News & reflections

Interpreters and Transaltors · Research · Tech and AI

Who Is Doing the Thinking When We Use AI?

Reflecting on Tom Mould’s session about artificial intelligence, professional judgement and safe useAn interpreter receives presentation slides for an unfamiliar technical assignment.They upload them to an AI tool and ask for a summary, a list of key terms and a simple explanation of the main subject. Within seconds, the system produces something clear, detailed and confident.The interpreter feels much better prepare

29 September 2026

Culture · EDI · Education · Information · Interpreters and Transaltors

When Does Inclusion Begin?

Reflecting on Ayesha Gavin’s session about cultural competency, bias and inclusive professional practiceYou are in a workplace where most of the staff are hearing. You are talking to another hearing person before the Deaf person you have been booked to work with arrives.Do you sign while you speak?Perhaps you decide there is no need because the Deaf person is not yet in the room. When they enter but remain on the oth

26 September 2026

EDI · Education · Health · Information · Interpreters and Transaltors · Research

Who Supports the People Teaching the Profession?

Reflecting on Anna Teitt and Dr Sharon Grigsby-Hill’s session about emotional transference, trauma stewardship and interpreter educationContent note: This article discusses trauma, emotional distress, burnout, discrimination and the effect of difficult professional experiences. Please read it at a time and in a way that feels manageable for you.An interpreter educator is preparing students for the emotional realities

23 September 2026

Education · Information · Interpreters and Transaltors · Research · Trainee · World Context

Who Supports the Interpreter After Training Ends?

Reflecting on Jeanette Nicholson, Liz McClounie and James Etheridge’s session about AMPED, mentorship and early-career developmentA newly qualified interpreter finishes their training programme with a certificate, knowledge of professional theory and a set of developing interpreting skills.Then the structure around them disappears.There is no tutor watching the next assignment, no scheduled class in which to discuss

19 September 2026

Community · Culture · Interpreters and Transaltors · Performance Interpreting

More Than a Performance: Learning Through Shared Practice

Reflecting on Catherine King, Donna Jewell and Katy Smillie-Wilcox’s session about collaboration, comedy and professional learningThree interpreters arrive at a comedy venue.One has nearly 30 years of experience interpreting stand-up but has begun to feel disconnected from the work. Another is preparing to interpret live comedy for the first time. The third does not yet feel ready to take the stage but wants to obser

15 September 2026

Information · Interpreters and Transaltors · Research · World Context

When a Guideline Becomes a Rule

Reflecting on Dr Robyn Dean’s research challenging the often-cited 20-minute ruleTwo interpreters are working together during a conference. After approximately 20 minutes, they switch roles.The timing feels familiar. Many interpreters were taught that concentration and performance begin to decline after around 20 minutes of simultaneous interpreting. The changeover is therefore treated as a way to protect quality, ma

10 September 2026

Commissioning · Information · Interpreters and Transaltors

Who Owns the System That Provides Access?

Reflecting on Jen Bird’s session about social value, procurement and community-led interpreting servicesA Deaf person arrives at a hospital believing an interpreter has been booked, but nobody appears.Staff may say that the interpreter did not turn up. The agency may say that nobody accepted the booking. The Deaf person is left waiting, often without knowing where the failure occurred or who is responsible for resolv

6 September 2026

Culture · EDI · Interpreters and Transaltors · Performance Interpreting · Research

When Access Becomes Part of the Performance

Reflecting on Adam Price and Jacqui Beckford’s session about embodiment, identity and intention in performance interpretingAn interpreter stands at the side of a stage while a performance unfolds several metres away. The actors move, react to one another and use the whole space. The lighting changes, music builds and the audience responds together.The interpreter produces an accurate translation, but remains facing f

3 September 2026

Community · Information · Interpreters and Transaltors · World Context

When a Profession Is Built Together

Reflecting on Dr Joseph Musabyimana and Ibrahim Ndagijimana’s session about Rwanda’s interpreting communityWhat happens when a community needs interpreters, but the formal structures normally associated with a profession are still being developed?There may be no established training route, national register or consistent system of professional standards. The number of experienced practitioners may be small, while the

30 August 2026

Community · Health · Information · Interpreters and Transaltors · Research

When It Is Okay Not to Know

Reflecting on Dr Emma Ferguson-Coleman’s session about communication with Deaf people living with dementiaContent note: This article discusses dementia, changes in communication and the emotional effect on individuals, families and professionals.An interpreter is sitting with a Deaf person who has dementia. The person begins to sign, but the information does not form a clear account. The signs may refer to different

