An insight into 2024 efsli conference in Torino

A refreshed perspective on training and advocacy needs

The efsli Annual Conference held in Torino was a pivotal moment for the European sign language interpreting community. This highly anticipated event provided a platform to discuss training, advocacy, and collaboration, bringing fresh perspectives to some of the most pressing issues facing interpreters and Deaf communities today.

efsli Day: connecting the community

efsli Day served as the perfect prelude to the conference, designed to connect NASLIs, Deaf and Deafblind representatives, and interpreters. This annual event is central to understanding the pulse of the interpreting profession and fostering connections across Europe.

Key Sessions Included:

Session 1: Quality training and cultural immersion
 Discussions centred on the importance of immersive training programmes that integrate Deaf culture, ethics, and sign language mastery. Participants highlighted:

• The need for robust curricula, including collaboration with Deaf trainers.
• Minimum standards for training and CPD requirements, with models from the UK and Greece providing valuable insights.
• The ethical responsibility of interpreters to maintain humility, self-awareness, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Session 2: Advocacy in a complex landscape
 Advocacy emerged as a delicate balancing act between representing interpreter interests and aligning with the Deaf agenda. Participants shared diverse national experiences, with discussions focusing on:

• Strengthening collaboration between NASLIs and Deaf organisations.
• Addressing resource constraints and the need for professional advocacy support.
• Bridging gaps between interpreters and grassroots Deaf communities.

Session 3: The return of efsliDI (Deaf Interpreters’ Committee)
 This session celebrated the revival of efsliDI, reaffirming the importance of Deaf interpreters in shaping the profession. Key points included:

• Ensuring equal opportunities for Deaf interpreters in leadership roles.
• Integrating Deaf interpreters into training programmes as educators and role models.

Session 4: Towards unity and collaboration
 The final session focused on building a shared vision for interpreters and Deaf communities. Activities included:

• Drafting actionable plans to improve training and collaboration.
• Establishing long-term strategies for mentorship and advocacy.

efsli Day underscored the organisation's commitment to fostering unity and excellence within the interpreting profession.

Conference "Qualified, What's Next?" Highlights

The efsli Annual Conference in Torino addressed critical issues surrounding the qualification, sustainability, and ethical engagement of sign language interpreters in Europe. Here's a look at the key takeaways from the presentations:

Presentations

10:00 – “Eternally Qualified!”
 Dr Maya de Wit, The Netherlands
 Dr Maya de Wit examined the complex landscape of interpreter qualification and quality maintenance in Europe. Her research highlighted the diverse training programmes across 45 countries and raised essential questions about maintaining quality post-qualification through CPD and reassessments.

11:30 – “Striving for Excellence in CPD”
 Dc. Res. Yvonne Weddell & Dr Rachel Mapson, Scotland (UK)
 This session showcased the MSc in Advancing Practice for Signed/Spoken language interpreters at Queen Margaret University. Designed to be flexible and international, it offers online modules that promote reflective practice and self-care, enabling interpreters to develop domain-specific expertise while maintaining sustainable careers.

12:15 – “Polish SLTI Profession and the Concept of Continuous Professional Development”
 Dr Aleksandra Kalata-Zawłocka & Kamila Skalska, Poland
 The first nationwide census of Polish signed language interpreters revealed gaps in CPD and professional development. This presentation underscored the importance of structured systems to support interpreters at different career stages, drawing comparisons to British CPD models.

14:30 – “Ensuring Best Practice through Inter-Professional Dialogue: Insights from the INforMHAA Project”
 Prof. J. Napier & Prof. A. Young, Scotland; England (UK)
 This project explored the collaboration between Approved Mental Health Professionals and interpreters in mental health assessments. The presentation highlighted the benefits of inter-professional dialogue, joint training, and resources for improving outcomes in complex statutory settings.

15:15 – “Post-Qualification Perspectives: Navigating Interpreting Practice with Power, Ethics, and Cultural Competence in Deaf Community Engagement”
 Helen Foulkes & Mark Berry, Wales; England (UK)
 Foulkes and Berry explored the dynamics of power and privilege in interpreting. They provided strategies for maintaining connections with Deaf communities post-qualification, ensuring ethical practice, and fostering cultural competence.

16:15 – “Remote Interpreting in Italy: Analysis of the Trend and Future Prospective”
 Manuela Izzo, Italy
 Izzo discussed how the pandemic transformed interpreting practices in Italy, with a significant shift to remote interpreting. She explored the impact on interpreters' working conditions and the need for adapting education and accessibility policies to maintain service quality.

09:15 – “The Sustainability of the Signed Language Interpreting Profession”
 Dr Isabelle Heyerick, Ireland/Belgium
 Dr Heyerick focused on the sustainability of the SLI profession in Flanders, revealing factors influencing retention and career longevity. She presented co-created policy recommendations to address sustainability challenges.

10:00 – “Exploring Sign Language Interpreter Positionality: Insights from Academic Reflexivity”
 Dc. Res. Karolien Gebruers, Belgium
 Gebruers emphasised the importance of reflexivity in interpreter training, using creative methods like photography and mind maps to enhance awareness of positionality and its impact on interpreting practice.

11:15 – “Shaping Wellbeing for ‘Excellence’: A Transferable Model for Career Longevity”
 Omoyele Davey, Sarah Bown & Dc. Res. Mike Ballinger, England (UK)
 This presentation introduced a model integrating reflective frameworks and professional supervision to address vicarious trauma and burnout, promoting resilience and sustainability in interpreting careers.

12:00 – “Professionalism and Quality: Two Streams of the Same River”
 Dc Res. Patricia Bandin Trasbach & Gabriel Clariá, Spain/Argentina
 The presenters explored the intersection of theory and practice in interpreter training, highlighting the need for intergenerational and intercultural dialogues to bridge gaps and achieve professional excellence.

A Call to Action

The efsli Annual Conference in Torino was not just an opportunity to reflect—it was a call to action. From reinforcing training standards to fostering deeper collaboration between interpreters and Deaf communities, the event provided a roadmap for the profession’s future.

efsli remains dedicated to addressing these challenges and invites its members to join in building a stronger, more inclusive interpreting community across Europe. Stay tuned for more updates and initiatives in the coming year!