Nigel Howard

Summit Presenter

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.

Peter Cook

Summit Presenter

Peter S. Cook is an internationally reputed Deaf performing artist whose works incorporates American Sign Language, pantomime, storytelling, acting, and movement. He has traveled extensively around the country and aboard with Flying Words Project to promote ASL Literature with Kenny Lerner since 1986. Peter has appeared in Live from Off Center’s “Words on Mouth” (PBS) and “United States of Poetry” (PBS) produced by Emmy winner Bob Holman. Peter was featured at the National Storytelling festival in Jonesborough, Tenn., and the Tales of Graz in Graz, Austria, The Deaf Way II and the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Peter has worked with Deaf storytellers/poets in Europe, Brazil, Israel and Japan. Peter was invited to the White House to join the National Book Festival in 2003. He also involved in numerous film projects including the ITV’s Signed Stories. Peter lives in Chicago and is the Chair of the ASL Department at Columbia College Chicago. He received the 1997 Excellence in Teaching award as well as one of the finalists for 2018 Excellence in Teaching award.

Patrick Fischer

Summit Presenter

Patrick “Mr. Shineyhead” Fischer, CDI, ASLTA Master, is from several generations of fine artists and performers from Germany and has extensive experience in all things related to theatre and art. Patrick has been involved in a variety of artistic positions (artist, performer, director, producer, teacher, Director of Artistic Sign Language, and consultant) as well as participation in a variety of performances (storytelling, acting, and comedy) internationally. Patrick launched his business in 2005 as a way to provide services to those who want to learn more about theatre through deaf eyes. When not "working" in theatre he taught American Sign Language and deaf studies/deaf history, and currently is a certified ASLTA Master instructor. He has taught under the Sign Language Studies Program and Sign Language Interpretation Program in Portland, Oregon. Also, Patrick is a Deaf Language Model in Alaska. Patrick has his Graphic Design degree, and he is also an awarded professional artist and co-owner/marketing designer of the firm, Expert Business Support, Inc.

Crom Saunders

Summit Presenter

Crom Saunders grew up in Northern California, and graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a M.A. in Creative Writing. In addition to several appearances in full productions, improv events, The Encyclopedia Show, and performing with the ASL Comedy Tour circuit, Crom has his own one-man show, “Cromania!”, which tours internationally. Crom also has interpreted dozens of plays, from children’s theatre to musicals, including at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and has taught dozens of ASL linguistics and theatrical workshops across the nation. He currently teaches as Associate Professor and acts as Director of Deaf Studies at the ASL Department Columbia College, Chicago.

Christopher Rawlings

Summit Presenter

Originally from Michigan, Christopher Rawlings was born Deaf. He attended the Wisconsin School for the Deaf, Rochester Institute of Technology, and is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor's degree in ASL studies. Christopher is currently working at the Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Outreach as a Sign Communication Specialist. Christopher is an active participant within the Deaf community in Wisconsin, as well known throughout different countries through his vlog titled “LISTEN.” The vlog is to encourage people to advocate for human rights. He also performs stand-up comedy, skits, and improvisation throughout the community. Christopher’s main goal is to make people laugh and feel good about themselves. During Christopher’s spare time he loves spending time with his wife, 2 daughters, and son. Watch out, Christopher is currently living in Wisconsin, but means he is still a Detroit Lion’s fan! Hope you are ready to ROAR through his ASL workshop and storytelling!

Robyn Dean

Summit Presenter

Robyn K. Dean, CI/CT, PhD: Robyn has been a nationally certified signed language interpreter for over twenty-five years with particular service in the field of healthcare. Her scholarship in decision-making and ethics in community interpreting is recognized internationally. Robyn has over twenty publications, all of which focus on the theoretical and pedagogical frameworks used to advance the practice of community interpreters. She is currently an Assistant Professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she is the lead instructor on the institute’s postgraduate degree in healthcare interpretation. Robyn also consults on postgraduate degrees for signed language interpreters in Europe.

Nigel Howard

Summit Presenter

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.

Peter Cook

Summit Presenter

Peter S. Cook is an internationally reputed Deaf performing artist whose works incorporates American Sign Language, pantomime, storytelling, acting, and movement. He has traveled extensively around the country and aboard with Flying Words Project to promote ASL Literature with Kenny Lerner since 1986. Peter has appeared in Live from Off Center’s “Words on Mouth” (PBS) and “United States of Poetry” (PBS) produced by Emmy winner Bob Holman. Peter was featured at the National Storytelling festival in Jonesborough, Tenn., and the Tales of Graz in Graz, Austria, The Deaf Way II and the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Peter has worked with Deaf storytellers/poets in Europe, Brazil, Israel and Japan. Peter was invited to the White House to join the National Book Festival in 2003. He also involved in numerous film projects including the ITV’s Signed Stories. Peter lives in Chicago and is the Chair of the ASL Department at Columbia College Chicago. He received the 1997 Excellence in Teaching award as well as one of the finalists for 2018 Excellence in Teaching award.

