Educational Interpreter Edge (0.10 PS CEUs) 1-hour

ASL-Only Presentation Workshop Description Interpreters interpret language—but they also support connection. Social moments like lunch tables, gym class, and group projects are where friendships form and identities take shape. Yet, these same spaces are where Deaf students often experience exclusion, frustration, and isolation. This workshop explores how emotional intelligence (EQ) can empower educational interpreters to recognize social barriers, model social cues, and foster direct engagement—while maintaining ethical neutrality per RID’s Code of Professional Conduct (CPC). Through discussions and real-world case studies, participants will explore how micro-expressions, disengagement, and social dynamics impact a Deaf student’s access to meaningful peer interactions. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to enhance their interpreting practice while ensuring cultural and linguistic accessibility for Deaf students. Educational Objectives by the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: - Identify common social barriers that Deaf students face in mainstream settings and explain their impact on communication and inclusion. -Apply emotional intelligence strategies to recognize and navigate micro-expressions, disengagement, and social exclusion within their interpreting practice. -Implement ethical, non-intrusive techniques for positioning, pacing, and fostering direct communication between Deaf and hearing peers while maintaining professional neutrality in accordance with RID’s CPC. Target Audience: Interpreters (all experience levels) Presented By: Sarah Wheeler, M.S., M.Ed., is the founder of Building Bridges Global LLC and The EQ Factor, where she combines 18+ years of interpreting expertise and emotional intelligence coaching to empower interpreters, educators, and the Deaf community. RID CEU Information Engagement Verification: Participants will complete a brief reflection and knowledge check at the end of the workshop to verify participa