#SignProfConf2025
#SignProfConf2025 Schedule
EST 4am
GMT 9am
CET 10am
AWST/SST 5pm
All timings are based on GMT London/Dublin Time
Day 1 : 28th June 2025
9:00 AM - 9:25 AM
Conference Opening (Stephen Ellis-Menton)
Join us for an inspiring start to The Together Conference - Blurred Boundaries - Sharpening Perspectives. The Opening Session marks the commencement of this year's event, setting the tone for two days of collaboration, learning, and connection as we kick off the conference with a sense of togetherness, bringing together a diverse range of professionals in sign language interpreting and translation.
Announcement – ‘Getting the Most Out of Your Conference Experience’
Join us for a quick 10-minute walkthrough on how to maximise your experience at The Together Conference 2025. Learn how to navigate The Hub, utilise two devices for seamless access, find resources, and connect with colleagues. We’ll also cover how to make the most of the chat features to enhance your interactions. This session ensures you’re equipped to dive into everything the conference has to offer!
9:25 AM - 10:25 AM
Keynote Speech – ‘Unified Interpreting: Enhancing Collaboration Between Deaf and Hearing Professionals’ (Dr. Kounghee Koh)
Effective teamwork between Deaf and hearing sign language interpreters is vital for providing high-quality interpreting services. This session delves into the dynamics of this collaborative relationship, exploring how shared expertise and mutual respect can enhance the interpreting process. By examining the strengths and challenges of Deaf-hearing interpreter teams, the session highlights the importance of building trust, fostering communication, and understanding the unique perspectives each interpreter brings to the partnership.
Through case studies and lived experiences, Dr. Koh will share insights into how Deaf and hearing interpreters navigate their roles, manage power dynamics, and create a cohesive working relationship. Discussions will also explore strategies for addressing potential challenges, such as role clarity, communication barriers, and cultural differences, while celebrating the benefits of collaborative interpreting in diverse settings.
Delegates will leave with a deeper understanding of how to cultivate strong, respectful, and effective partnerships between Deaf and hearing interpreters, ensuring that their combined efforts lead to more accessible and inclusive experiences for all.
10:25 AM - 10:35 AM
Break
Take a moment to recharge! Grab a coffee, connect with fellow attendees in The Hub, or explore our sponsor listings to discover exciting resources and services. Use this time to reflect on the sessions so far and prepare for the next round of thought-provoking discussions.
10:35 AM - 11:25 AM
‘Navigating Change: Personal Transformation and Professional Identity in Interpreting’ (Catherine King)
The interpreting profession often requires practitioners to embody roles of stability and accessibility, providing vital connections for the communities they serve. However, the inevitability of personal change—whether through health challenges, career transitions, or evolving identities—can significantly reshape how interpreters perceive and perform their roles.
This presentation examines the intersection of professional identity and personal transformation, exploring how change impacts interpreters' understanding of themselves and their work. Drawing on insights from academic research and professional practice, the session will address the challenges of reconciling evolving personal circumstances with long-held professional roles. It will delve into themes of identity, intersectionality, and resilience, particularly in contexts where interpreters may find themselves shifting from providers of access to individuals with access needs of their own.
Through an exploration of these dynamics, this session will highlight strategies for navigating transitions in identity and practice. It will consider how interpreters can adapt to changing circumstances, maintain professional integrity, and reframe their work in ways that honour both their own needs and those of the communities they serve. The presentation will provide a framework for understanding change as a catalyst for growth and evolution within the interpreting profession.
11:25 AM - 11:35 AM
Break
Time for a quick reset! Stretch your legs, and take a moment to connect with others in The Hub. Explore the sponsor listings or share your thoughts on social media using #SignProfConf2025. Let’s get ready for the next round of inspiration
11:35 AM - 12:05 PM
Snapshot Session ‘Working Between Worlds: Negotiating Cultures’ (Brett Best)
Relocating to a different country as a sign language interpreter brings unique challenges and opportunities. Interpreters must navigate the complex interplay between their native cultural and linguistic norms and those of their new environment, balancing the needs of the Deaf community, hearing clients, and professional colleagues. This session reflects on the intricacies of interpreting across cultural and linguistic divides while adapting to a new country’s societal expectations and norms.
