You are invited to join a focus group examining how interpreting services could be improved in BC.
ASL Version: https://youtu.be/dHpEmfLlEyE
We are looking for people who:
Are deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind
Use sign language interpreters regularly
Are 18 years of age or older
What: You are invited to participate in one of two online focus groups. Of those who express interest, the researchers conducting the two focus groups will select up to 10 participants for each group; This will ensure as wide a range of experiences and perspectives as possible. The focus group will be an online private ZOOM meeting conducted in ASL.
When:
Monday March 13th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm (PDT)
OR
Wednesday March 15th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm (PDT)
About the Research Project:
WAVLI has provided funding for this pilot research project. The goal of this research is to find themes and systemic causes of both satisfaction and discontent with the current quality of interpreting services and experiences of working as an interpreter in BC.
We are holding separate focus groups with: Deaf community members, interpreters, and those who hire interpreters. By understanding all perspectives, we hope to better understand the challenges and opportunities in the current interpreting systems in British Columbia. You could be a part of this important preliminary work!
Research Team: WAVLI has hired a team of researchers, Dr. Debra Russell and Dr. Joe McLaughlin; one Deaf and one hearing interpreter. Both are experienced researchers and have links to the Deaf and hard of hearing communities and sign language interpreters, and are fluent in ASL.
About Focus Groups:
Dr. Debra Russell and Dr. Joe McLaughlin will be hosting 5 separate focus groups, which include: 2 interpreter groups, 2 deaf groups, and 1 employer group. The focus group will be held in a private ZOOM meeting. There will be a minimum of 5 people, and a maximum of 10 per group. See the attached “Information letter and Consent” document.
Honorariums: Each selected focus group participant will be given a $50.00 honorarium, in recognition of their time and knowledge.
How to Join: If you want to attend a focus group or have any questions, please contact Dr. Debra Russell and Dr. Joe McLaughlin at: debrarussell2022@gmail.com and joe5mclaughlin@gmail.com
Deadline to respond: Tuesday March 7th, 2023.
