Coping Strategies for interpreters with Dyslexia

In this course, Morgan will lay out the brain variations that are related to dyslexia, and then move on to the challenges – and benefits – dyslexia can offer to Sign Language Interpreters. Judy will then use the Demand-Control Schema to discuss how all interpreters, but especially those with dyslexia, can manage language difficulties and anxiety at work. Interpreters who want to be better co-workers to neurodiverse colleagues are welcome too.

Presenters:

Judy Scholes is a BSL/English Interpreter with over ten years experience, and a passion for CPD. Judy was diagnosed as dyslexic aged 8 but ‘ploughed on’ with qualifications in English, whilst learning BSL with ease, and never really knowing why they felt so different. Judy was a participant in Morgan’s MA and has since embraced all the strengths and challenges that dyslexia offers her.

Morgan Dunsford qualified as a BSL/English interpreter in 2018. She recently graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a MA in BSL/English Interpreting. Her MA dissertation study looked at the working lives of BSL/English interpreters who have dyslexia. Morgan has dyslexia and became interested in studying neurodiverse interpreters early in her career when she found that her dyslexia was influencing her style of interpreting. Her MA study revealed many challenges and benefits of being a BSL/English interpreter with dyslexia. She found that individuals created useful coping strategies to support their working lives as interpreters, and these strategies often helped the individual to flourish professionally and personally. Morgan now feels it is important to share these findings with the professional community.

This event will take place in English with BSL interpretation.