Presented at the 2025 Summit

Visualisation & Sensibility

0.3 CEUs, PS

In this foundational session, Nigel Howard explores the art of rendering spoken English concepts into clear, accessible, and culturally appropriate ASL interpretations. Interpreters are often presented with phrases like “take twice a day,” which, when interpreted literally, may not convey the intended meaning to a Deaf audience. Instead, interpreters must rely on visual-spatial language and conceptual accuracy—shifting from direct word-for-word interpretations to meaningful, context-driven representations. This session will examine why visualization and sensibility are critical in interpretation, particularly in medical, instructional, and high-context settings, and how interpreters can make intentional language choices that truly support understanding.

Workshop Curriculum

  1. 1

    • Welcome

    • Workshop Handout
  2. 2

    • Workshop

    • Quiz

Reviews from The Summit

Average Rating

4.8/5.0The activity provided opportunities to develop skill and/or awareness.

4.7/5.0The learning materials used were effective and complimented the goals of the activity.

4.8/5.0This activity will contribute to my professional growth.

4.9/5.0The instructor interacted with the participants in a professional manner.

  • Summit Attendee

    Nigel is amazing. He creates a safe, supportive space in every workshop and breakout room. I always feel comfortable practicing, asking questions, and having open discussions. His approach makes the learning experience both encouraging and confidence-building.

  • Summit Attendee

    Excellent workshop. The information really helped me rethink how I process what I hear and how I express it visually on my hands. It pushed me to be more intentional and aware of my choices, and I left with techniques I can apply immediately.

  • Summit Attendee

    This was a great workshop. It encouraged meaningful collaboration and allowed us to explore concepts from multiple perspectives. The environment felt safe and welcoming, making it easy to experiment and learn. Nigel led the entire session with such a strong, positive example.

Meet Your Presenter

CDI

Nigel Howard

Nigel Howard is adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia in the Department of Linguistics. It is the same at the University of Victoria. At Douglas College, he works in the Program of Sign Language Interpretation (INTR), and Child, Family and Community Studies (CFCS). Nigel has been an interpreter for around 25 years in various setting such as medical, mental health, legal, theatre, community and conference/workshop settings locally, nationally and internationally. He is an Accredited International Sign Interpreter by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI). He is part of the United Nations team of International Sign interpreters Nigel provides workshops, trainings and presentations for both Deaf and interpreter communities around the world ranging, for example, from Interpreting in Medical Settings to Deaf Interpreter training to Deafhood: Global Diversity in Deaf Culture, and Enculturation & Acculturation: Deaf and Hearing Worlds/Spaces. He also does interpretation on media. One cool thing is commuting by the seaplane between Vancouver and Victoria for work.
TerpAcademy is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This Professional Studies program is offered for 0.3 CEU's at the ‘Little/None’ Content Knowledge Level. TerpAcademy promotes an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or any other protected class.