Food for thought (Getting Rid of R.I.D video)

Hole Gente

I often subscribe to many youtube channels and end up finding great people on there. I've been fortunate enough to find Erik's channel and loved watching all the songs he has interpreted, but through that channel he has posted many more videos that discuss important issues. This video has definitely been one that has made me really think of what our role is and the influence I have for simply being a hearing interpreter. As a self identified Queer Xicano, privilege is something I often discuss, but it's important that this dialogue go beyond the Xicano studies and Queer studies courses. We have to bring this kind of dialogue in to the interpreting field and realize that whether or not hearing interpreters acknowledge it, a huge power dynamic exist within the interpreting field and our d/Deaf consumer. Let's recognize this and begin educating ourselves because we are just perpetuating the same oppressive cycle that the Deaf Community is continuously fighting against. Erik brings up some great points in his video, yet I know that many Deaf folks have brought up this issue at R.I.D conferences but the hearing majority just brushes them off. It's time we begin to understand!

Gil

In Remembrance of Gary R. Sanderson

We are very sad to announce that Gary Sanderson has passed away. Gary has been essential to the development of the Sign Language interpreting field. His contributions have been amazing and I know that he will be missed greatly. I personally know interpreters who were inspired and influenced by the great achievements that Gary Sanderson accomplished during his lifetime. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. Thank you Gary for contributing so much to the community, both Deaf and hearing. Below is a quick bio that I was able to find of Gary Sanderson.

Peace and love,

Gilberto Partida



Gary R. Sanderson

Gary R. Sanderson works at California State University, Northridge in the
National Center on Deafness as the Administrative Staff Interpreter. He is the
former Associate Director of the Western Region Outreach Center & Consortia,
a federal contract that served postsecondary institutions in 16 western states. He
served three terms as the President of the Southern California Chapter of the
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. He has served on the national Registry of
Interpreters for the Deaf Board of Directors as the Region Five Representative.
He has written articles, speaks nationally, and appeared in videos on Repetitive
Motion Injuries and Educational Interpreting, and was instrumental in the
establishment of the Special Interest Group in RID for Educational Interpreters
(EdITOR) serving as its first chair. Editor awarded Gary its Outstanding Service
to the Organization and to the Profession Award in 1991.

He has co-authored two papers on issues of power, language, and gender in
interpretation with Dr. Marina McIntire. In 1998 he was awarded the
Distinguished Service Award for a lifetime of service to the field of
interpretation by Region V of RID. He is the co-chair of the NAD-RID
National Council on Interpreting which is implementing the new national
interpreter certification exam for sign language interpreters. In 1999 he was
awarded one of the first Judie Husted Awards for dedication and commitment to
the field of sign language interpretation by RID. In 2003 he was awarded the
RID President’s Award for service to the field of Interpreting.