Workshop Descriptions
Role Space for Interpreters
Presented by Dr. Carol Tipton, Ed.D., CSC, CI & CT
10:00 AM–12:00 PM | 0.2 RID Professional Studies CEUs
The target audience for this workshop: Community interpreters and other interested individuals
This workshop introduces the concept of Role Space, a different perspective for understanding the interpreter's presence within interpreted interactions. Rather than viewing interpreters as separate from the interaction, Role Space recognizes that interpreters are part of every interpreted encounter and inevitably influence what occurs between participants.
Traditional interpretations of professional codes of ethics and conduct have sometimes limited the development of natural and effective relationships among consumers and interpreters. Role Space challenges some long-standing assumptions about interpreter neutrality and examines how interpreters can make thoughtful professional decisions that contribute to more natural, effective, and successful interactions.
Participants will explore how this framework can shed light on ineffective approaches from the past while offering new ways to understand interpreter behavior, relationships, and decision-making. The workshop will also examine how Role Space can be applied across a variety of interpreting settings.
As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to:
1. Define Role Space
2. Identify the three attributes of Role Space
3. Describe how the three attributes interact
4. Apply the model to various settings
5. Describe how role space is affected by technology
6. Apply the model to personal experience
Teleology and Ethical Decision-Making in Interpreting
Presented by Dr. Heather Turell, Ph.D., NIC, EIPA
1:00–4:00 PM | 0.3 RID Professional Studies CEUs
The target audience for this workshop: Working and Student interpreters
This workshop explores ethical decision-making in signed language interpreting through a teleological, or outcomes-based, framework.
Participants will examine the limitations of relying exclusively on rule-based, or deontological, approaches to ethical decision-making and will engage with real-world scenarios designed to develop more nuanced and context-responsive ethical reasoning.
Grounded in ethical principles including beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and autonomy, the session challenges interpreters to move beyond simply concluding that ethical decisions “depend on the situation.” Instead, participants will learn to identify and analyze the specific factors that shape effective, responsible, and accountable professional decisions.
Through discussion and applied examples, attendees will develop strategies for navigating complex interpreting situations while maintaining accountability to all participants in the interaction.
At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
1. Differentiate between deontological (rule-based) and teleological (outcomes-based) approaches to ethical
decision-making in signed language interpreting.
2. Describe how the ethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and autonomy inform
interpreter decision-making across a variety of practice settings.
3. Analyze interpreting scenarios by identifying competing ethical considerations, stakeholder perspectives,
and potential consequences of multiple courses of action.
4. Evaluate ethical decisions using a teleological framework while considering the interpreter's professional
responsibilities and the potential impact on all participants in the interaction.
5. Develop a structured decision-making process that integrates ethical principles, contextual factors, and
anticipated outcomes to support accountable interpreting practice.
Presenter Bios
Dr. Carol Tipton
Ed.D., CSC, CI & CT
Dr. Carol Tipton, Ed.D., CSC, CI & CT, has been a leader in interpreter education and professional development for more than 40 years. She earned her M.A. and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degrees from New York University, where she also coordinated the National Interpreter Training Consortium. Dr. Tipton taught continuing education courses for interpreters at Gallaudet University from 1978–2022 and served as a faculty member in the Interpreter Training Program at the Community College of Baltimore County–Catonsville from 1988–2024, where she is now Professor Emeritus.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Tipton has held numerous leadership roles within the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), including chairing the committee that developed the RID Code of Ethics, serving on the Blueprint Committee that created the first generalist written certification examination, and contributing to the RID Professional Standards Committee, NAD-RID Certification Council, and RID Conference Program Committee. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the profession, she received the RID Distinguished Service Award in 2011.
Dr. Tipton currently serves as a Local Test Administrator for CASLI and previously served as the Certification Maintenance Program Coordinator for the Potomac Chapter of RID. She continues to present nationally on interpreter education, ethics, and professional practice, bringing decades of experience and insight to interpreters across the country.
Dr. Heather Turell
Ph.D., NIC, EIPA
Dr. Heather Turell, Ph.D., NIC, EIPA, is the Chief Operating Officer of Joyful Signing, LLC, and a nationally certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter with more than 17 years of experience in interpreting, interpreter education, and organizational leadership. She earned her Ph.D. in Interpretation and Translation Research and Pedagogy from Gallaudet University, where her research explored cognitive styles and evidence-based approaches to interpreter education.
Dr. Turell has taught at Gallaudet University and Frederick Community College and presents nationally on interpreter education, ethics, mentoring, technology, and professional practice. Her work focuses on translating research into practical teaching strategies that strengthen interpreter skill development, ethical decision-making, and lifelong professional growth. She is passionate about equipping interpreters with evidence-based tools that enhance both their skills and the quality of services provided to Deaf communities.
Accessibility & Accommodations
The Holiday Inn Martinsburg is an accessible facility.
DREAMWAVE is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all participants. In-person workshop information and registration materials are intended to follow applicable Section 508 accessibility guidelines.
To request a reasonable accommodation or discuss accessibility needs, contact below.
Please submit accommodation requests as early as possible so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Non-Discrimination & Learning Environment
These workshops will be conducted in a non-discriminatory, respectful learning environment. DREAMWAVE and its continuing education partners are committed to minimizing bias, promoting mutual respect, and supporting meaningful participation among all attendees.
Participants are expected to contribute to a professional learning environment that respects differing perspectives, experiences, identities, and approaches to interpreting practice.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received at least 48 hours before the event to be eligible for a refund.
Cancellations received less than 48 hours before the event are non-refundable.
For questions regarding registration or cancellations, please contact:
Linda Brown, DREAMWAVE Interpreter Coordinator
lindabrown@dreamwaveadvocates.org