Through the lens of lived experience, the presenter explores the practical and emotional challenges of negotiating competing cultural and linguistic needs. Topics include adapting to unfamiliar sign language structures and idiomatic expressions, navigating professional protocols and expectations, and building trust within local Deaf and interpreting communities. The session will also address strategies for maintaining one’s professional identity and authenticity while embracing the nuances of a new culture.
Attendees will gain insight into the value of cultural humility and flexibility in interpreting practice and learn practical approaches to bridge cultural divides. This session aims to inspire interpreters to approach cross-cultural work with empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering mutual respect between communities.
12:05 PM - 12:10 PM
Competition Announcement
Stay tuned! During this announcement, we’ll reveal the exciting Day 1 Competition! Find out what’s in store, how to participate, and the amazing prize awaiting the winner. Don’t miss this chance to get involved - details will be shared exclusively during this session!
12:10 PM - 12:50 PM
Lunch
Enjoy your lunch break! Explore networking opportunities with colleagues in The Hub, check out sponsor offerings, or simply relax and refresh. Don’t forget to share your insights so far using #SignProfConf2025 on social media!
12:50 PM - 1:20 PM
Panel Discussion – ‘Safe Transitions: Exploring New Interpreting Domains as a Trainee Professional with Confidence and Integrity’ – (Guided conversation: Stephen Ellis-Menton, Emily Duller, Katie Love)
Transitioning into new domains, such as legal, medical, or remote interpreting, can be both exciting and daunting for trainee sign language interpreters. This session focuses on how interpreters can expand their professional horizons safely and ethically, ensuring they stay within the boundaries set by regulatory bodies while building confidence and competence in new specialisations.
The presentation will cover practical strategies for identifying transferable skills and recognising domain-specific gaps in knowledge. It will also highlight the importance of seeking mentorship or supervision to navigate unfamiliar territory, offering insights into how guidance from experienced professionals can provide a safety net during this transitional period. Attendees will learn about tools and resources to support ethical practice, helping them uphold professional standards as they explore new areas of work.
The session will further encourage reflection on the value of adhering to professional boundaries, emphasising how this approach not only enhances trust and reputation but also contributes to long-term credibility and success. By equipping participants with the knowledge and mindset to approach new domains responsibly, this session aims to inspire interpreters to embrace growth opportunities while maintaining professional integrity.
1:20 PM - 1:30 PM
Break
Stretch, hydrate, and take some time to process today’s amazing sessions. This is also a great opportunity to connect with other attendees or visit the interactive features of The Hub. Ready for more inspiration? We’ll be back shortly!
1:30 PM - 2:20 PM
‘Crisis Communication and Visibility: The Pandemic's Impact on Sign Language Interpreters’ (Christopher Stone and Nicolas Hanquet)
The COVID-19 pandemic elevated sign language interpreters to global prominence, placing them at the forefront of public health communication. This session delves into the experiences of Deaf and hearing interpreters during this unprecedented time, examining how they navigated heightened visibility, media scrutiny, and blurred professional boundaries.
Drawing on interviews conducted across diverse linguistic and cultural contexts, the research identifies four themes: professional background, public attention, autonomy, and feedback. From adapting to the unique pressures of crisis communication to managing recognition, criticism, and ethical dilemmas, the session offers a candid exploration of interpreters’ strategies for maintaining professionalism and community trust.
Preliminary findings provide insights into the evolving role of interpreters in high-stakes contexts, informing discussions on interpreting ethics, professional standards, and support mechanisms. This session invites attendees to reflect on the lessons learned and their implications for interpreter training and practice in future crises.
2:20 PM - 2:30 PM
Break
Take a breather before we continue with more incredible sessions. Reflect on the highlights, connect with others, or review your notes.
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Snapshot Session ‘AI-Captioning: A Digital Bridge for Sign Language Interpreters’ (Laura Lesmana Wijaya and Ailing Xiao)
Deaf interpreters have traditionally depended on feed interpreters or human captions to facilitate their work, particularly in the context of International Sign. However, these methods are not always reliable or readily available. In response, deaf interpreters and second-language English users have begun exploring the use of AI-generated captions as an alternative, providing a new foundation for interpretation beyond traditional feeds.
