The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) hosted a joint Interprofessional Day between the American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting undergraduate program and the speech-language pathology graduate program. Now in its third year, the event showcased how the two professions work together to ensure effective services for the clients they jointly serve.
Jennifer Francisco, coordinator of the Educational Interpreter Project, opened the event with a discussion on working with clients through a Deaf-centered lens and techniques for effectively communicating in therapy sessions with clients across the hearing spectrum.
Interpreting students then presented tips for collaboration and insight into the ASL interpreting field. This was followed by speech-language pathology students guiding interpreting students through a mock treatment plan highlighting their expertise. The session concluded with a treatment activity demonstration and a discussion focused on navigating the logistics and nuances of interprofessional teamwork.
The Educational Interpreter Project, which focuses on improving interpreting services in K-12 settings, is supported by the Florida Department of Education and housed in CSD. Also participating in the Interprofessional Day was Hands On USF, a CSD-based program that provides interpreting services for the Tampa Bay area while educating the next generation of interpreters.