The Role of Educational Interpreters in the Language Development of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

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Flyer advertising our March 14, 2026 webinar. Webinar Description In this workshop, we will discuss how interpreters can best support the language development and overall communicative growth of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in the classroom. We will review and identify the key differences of language development between students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing and those who can hear. Language considerations such as fingerspelling, non-manual markers/signals, classifiers, working from American Sign Language to English and English to American Sign Language, visual support, and expansion techniques, and more will be addressed in this presentation! It is essential to recognize that sign language interpreters play a crucial role in supporting and facilitating comprehension, vocabulary development, as well as reading/writing fluency. In this workshop interpreters will be afforded opportunities to learn and adopt strategies, tips, and methods of enhancing language development among Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Whether you are a veteran service provider or new to the field, this webinar will provide valuable insights to help you better serve and empower D/HH students in their educational journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts in the field, learn from their experiences, and gain practical tools for improving outcomes for D/HH students. Jennifer Francisco is the Educational Interpreter Project Coordinator. She has a Master’s in Reading Education and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. She holds teaching certifications in Elementary Education, Deaf Education, Reading, and ESOL. Jennifer has been involved in the Deaf Education field for more than 15 years and she is very passionate about improving the field and supporting educational interpreters. She believes educational interpreters are crucial to Deaf and hard of hearing students’ journeys. When Jennifer is not working, she is hanging out with her husband and her two children, Mason and Molly. Her family enjoys traveling and exploring new places.