Educational Interpreting: A Panel Discussion

The Educational Interpreter Panel will be a panel discussion that incorporates a variety of viewpoints in servicing, educating, and interpreting for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals including those with additional disabilities.  Participants will have an opportunity to dialogue with panelist to hear from different perspectives and techniques.

Moderator:  Marla Marks, SDCRID Deaf Community Representative

Marla Marks is a Kansas state native and resident of San Diego since 1997. A graduate from the Fashion institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles with an Associate’s Degree in Visual Communications and Store Planning and with 18 years of experience in the Fashion Industry, she has worked at Madison High School’s D/HH program as an Instructional Aide in bilingual classrooms. For a span of six years, Marla was a member of an ASL performing arts group aimed at a deaf audience. She is currently changing career paths as a Fitness Personal Trainer and pursuing a certification as a Deaf Interpreter. Being Deaf herself, she brings familiarity with the community and knowledge of many local Deaf and CODA professionals, Deaf families, and interpreters. By coexisting within the Deaf and hearing communities, she is a bridge between the two communities and works to bring positive changes to San Diego. She says, "In my 16 years of residency in San Diego, I have seen phases and changes in the local Deaf community. It is my passion to see improvements among the Deaf community with ideas I can offer and present to SDCRID. I have noticed the lack of a Deaf club and events in San Diego. Being Deaf myself I know first-hand some of the situations deaf individuals face, plus I am familiar with the community SDCRID houses. I believe I am a good candidate for the Deaf Community Representative position."