Presenters

Keynote: Dr. Paula Bath

Dr. Paula Bath is a researcher and creator. After learning American Sign Language (ASL) at the age of sixteen, Paula went on to study sign language interpretation, organizational communication, and later obtained a PhD in Social Cultural Analysis. Paula's work is observational and conversational and brings images and texts together to explore moments when dominant social ideas, beliefs and social structures are lived, felt and discussed by people. Paula is thrilled to live and work in the spaces of signed and spoken languages -ASL, langue de signes québécoise, English and French.

Presentation Synopsis: Paula Bath

Dear Interpreters,

Last year I set out to listen to people's stories. I wanted to know about how they experienced communicating - Deaf and hearing people together. I wanted to bring a new perspective to us, to better understand what communicating is. I wanted to move beyond perspectives of language, meanings and cultures; I believe I found it. I found this new perspective in the stories shared with me. The new perspective is found in our senses, in what we see, hear, touch, smell and feel. The stories I collected made me think of us - sign language interpreters - because interpreting is communicating. I want to show these stories to you. One person described communicating as always having to solve complex puzzles (like a rubik's cube) every day. Another person showed me how communicating can feel like being a part of a kaleidoscope of butterflies - each flying in their own rhythm and their own way, and yet together. There can be a sense of freedom. My hope is these stories will root us back in our senses. We can and explore these new perspectives together.

I'll see you at the conference!

Conference - Abstract - 2026.MOV

Keynote: Dawn Jani Birley

Dawn Jani Birley is a Canadian-Finnish actor, movement artist, translator, teacher, theatre consultant, and Artistic Director and founder of 1s1 Theatre. A recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025) and a Toronto Theatre Critics Award–winning performer for her portrayal of Horatio in Prince Hamlet, she is known for her visionary, embodied approach to storytelling. A third-generation Deaf artist working across Canada and Europe, Dawn unites Deaf and hearing worlds through work that advances true equity and inspires positive change. Her research and practice explore intersectionality as a creative force, challenging systems of power while centering Deaf experience as a source of insight, artistry, and transformation.

Presentation Synopsis: Dawn Jani Birley

Hello!

My name is Dawn Jani Birley. I am honoured to be invited to provide this keynote presentation. For each of us as interpreters, whether we are Deaf or hearing, we sometimes do our work without self-reflection on "why" we are interpreting. Our connections to the community start by looking at ourselves - what is my core purpose? How can I reframe that purpose, leading to a refreshed view of my "why" - join me for this presentation!

Birley_keynote.MOV

Call for Presenters:

CALL FOR PAPERS

The three provincial ASL/English interpreting organizations in Western Canada – ASLIA, MAVLI, and WAVLI – are pleased to announce that they are working together to organize a regional conference for interpreters working with sign languages. The objective of this conference is to allow interpreters, both Deaf and hearing, to refresh their passion for the profession, reframe on how their work has contributed to the heart of interpreting, and reconnect with each other in this exciting profession. CASLI has kindly offered us funding to organize this exciting event!

We warmly invite interpreters, interpreting students and researchers to contribute to this regional conference by sharing their work, experiences, and innovations with thecommunity. Proposals are welcome in three formats: a regular presentation, a lightning presentation (5 minutes), or a workshop (normally between two and three hours). Whether you wish to present research findings, explore pedagogical approaches in interpreting, reflect on professional practice, or lead an interactive session, we encourage you to join us in shaping a dynamic program that celebrates dialogue, learning, and the heart of interpreting.

An abstract of up to 300 words, or a 5-minute video in ASL, can be submitted using the QR below. Please indicate which type of presentation you wish to propose. The submission deadline is April 24, 2026, and the applicants will be notified of the outcome by June 1st, 2026.

The conference language will be American Sign Language, with no interpretation offered. This approach reflects a commitment to linguistic justice and is intended to create a space in which all participants can engage equitably, without the usual hierarchies between signed and spoken languages.

Join us to celebrate the heart of interpreting: refresh, reframe and reconnect!

Call for Papers - ASL version.mp4

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