25 August 2026

Community · Health · Information · Interpreters and Transaltors · Legal · Research

When Communication Is Part of the Risk

Reflecting on Professor Jemina Napier’s research into domestic violence, Deaf and hearing families, and trauma-informed interpretingContent note: This article discusses domestic abuse, trauma, children and the professional impact of working in high-risk situations. Please read it at a time and in a way that feels manageable for you.A Deaf woman is trying to explain an experience of domestic abuse. She is distressed,

22 August 2026

Culture · EDI · Education · Information · Interpreters and Transaltors

Who Is EDI Actually For?

Reflecting on Layne James Whittaker’s research into equality, diversity and inclusion within the professionEquality, diversity and inclusion are often discussed as though they concern a particular group of people.Someone may hear “EDI” and assume the conversation belongs mainly to people who have experienced racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia or another form of discrimination. Others may see it as an organisati

19 August 2026

Information · Interpreters and Transaltors

When Your Skills Are Ahead of Your Confidence

Reflecting on Nene Ekufu’s session about identity, self-trust and the confidence gapYou have prepared for the assignment. You have the qualification, the experience and the language skills. You know the subject, understand the setting and have done this kind of work before.Then the assignment begins and you freeze.A moment of uncertainty appears. Someone looks confused, asks you to repeat something or responds in a w

15 August 2026

Interpreters and Transaltors · Invision · Tech and AI

Can AI Really Sign?

Reflecting on Dr Ben Saunders’ session about what AI research can teach us about sign languageA train is cancelled, the platform changes and an announcement needs to reach everyone quickly.At a railway station, an AI-generated BSL message may be able to provide Deaf passengers with information that would otherwise only be available through spoken announcements and display screens.Now imagine a very different situatio

11 August 2026

Community · Education · Health · Information · Interpreters and Transaltors · Legal · Research

When Language Alone Is Not Enough

Reflecting on Dr Russell Aldersson’s session on translanguaging and community interpretingImagine being asked to explain what has happened inside someone’s shoulder.The medical professional uses accurate terminology. The interpreter understands the words and signs. The Deaf patient is watching carefully.Technically, the information could be interpreted from one language into another. But would a signed explanation al

7 August 2026

Information · Interpreters and Transaltors · Research · World Context

Who Creates the Space for Professional Conversation?

Reflecting on The Interpreter’s Nook with Magnhild Røed Michalsen and Hilde HenrudWhere do interpreters and translators go when they want to talk honestly about their work?Not necessarily to report a serious concern, complete a formal course or ask someone for a definite answer. Sometimes we simply need somewhere to discuss a decision, compare experiences, share a resource or ask whether other people are dealing with

4 August 2026

Health · Interpreters and Transaltors · Research

What Part of You Comes to Work?

Reflecting on Kate Shearer’s opening keynote at The Together Conference 2026When we prepare for interpreting or translation work, we usually think about the subject, the language, the people involved and the practical arrangements.We might research terminology, review background information, check the technology, consider possible challenges and make sure we understand what is expected of us.But how often do we prepa

31 July 2026

Community · Culture · Education · Interpreters and Transaltors · Research · Tech and AI · World Context

Pick It Up, Pass It On: Reflecting on The Together Conference 2026

The final session may have ended, the recordings may have closed and the certificates may have been sent, but the conversations from The Together Conference 2026 are far from finished.This year’s theme, Pick It Up, Pass It On, began with a simple idea. None of us becomes the professional we are alone. We learn from tutors, colleagues, Deaf communities, research, experience, mistakes, feedback and the people who have

27 July 2026

Information · Interpreters and Transaltors · World Context

CPD and CEUs at Together Conference 2025: What You Need to Know

CPD and CEUs at Together Conference 2025: What You Need to KnowIf you're joining us at The Together Conference 2025, there’s good news: you’ll not only gain access to thoughtful sessions and multilingual insights — you'll also be able to earn CPD points or CEUs (depending on your professional body). And with our Enhanced Access ticket, you can even earn more.This is the first time Together Conference is formally offe

16 May 2025

Interpreters and Transaltors · Tech and AI · World Context

A Digital Bridge for Sign Language Interpreters” led by Laura Lesmana Wijaya and Ailing Xiao.

