Reflecting on Dr Emma Ferguson-Coleman’s session about communication with Deaf people living with dementia Content 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 periods of their life, use unfamiliar vocabulary or move b

Reflecting on Professor Jemina Napier’s research into domestic violence, Deaf and hearing families, and trauma-informed interpreting Content 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, the information is difficult to organise and several profe

Reflecting on Dr Russell Aldersson’s session on translanguaging and community interpreting Imagine 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 alone be the clearest way to communicate something that nob

Reflecting on Kate Shearer’s opening keynote at The Together Conference 2026 When 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 prepare for the person we ourselves will be when the work begi

Introduction At The Together Conference 2024 , Professor Jemina Napier delivered a compelling session on the role of sign language...