EP214: Christina Stevens: The Journey from Theater to Sign Language

DEIAB and Educational Interpreting with Christina StevensChristine interviews Christina Stevens, a nationally certified sign language interpreter working mainly in Connecticut public schools for nine years, with degrees in American Sign Language and Theater and leadership roles in state and national interpreter organizations. She shares how she discovered interpreting in college through theater performances, later attending Columbia College Chicago, and ultimately becoming an educational interpreter despite initially thinking she would not. Stevens discusses boundaries and the central role interpreters play for students, noting that about 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents and about 50% of those parents learn sign language, affecting home communication. Stevens advocates expanding DEI to “DEIAB” (Accessibility and Belonging), emphasizing early budgeting, bringing Deaf people to planning tables, and recognizing different interpreting approaches. She encourages learning ASL from Deaf or native users through community involvement.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:01 How Christina Found ASL01:56 Training and Career Path02:57 Why School Interpreting Is Hard03:58 Classroom Visit and Book Talk04:49 Day to Day Interpreter Role06:42 DEIAB Accessibility and Belonging09:00 Deaf Awareness and Learning ASL10:35 Final Thoughts and Thanks