leadership and policy interact to help or hinder the professionalization of ASL interpreting in schools. Her research explores interpreter supervision, coaching, and practice models that can disrupt the status quo and lead to transformational change. Dr. Whitney’s work is firmly rooted in respect for Deaf Communities in the United States and abroad. As a proud person of mixed ancestry (Irish/English/Scottish from Indiana & Indigenous/Mexican/Spanish from New Mexico), she seeks to welcome more linguistically and culturally diverse people into the interpreting profession to better represent the communities we serve.
RID CEUs Offered: .15