Cultural and Language Barriers of Deaf Middle East Refugees

Workshop Presenter: Ranem Wissam Shhadeh

Workshop Description: This workshop will focus on the cultural and language barriers of the Deaf Middle East Refugees. The U.S. is experiencing an increase in this population and they are coming to a land that thrives on freedom of speech, women's rights, job opportunities, and much more. How does this affect the Deaf and Interpreting community? What does the immigration law and process look like? What protocols should you be aware of in order to ensure effective communication? This workshop will help expand awareness and improve working relationships with our clients and colleagues alike.

Presenter Biography: Ranem Wissam Shhadeh is a Palestinian American Deaf woman who knows Israeli and American Sign Language. She is an activist for refugees, social justice and accessibility. She was the first to graduate as an ASL Deaf interpreter at San Marcos Palomar College. You probably see her with her hearing alert service dog named Bella. Ranem is very involved with the Deaf community such as providing services to those who have language barriers. She believes in equal access no matter where a person comes from around the world. Deaf refugees have a very special place in Ranem's heart. She currently works as an Operations Manager in the Interpreting dept of Deaf Community Services. Prior to that she worked in Disability Rights California (2016-2018) and United States Army Corps, Fort Hood Texas (2011- 2015).

Workshop will be presented in ASL.

Time: 1:30-3:30p

Location: Palomar College

1140 W Mission Rd, San Diego CA 92069

Room MD 157

0.2 CEUs approved by Trix Bruce Inc. for this workshop