This session will explore the barriers to fully utilising AI captions and highlight their future potential with proposed corrective actions. Real-life examples and a focused case study will illustrate the practical applications of AI captioning in interpreting. The session will analyse the advantages of AI-generated captions, including features such as auto-correct, speaker recognition and personalisation options (e.g., text size, background colour), as well as their integration with remote platforms like Zoom and MS Teams.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. AI captions often struggle with recognising emotions, identifying multiple speakers, handling diverse accents and managing technical jargon or industry-specific terminology. This session will examine these limitations and propose potential solutions, such as enhancing multilingual auto-detection, improving the handling of fragmented dialogue, and incorporating features like emotional context recognition and specialised vocabulary management.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how AI captioning is already being used to support the work of professional deaf and hearing interpreters, as well as non-native English-speaking interpreters. Unlike traditional accessibility captions, this innovative application enhances interpreting performance and expands opportunities for deaf professionals. The session will conclude with a discussion on the need for continued improvements in accuracy, personalisation and multilingual functionality, underscoring the role of AI captioning in both interpreting and accessibility.
3:00 PM - 3:05 PM
Announcement – Explore the HUB
In this session, we’ll highlight some key features designed to enhance your experience. Learn how to connect with colleagues, explore sponsor listings, and access valuable resources.
Plus, we’ll reveal a unique feature that makes The Hub an essential part of The Together Conference 2025!
3:05 PM - 3:55 PM
‘Blurring Boundaries: Rethinking Ethics in the On-Demand Interpreting Space’ (James Bailey: Danielle Vicary & Marsanne Neethling)
The rapid expansion of online interpreting, catalysed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has revolutionised the profession, enabling immediate access to interpreters worldwide. However, this digital transformation has also raised pressing questions about ethics, professionalism, and the adequacy of existing Codes of Conduct in addressing the unique challenges of on-demand interpreting.
This session presents findings from a 2024 global survey of sign language interpreters, with a focus on perspectives from Australia, South Africa, and the UK, alongside contributions from other regions. The research highlights interpreters’ perceptions of current ethical guidelines and their relevance to the realities of online work, providing a comprehensive examination of how the digital context reshapes our understanding and application of professional standards.
The session will explore whether professional standards meet the needs of interpreters in online settings, identify gaps in ethical guidance, and evaluate the impact of remote interpreting on professional conduct. Recommendations for updating Codes of Conduct will be discussed, ensuring they reflect the complexities of digital interpreting. Examples of best practices from global interpreting communities will further illustrate how ethical challenges can be addressed.
Attendees will leave with actionable insights to navigate the ethical dilemmas of online interpreting, as well as strategies for adapting training programmes and service provider practices to maintain high professional standards in this evolving field.
3:55 PM - 4:00 PM
Plenary and Goodbye (Stephen Ellis-Menton)
As the first day of The Together Conference 2025 comes to an end, join us to reflect on the day’s inspiring sessions, key insights, and takeaways. Together, we’ll celebrate the incredible contributions from presenters and attendees alike, setting the stage for another day of learning and collaboration.
Day 2 : 29th June 2025
9:00 AM - 9:05 AM
Welcome and Introduction (Stephen Ellis-Menton)
Welcome to Day 2 of The Together Conference 2025!
Kick off the second day with us as we set the tone for another inspiring day of learning, connection, and collaboration. We’ll recap highlights from Day 1, share key moments to look forward to, and energise you for the exciting sessions ahead.
Let’s continue exploring Blurred Boundaries: Sharpening Perspectives together!
9:05 AM - 10:05 AM
Keynote Presentation ‘Beyond the Cup of Tea: Navigating Professional Boundaries in Interpreting’ (Dr Hattie Bowden-Howl)
This session invites sign language interpreters to reflect deeply on a seemingly simple question: should you accept that cup of tea? Through this lens, we will explore how professional boundaries may be shaped, maintained, or blurred in the context of interpreting. The decision to accept or decline such an offer can carry implications far beyond the surface, influenced by factors such as the interpreter's role, cultural norms, and the dynamics of the interaction.
Key themes include the desire to be part of a team or social group as a lone worker, the evolving definition of professionalism, and the importance of building rapport. The session will also delve into the human need for connection, considering psychological concepts like transference and countertransference, alongside respect for cultural customs and the needs of elderly clients.
Using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, we will reflect on the broader context of interpreters working within complex and often under-resourced systems. The discussion will challenge participants to consider whether their role as an interpreter inherently involves more than simply facilitating communication. Are interpreters information holders, sharers, or even guides to accessing other systems? Where do personal values intersect with professional boundaries, and how do these intersections impact the interpreter’s wellbeing and career sustainability?
