Description: In April 2023 The IRIS Project hosted the Rural Interpreter Panel facilitated by Dr. Naomi Sheneman, CDI. This facilitated panel discussion included four rural interpreters who have a wide variety of experiences working in community-based settings across the United States. The primary topic of discussion reflected upon each of the interpreter’s “why.” Why did they begin in this field in the first place and why do they continue to do this work? The goal of this panel was twofold: (1) to create an educational resource specifically focused on the experiences of rural interpreters and (2) to unpack benevolence and its unintended consequences.

Description: In March 2022 the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) hosted a town hall for its members, with a panel discussion and open Q&A. The panel was composed of four rural interpreters across the United States and moderated by Cheryl Thomas, NAD V, CI, CT, NIC Master, SC:L & BEI Court. The IRIS Project was represented by a panelist, involved in the development of its content, and provided event support and coordination. This is a public recording of that session.