Exploring Real-World Use and Future PossibilitiesThis session will dive into how AI captions are already being used by interpreters—and how they could evolve. Using real-life examples and a detailed case study, the presentation will explore how tools like Zoom and MS Teams are being adapted to meet interpreter needs through features like: • Auto-correct • Speaker recognition • Personalisation options (e.g., backgroun

10 April 2025

Unified Interpreting: Enhancing Collaboration Between Deaf and Hearing Professionals

At the heart of high-quality interpreting lies effective collaboration. The dynamic between Deaf and hearing interpreters is more than just a partnership—it is a synergy of expertise, language, and cultural knowledge that ensures truly accessible communication. But how do these teams build trust, balance responsibilities, and navigate professional challenges?On 28th June 2025, The Together Conference is honoured to p

10 March 2025

Invision · Research · World Context

Crisis Communication & Visibility: The Pandemic’s Impact on Sign Language Interpreters

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the world in countless ways, and for sign language interpreters, it was a time of unprecedented visibility. Suddenly, interpreters found themselves in the public eye, standing next to world leaders, appearing on national broadcasts, and playing a vital role in crisis communication. But what was this experience really like for the interpreters involved?At The Together Conference 2025, Dr

7 February 2025

Trainee

Navigating New Interpreting Domains with Confidence: A Panel Discussion for Trainees

Every sign language interpreter faces a pivotal moment in their career—the transition into new, specialised domains such as legal, medical, conference, or remote interpreting. For trainee interpreters, this shift can feel both exciting and overwhelming as they transition first from a trainee to qualified professional. How do you ensure you're ready? How do you gain confidence without stepping beyond professional boun

4 February 2025

Culture · Information · World Context

Working Between Worlds: The Complexities of Interpreting Across Cultures with Brett Best

For sign language interpreters, working between languages is only part of the challenge. Culture plays an equally significant role, shaping communication, expectations, and professional norms. But what happens when an interpreter relocates to a new country and must navigate a completely different cultural and linguistic landscape—not just in their work, but in their daily life? At The Together Conference 2025, interp

4 February 2025

Research · Vrs/Vri

Blurring Boundaries: Rethinking Ethics in the On-Demand Interpreting Space.

The shift to on-demand and online interpreting has transformed the profession, making interpreters more accessible than ever before. The rise of remote Video Relay Services (VRS/VRI) and online platforms has connected Deaf communities with interpreters worldwide, breaking down barriers of time and geography. But has this shift outpaced our ethical frameworks? Are the Codes of Conduct and professional guidelines we’ve

1 February 2025

Education · Information · Research

Looking Back: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Practice in Sign Language Interpreting – Insights from Anja Saft at The Together Conference 2024

The sign language interpreting profession is evolving, with growing emphasis on professionalisation, academic research, and evidence-based practice. However, one of the biggest challenges remains the disconnect between research and real-world interpreting. At The Together Conference 2024, Anja Saft, a German Sign Language interpreter and researcher, explored this issue in her thought-provoking session, shedding light

22 January 2025

Health · Research

Navigating Mental Health Act Assessments – Insights from Jemina Napier’s Research

IntroductionAt The Together Conference 2024, Professor Jemina Napier delivered a compelling session on the role of sign language interpreters in Mental Health Act (MHA) assessments. Her research project, INforMHAA, explores the complexities of interprofessional collaboration, the linguistic and ethical challenges faced by interpreters, and the importance of ensuring equitable access for Deaf individuals undergoing MH

2 January 2025

Information

Why Attend an Online Conference? The Benefits of The Together Conference 2025

The world of professional development has changed dramatically in recent years, and one of the most significant shifts has been the rise of online conferences. While in-person events have long been a staple for interpreters and translators, virtual conferences like The Together Conference are proving to be an accessible, cost-effective, and engaging alternative.With The Together Conference 2025 on the horizon, now is

1 January 2025

Information

Welcome to The Together Conference Blog – Your Hub for Insights, Learning, and Connection

Welcome to the official Together Conference Blog! Whether you are a seasoned professional, an emerging translator, or simply someone interested in the ever-evolving world of sign language interpreting and translation, this space is designed for you.The Together Conference is a unique international event that brings together sign language interpreters and translators from around the world. Every year, we create a spac

30 April 2024