Nigel Howard

Summit Presenter

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.

Peter Cook

Summit Presenter

Peter S. Cook is an internationally reputed Deaf performing artist whose works incorporates American Sign Language, pantomime, storytelling, acting, and movement. He has traveled extensively around the country and aboard with Flying Words Project to promote ASL Literature with Kenny Lerner since 1986. Peter has appeared in Live from Off Center’s “Words on Mouth” (PBS) and “United States of Poetry” (PBS) produced by Emmy winner Bob Holman. Peter was featured at the National Storytelling festival in Jonesborough, Tenn., and the Tales of Graz in Graz, Austria, The Deaf Way II and the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Peter has worked with Deaf storytellers/poets in Europe, Brazil, Israel and Japan. Peter was invited to the White House to join the National Book Festival in 2003. He also involved in numerous film projects including the ITV’s Signed Stories. Peter lives in Chicago and is the Chair of the ASL Department at Columbia College Chicago. He received the 1997 Excellence in Teaching award as well as one of the finalists for 2018 Excellence in Teaching award.

Nigel Howard

Summit Presenter

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.

Peter Cook

Summit Presenter

Peter S. Cook is an internationally reputed Deaf performing artist whose works incorporates American Sign Language, pantomime, storytelling, acting, and movement. He has traveled extensively around the country and aboard with Flying Words Project to promote ASL Literature with Kenny Lerner since 1986. Peter has appeared in Live from Off Center’s “Words on Mouth” (PBS) and “United States of Poetry” (PBS) produced by Emmy winner Bob Holman. Peter was featured at the National Storytelling festival in Jonesborough, Tenn., and the Tales of Graz in Graz, Austria, The Deaf Way II and the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Peter has worked with Deaf storytellers/poets in Europe, Brazil, Israel and Japan. Peter was invited to the White House to join the National Book Festival in 2003. He also involved in numerous film projects including the ITV’s Signed Stories. Peter lives in Chicago and is the Chair of the ASL Department at Columbia College Chicago. He received the 1997 Excellence in Teaching award as well as one of the finalists for 2018 Excellence in Teaching award.

Peter Cook

Summit Presenter

Peter S. Cook is an internationally reputed Deaf performing artist whose works incorporates American Sign Language, pantomime, storytelling, acting, and movement. He has traveled extensively around the country and aboard with Flying Words Project to promote ASL Literature with Kenny Lerner since 1986. Peter has appeared in Live from Off Center’s “Words on Mouth” (PBS) and “United States of Poetry” (PBS) produced by Emmy winner Bob Holman. Peter was featured at the National Storytelling festival in Jonesborough, Tenn., and the Tales of Graz in Graz, Austria, The Deaf Way II and the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Peter has worked with Deaf storytellers/poets in Europe, Brazil, Israel and Japan. Peter was invited to the White House to join the National Book Festival in 2003. He also involved in numerous film projects including the ITV’s Signed Stories. Peter lives in Chicago and is the Chair of the ASL Department at Columbia College Chicago. He received the 1997 Excellence in Teaching award as well as one of the finalists for 2018 Excellence in Teaching award.

Nigel Howard

Summit Presenter

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.

Nigel Howard

Summit Presenter

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.

Peter Cook

Summit Presenter

Peter S. Cook is an internationally reputed Deaf performing artist whose works incorporates American Sign Language, pantomime, storytelling, acting, and movement. He has traveled extensively around the country and aboard with Flying Words Project to promote ASL Literature with Kenny Lerner since 1986. Peter has appeared in Live from Off Center’s “Words on Mouth” (PBS) and “United States of Poetry” (PBS) produced by Emmy winner Bob Holman. Peter was featured at the National Storytelling festival in Jonesborough, Tenn., and the Tales of Graz in Graz, Austria, The Deaf Way II and the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Peter has worked with Deaf storytellers/poets in Europe, Brazil, Israel and Japan. Peter was invited to the White House to join the National Book Festival in 2003. He also involved in numerous film projects including the ITV’s Signed Stories. Peter lives in Chicago and is the Chair of the ASL Department at Columbia College Chicago. He received the 1997 Excellence in Teaching award as well as one of the finalists for 2018 Excellence in Teaching award.