This session will encourage interpreters to critically evaluate their actions and decisions, recognising that even the smallest choices influence their own and their clients’ boundaries. The session culminates in the thought-provoking question: “So, would you accept a cup of tea?”
10:05 AM - 10:50 AM
‘Building Trust in the Team: Enhancing Collaboration Among Interpreters’ (Dr Kirri Dangerfield)
Interpreters are experts in facilitating communication between individuals who do not share the same language. However, within interpreting teams, effective communication and mutual support can sometimes be lacking. How can interpreters balance their roles as language professionals while fostering trust and collaboration with their colleagues?
This session draws on PhD research examining interactions between interpreting teams during semi-scripted mediation assignments. Using nine case studies, it explores the types of support interpreters provide and receive and highlights the critical role of trust and communication in ensuring successful team interpreting.
Through a sociological lens, this session examines the dynamics of team interpreting and considers how interpreting teams are perceived by those they serve. It introduces the concept of "swift trust" and its significance in building effective team relationships, as well as practical strategies for improving communication and aligning work practices. The findings also reveal the importance of cognitive availability in enabling interpreters to support and collaborate effectively during assignments.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into enhancing teamwork, improving collaboration, and fostering trust in a range of interpreting contexts. This session offers practical recommendations for interpreters to reflect on their own practices and refine their approaches, ultimately leading to stronger and more effective team dynamics.
10:50 AM - 10:55 AM
Day 2 Competition Announcement
Get ready! Today’s competition will be unveiled in this session. Join us to discover the challenge, how to enter, and what’s up for grabs for the winner. Be part of the fun and engage with the conference community—don’t miss out!
10:55 AM - 11:05 AM
Break
Take a Moment to Recharge!
Enjoy a quick break to grab a coffee, stretch your legs, or connect with colleagues in The Hub. Use this time to reflect on the morning's sessions and prepare for what’s coming next. Don’t forget to check out our sponsors' listings for resources and opportunities!
11:05 AM - 11:50 AM
‘Supporting Registrants in Understanding, Managing, and Maintaining Professional Boundaries in Line with the Code of Conduct’ (Tori Raw)
In this session, we will explore the essential role of professional organisations in supporting interpreters and translators to understand, manage, and maintain professional boundaries in alignment with established Codes of Conduct. The discussion will focus on strategies for navigating the complex relationship between personal and professional boundaries, and how to handle ethical dilemmas that may arise in practice.
Drawing on best practice guidance from professional associations and relevant research, this session will provide valuable insights into the concept of moral injury—the psychological impact of situations or actions that conflict with one’s moral beliefs—and how it can affect professional practice. We will also explore practical methods for preventing and addressing moral injury, ensuring that interpreters and translators can maintain their well-being and ethical standards in the workplace.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to uphold ethical practices, strengthen professional integrity, and avoid the confusion that can arise when boundaries between personal values and professional responsibilities are blurred. This session aims to foster reflective practice, providing tools and techniques to navigate these challenges effectively and ethically.
11:50 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch
Enjoy your lunch break! Explore networking opportunities with colleagues in The Hub, check out sponsor offerings, or simply relax and refresh. Don’t forget to share your insights so far using #SignProfConf2025 on social media!
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Panel Discussion ‘From Users to Professionals: Navigating Dual Perspectives in Deaf Interpretation & Translation’ (Louise Harte, Elizabeth Bojas, and Ayesha Gavin)
The journey from Deaf service user to registered professional is one of unique complexity and insight, particularly within the Deaf community. This panel discussion brings together three Deaf sign language interpreters and translators to share their personal and professional reflections on this profound transition. They will explore how their lived experiences inform their practice, challenge traditional professional boundaries, and redefine the dynamics of working alongside hearing colleagues. Through this candid dialogue, we’ll uncover how their dual perspectives—shaped by both their prior reliance on interpreting or translation services and their current role as language professionals, offering a unique lens on ethical decision-making, cultural advocacy and professional growth. Audience members will gain valuable insight into the evolving role of Deaf interpreters and translators in enhancing inclusivity and equity within professional spaces. This session is an unmissable opportunity to deepen understanding of the richness and complexity that Deaf professionals bring to the field of interpreting and translation.
