Collaborative Reading Enthusiasts Workshop

C.R.E.W. FLYER: This on-line workshop is ASL Interpreter Network’s professional book club that examines multiculturalism and interpreting theory through on-line collegial discussions of popular textbooks, memoires, novels, and historical accounts. CREW aims to explore different cultural mores, practices, and traditions to give Deaf professionals a deeper understanding of the clients they encounter in their daily work. Interpreting texts are chosen to review ASL grammar and lingustics, explore Deaf culture, and discuss standards of practice and ethical challenges. Members read, analyze and discuss each book through weekly writing assignments and correspondence with colleagues across the country over a 3 month period. (Read more about CREWs Participation Standards)

Monique And The Mango Rains: Two Years With A Midwife In Mali

By: Kris Holloway
Spring session (April 1- June 30)

Synopsis: This is the compelling story of a rare friendship between a young Peace Corps volunteer and a midwife who became a legend. Monique Dembele saved lives and dispensed hope in a place where childbirth is a life-and-deal matter. This book tells of her unquenchable passion to better the lives of women and children in the face of poverty, unhappy marriages, and endless backbreaking work. Monique’s buoyant humor and willingness to defy tradition were uniquely hers. In the course of this deeply personal narrative, as readers immerse themselves in the rhythms of West African village life, they come to know Monique as a friend, mother, and inspired woman.

SUMMER 2010:
"Voices from the Edge: Narratives about the ADA Act"

Edited by: Ruth O’Brien, Forward by: Rogers M Smith

Synopsis: Fear, rage, courage, discrimination. These are the facts of everyday life for may Americans with disabilities. The ADA has made working, traveling, andcommunicating easier for many individuals. But what recourse do individuals have when enforcement of the law is ambiguous or virtually nonexistent? What is life like in post ADA America? This book seeks to challenge the mind-set of those who would deny equal protection, while providing informative analysis of the intent and application of the ADA for those who wish to learn more about disability rights. This eclectic collection of stories from disabled Americans offers unparalleled insight into the lives behind the law and gives professionals working within the disability community confidence in advocating for clients under the law.

SUMMER 2010:

"Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down"

By Anne Fadiman

Synopsis: This book xplores the culture clash between the Merced Community Medical Center in California and a refugee family from Laos over the care of Lia Lee, a Hmong child diagnosed with severe epilepsy. Lia's parents and her doctors both wanted what was best for Lia, but the lack of understanding between them led to tragedy. This communication struggle is rooted in the extreme difference between two cultures: their different values, traditions, philosophies and beliefs; and exacerbated by linguistic challenges, including the lack of available qualified interpreters. The challenges faced in this book between the Hmong and American cultures parallel some of those faced by the Deaf and Hearing communities in the United States. Interpreters and Deaf professionals will find moments of their own professional work and personal dilemmas in the pages of this heart-breaking and informative story.

FALL 2010:

"INFIDEL" by Ayann Hirsi Ali

Fall Session (September 1 - October 31, 2010)

***Registration Begins July 15, 2010***

Synopsis: This book is the coming of age Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a distinguished political superstar and champion of free speech, as well as the development of her beliefs, iron will, and extraordinary determination to fight injustice. Raised in a strict Muslim family, Hirsi Ali survived civil war, female mutilation, brutal beatings, adolescence as a devout believer during the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, and life in four troubled, unstable countries. She escaped from a forced marriage and sought asylum in the Netherlands, where she earned a college degree in political science, became an interpreter and advocate for Muslim women refugees, and eventually was elected to Dutch Parliament. This is the story of an obedient, dutiful young girl who becomes a freedom fighter, teaching the world about the beauty and perils of Islamic tradition that is largely unknown to Western ‘infidels

REGISTRATION begins 7/15/10! Register anytime through 9/15/10.

2011 and Beyond... BOOKS TO COME:

"Labeled Autistic” by: Temple Grandin & Margaret Scariano

"The Know It All" by: AJ Jacobs

“The Land of Invisible Women” by: Qanta Ahmed

“A Year in Provence” by: Peter Mayle

“Bury Me Standing” by: Isabel Fonseca

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National Approval

Testimonial

ASL Interpreter Network is an impressive agency that serves Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard-of-Hearing people to make sure all their communication needs are met professionally.

Gerardo Di Pietro, ASL Consultant-Teacher/Deaf Interpreter