Let's talk about training

efsli is committed to addressing the challenges faced by European sign language interpreters, recognising that high-quality training is essential to the success of the profession. From the duration of training programmes to the number of hours dedicated to mastering sign language, the landscape of interpreter education varies significantly across Europe. These disparities impact not only the interpreters themselves but also the communities they serve.

With concerns about reduced training periods, insufficient sign language proficiency among new graduates, and the lack of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities in some countries, efsli invites you to join an engaging roundtable discussion. This webinar brings together key representatives from the Deaf and Deafblind communities to explore strategies for enhancing training standards and ensuring that interpreters are well-prepared for the demands of their profession. 

Why This Matters

Sign language interpreters serve as the bridge between Deaf, Deafblind, and hearing communities, and their ability to fulfil this role effectively depends on the quality of their training. However, there are growing concerns across Europe about:

• Reduced duration of interpreter training programmes.
• Insufficient hours dedicated to acquiring sign language proficiency.
• The lack of CPD opportunities for interpreters in some countries.
• The integration of Deaf trainers into curricula to ensure a deeper understanding of sign language and Deaf culture.

efsli believes that addressing these concerns requires collaboration between stakeholders, including representatives from the Deaf and Deafblind communities, interpreting associations, and training institutions. This webinar provides a platform for identifying challenges and working together to develop actionable solutions.

What to Expect

The 1.5-hour roundtable will focus on the following critical areas:

• Ensuring High-Quality Training: What should a robust and inclusive interpreter training programme include in terms of structure, duration, and sign language proficiency?
• Addressing Training Disparities: How can stakeholders work together to advocate for consistent and comprehensive training standards across Europe?
• Collaboration for Progress: How can interpreting associations, training institutions, and Deaf and Deafblind communities collaborate effectively to address these issues?

This is not just a conversation—it is a call to action to address the systemic challenges affecting interpreter training and advance the profession across Europe.

Meet the Speakers

• Frankie Picron (Executive Director, European Union of the Deaf - EUD)
  Frankie brings extensive experience advocating for the rights of Deaf individuals across EU countries. As EUD’s Executive Director, he works to ensure that policies and practices align with the needs of Deaf communities. Frankie will provide insights on how interpreter training can better serve the Deaf community through robust standards and inclusive curricula.
  
  
• Francisco Trigueros (President, EDbU and FASOCIDE)
  In his roles as President of the European Deafblind Union (EDbU) and FASOCIDE, Francisco advocates for the inclusion of Deafblind individuals in all areas of society. He will discuss the specific training needs of interpreters working with Deafblind individuals and how training programmes can be tailored to address these challenges.
  
  
•  Isabelle Lombard & Siegrid Leurs (Vice President & Board Member, efsli)
  Siegrid and Isabelle are committed to fostering collaboration between interpreting associations and the communities they serve. Their leadership at efsli focuses on addressing disparities in training standards across Europe and ensuring that interpreters are equipped to meet the diverse needs of Deaf and Deafblind individuals.

Webinar Agenda

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks (10 minutes)
   Introduction by Siegrid Leurs and Isabelle Lombard.

2. Stakeholder Presentations (30 minutes)
   Insights from Frankie Picron, Francisco Trigueros, and efsli representatives.

3. Collaborative Discussion (40 minutes)
   Moderated dialogue focusing on actionable strategies for improving training quality and collaboration between stakeholders.

4. Next Steps and Closing (10 minutes)
   Key takeaways and introduction to the January 2025 follow-up workshop.

Join the Conversation

efsli is committed to addressing the challenges in interpreter training and fostering collaboration to ensure consistent and high-quality standards across Europe. Whether you are a member of the Deaf, Deafblind, or interpreting community—or a stakeholder invested in the future of interpreter training—we invite you to be part of this critical discussion.