27/04/2025
To close out the 2025 Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters, the "Charting the Course: 2025 & Forward" panel offered a powerful and insightful discussion between panelists Christa A. Moran, Scott Jeffery, Shawn Norris, and Sheryl Emery and moderator Corey Axelrod.
They tackled crucial topics impacting the Deaf community, from pressing law enforcement concerns and the ongoing challenges of securing qualified interpreters in schools, to vital strategies for achieving equitable language access. The panelists underscored that equity is the bedrock of effective service and explored the concerning trend of the ADA not being prioritized as it once was, along with the essential synergy between certified Deaf interpreters (CDIs) and hearing interpreters. A key takeaway was empowering the Deaf community to clearly articulate their communication needs and the necessity for interpreters to stay informed about varying state requirements and certification gaps, especially in critical areas like medical and mental health.
The conversation also shed light on the vulnerabilities within the Deaf experience and the increasing importance of state-level protections. Panelists addressed how interpretations of the law can sometimes fall short of its true intent. In the realm of education, the discussion highlighted the significant role of the Deaf community and the ethical responsibility of interpreting agencies to prioritize their needs. Inspiring calls to action were shared, encouraging state agencies to forge strong partnerships and embrace inclusive standards. Personal stories and advocacy efforts emphasized the urgent need for greater awareness and a fundamental shift in attitudes. The panel also reflected on the evolving dynamics within the interpreting field, stressing the value of relationship building, understanding socioeconomic factors, and actively working towards cultural humility and inclusivity.
And as Scott deftly raised, the Indigenous quote of “Nuts’a’maat” truly applies in the context of the Deaf and interpreting communities working together. The quote means “we are all one.” Everyone and everything are of value and has purpose. All living things are connected and are inherently entitled to dignity and respect. We all need to be thankful for and take care of all things, including each other.
All in all, the resounding message was one of collective responsibility and the need to collaborate, raise consistent awareness, and invest in building stronger connections to pave the way for genuine equity and language access for the Deaf community.
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Image Description: The image shows a multi-person video conference call with five participants displayed in separate frames. In the top left, Corey Axelrod, who uses he/him pronouns, is wearing glasses and a black polo shirt with a logo. To his right, Scott Jeffery, also using he/him pronouns and wearing glasses, is in a black button-down shirt. The middle left frame features Shawn Norris with a beard, wearing glasses, a gray blazer, and a patterned shirt. To his right, Christa Moran is wearing glasses and a dark top. In the bottom frame, Sheryl Emery, who appears to be actively signing, is wearing glasses and a light-colored sweater. All participants are indoors, with varying backgrounds visible in their respective frames.
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