Description:
Join us for a hands-on, conversational workshop focused on interpreting for newcomers—whether they’re new to Canada, new to ASL, or both. We’ll talk about real-world challenges interpreters face in these situations, share tips and tools that actually work, and explore ways to make communication smoother for everyone involved. Whether you're just getting started or have been interpreting for years, you'll leave with fresh ideas and practical strategies you can use right away.
Presenter Biography:
Aastrid Evensen has had a varied educational background, including studying for a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies at Gallaudet University, a Master of Science in Deaf Studies at University of Bristol and the (B.C) Provincial Instructor’s Diploma Program at Vancouver Community College.
She is currently teaching English and ASL to Deaf adults in the program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults at VCC, and she has years of experience teaching ASL and English to newcomers – with that, teaching is her passion. She became a Department Leader for the DHH department last year. She also works as a freelance MIS/CIS Deaf Interpreter.
Aastrid’s other experiences regarding her artistic accomplishments include directing Vagina Monologues, performing in several Deaf video productions, mentoring/tutoring Deaf youths, and serving on committees or boards for Deaf community organizations.
She has taught in several different settings: in the ASL & Deaf Studies Department and the Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults at VCC; in the Sign Language Interpretation Program and the ASL Instructor Certificate Program (ASLICP) partnership with Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf at NW Douglas College, and as an ASL teacher at Semiahmoo Secondary School-teaching the Introduction to ASL 11 and ASL 12 courses. She was also an ASL Specialist and facilitator for the AVLIC-CES.
Workshop Details:
Date: Saturday, April 25, after the AGM
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Location: Douglas College (New Westminster)
Room: S1650/S1670
Cost: $20
Open to Active WAVLI Members (RSLI, DI, and Student).
This workshop will be held in person only. It will be facilitated in ASL.
Cancellations made after Saturday, April 18th, 2026 will not be refunded.