1:30 PM - 2:20 PM
‘Why We Should See Colour: Exploring the Lived Experiences of BSL Interpreters of Colour’ (Selina Jacques-King)
Research into the experiences of British Sign Language Interpreters of Colour (BSLIOC) has been minimal, leaving a significant gap in understanding the intersectional challenges they face within a profession that is predominantly White and female. This session presents findings from a study aimed at shedding light on the lived experiences of BSLIOC in the UK, using Intersectionality and Critical Race Theory frameworks to explore issues of identity, inclusion, and professional belonging.
Through data collected via questionnaires, focus groups, and interviews, the research highlights the barriers, opportunities, and experiences that BSLIOC encounter in their careers. This exploration also considers the importance of allyship, both within the Deaf community and the interpreting profession itself. The session will discuss strategies for supporting and retaining BSLIOC and for encouraging a more diverse pipeline into the profession, ensuring it better reflects the communities it serves.
This session aims to open a crucial conversation about diversity, equity, and representation within British Sign Language interpreting, encouraging both current professionals and prospective interpreters to engage in making the field more inclusive.
2:20 PM - 2:30 PM
Break
Stretch, Reset, and Reflect!
Take some time to process the incredible sessions you’ve attended so far. This is a great chance to connect with others in The Hub, explore sponsor offerings, or simply relax before diving into the rest of the day’s inspiring programme.
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Snapshot Session ‘Faith, Language, and Inclusion: Interpreting Arabic-English Code-Switching in Auslan’ (Rebecca Cramp)
Since 2019, the Sydney Muslim Deaf community has accessed Auslan-English interpreter-mediated Islamic teachings at two mosques, where spoken English and Arabic texts are regularly interwoven. This session examines the challenges faced by Auslan-English interpreters working across three languages in this context, drawing on six publicly available videos of interpreted teachings by Sunni and Shia Sheikhs.
Through an analysis of Arabic-English code-switching, this presentation explores the interpreters’ strategies for maintaining linguistic, cultural, and theological integrity in their work. It considers how the structure and motivations behind code-switches in the source texts were preserved—or adapted—in the Auslan interpretations, offering a rare look into tri-lingual and multimodal practices in religious settings.
While interpreting in Christian contexts has been studied extensively, this research contributes to the underexplored field of interpreting in non-Christian religious domains, broadening the understanding of how interpreters navigate the intersections of language, faith, and culture. Attendees will gain insights into the nuanced decision-making processes that underpin this work and the strategies interpreters use to foster inclusion, accessibility, and understanding in diverse faith communities.
3:00 PM - 3:10 PM
Announcement – Making the Most of Your CPD
In this short announcement, we’ll share some strategies for how to effectively log and reflect on your learning from The Together Conference 2025. Discover practical tips for keeping your CPD records, maximising additional reading, and using your reflections to enhance your professional development.
Make every session count and ensure you get the most from your CPD!
3:10 PM -3:57 PM
‘Blurry Boundaries & Fuzzy problems: Concerns for late-career contribution and CPD’ (Dr Robyn Dean)
Interpreting can be characterised as a low-agency profession, where practitioners have limited influence within the jurisdictions they work in and receive little recognition for their successes or failures. Many interpreters thrive in this behind-the-scenes role, but as they progress through their careers, especially into the late stage of "reinventive contribution" (O’Neil & Bilimoria, 2005), this low-agency reality can pose challenges.
In this session, we will examine the intersection of low-agency roles and the developmental needs of late-career interpreters, focusing on the hurdles they face when reviewing their career contributions and seeking professional growth. Traditional CPD offerings are often formative, targeting the needs of early and mid-career professionals, leaving late-career interpreters without the necessary support to address their unique circumstances.
Drawing on transformational learning theory (Mezirow, 2004) and job crafting (Wrzesniewski et al., 2013), this presentation will explore strategies that late-career interpreters can use to reframe their contributions, reconsider their career timeline and seek more meaningful opportunities for growth in the latter stages of their careers.
3:57 PM - 4:00 PM
Conference Closing
As we bring The Together Conference 2025 to a close, join us to celebrate the connections made, knowledge shared, and insights gained over the past two days. This final session will reflect on the journey we’ve taken together and acknowledge everyone who made the conference possible. We’ll share exciting updates about next year’s conference and how you can stay connected with this growing community.
