"Overall it will help me to become a better interpreter"

"I really felt safe here."

"I more clearly understand what being an ally means without crossing boundaries."

History


(2006)
StoryBlend was designed to help new interpreters connect with the Deaf community, develop sign language skills and cultural awareness. During the two weeks of StoryBlend, Deaf mentors and interpreters spend time telling their stories to one another and then shape the stories into a play presented in both ASL and English. The process is guided by directors Patty Gordon and Nic Zapko and the incredible staff of Deaf mentors. It?s a process that includes games, guided discussion and lots and lots of collaboration on translation.

Interpreters get feedback on their signing skills, the mentors get to experience the challenge of translation and everyone learns something they never knew before about their own and the others? culture. StoryBlend is not about interpreting for theater, it?s about telling stories in two languages using theater as a structure.


(2006)

The first StoryBlend in 2005 combined 6 interpreting students with 3 Deaf mentors over the course of 10 weeks. While the project was a success, it was determined that a summer program would work better for potential participants.

In 2006 StoryBlend expanded to 10 interpreters and 4 mentors and helped solidify the structure for 2007 and beyond.

Now StoryBlend is getting ready to branch out into other communities. Nic and Patty are working on developing a licensing system and train-the-trainer options for other communities who want to add StoryBlend to their mentoring or interpreter education programs. They hope to host a train-the-trainer session in St. Paul soon as well as offer our consulting services for other communities starting StoryBlend. They are developing a workbook and possibly a DVD as guides for other StoryBlend institutes .

Finally, StoryBlend is in the beginning stages of collecting contact information of Deaf mentors who have worked with StoryBlend and who would be interested in working with interpreters on a one-to-one or group basis.


(2006)

(2005)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright (c) StoryBlend 2007
StoryBlend 2008 supporters: The College of St. Catherine ASL-Interpreting Department, PepNet Midwest , The Minnesota Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf donation in honor of Bonham Cross, Funds provided by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council from an appropriation by the Minnesota Legislature and Sorenson Communications. Additional funding support provided in a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services; Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division.
Web Design by Mark Schwartz