10/03/2026, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Central
This interactive webinar introduces educational interpreters to Deaf-Plus learners—students who are Deaf and have co-occurring disabilities such as autism, intellectual disability, ADHD, learning disabilities, or deaf blindness. Presenters examine intersectional identity, prevalence, and the distinction between language access and language performance. Participants explore receptive–expressive mismatches, myths about autism and complex needs, and the impact of diverse language profiles on signed communication. Through polling and case-based breakout discussions, interpreters analyze real-world scenarios to redefine participation, distinguish communication from behavior, and strengthen access for Deaf-Plus students in educational settings.
Registration Cost: $75
Cancellation & Accommodations: You may cancel your registration up to five days prior to a workshop and receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than five days prior to the workshop are subject to a $50 cancellation fee. Boys Town reserves the right to cancel a workshop for any reason at least 10 business days prior to the training. Registrants unable to attend on the day of their scheduled workshop will be charged with the full fee. However, a six-month voucher will be issued for use at a future workshop. If any participants need accommodations, please email us at eipa@boystown.org.
Dr. Aaron Shield
Dr. Aaron Shield is an Associate Professor of Speech Pathology and Audiology at Miami University of Ohio, where he directs the Sign Language and Autism at Miami (SL@M) Lab. He holds a doctorate in Linguistics from the University of Texas at Austin and completed postdoctoral training in Psychology at the University of Chicago and Boston University.
Dr. Kristi Probst
Dr. Kristi Probst has an Ed.D. in special education. As a doctoral student at Illinois State University, she was a National Leadership Consortium in Sensory Disabilities Scholar, focusing her studies on deafblindness. Kristi holds certifications in Special Education for Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Low Vision & Blindness, Learning Behavior Specialist, Elementary Education, and Early Childhood Education.
Dr. Christy Borders
Dr. Christy Borders is a professor in special education-deaf/hard of hearing at Illinois State University and a leader in addressing the needs of students who are deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH) with additional disabilities, particularly autism spectrum disorders (ASD). She has extensive academic and clinical experience and training in serving students who D/HH and those with ASD.
Roman I, III, and IV Deep Dive - Cost $150.00
This 12-hour professional learning course (1.2 CEU) provides an in-depth exploration of the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA). Participants will engage in a detailed examination of the individual Roman I, III & IV items.
This course will focus specifically on Roman I, III, and IV: Voice-to-Sign Interpreting.
· September 2, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. CST
· September 16, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. CST
· September 30, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. CST
Discussion Assignments 1 & 2
· September 1-15, 2026
Discussion Assignments 3 & 4
· September 16-30, 2026
Roman II Deep Dive - Cost $150.00
This 10-hour professional learning course (1.0 CEU) provides an in-depth exploration of the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA). Participants will engage in a detailed examination of the individual Roman II items.
This course will focus specifically on Roman II and Roman IV: Sign-to-Voice Interpreting.
· August 3, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. CST
· August 17, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. CST
Discussion Assignments 1 & 2
· August 1–15, 2026
Discussion Assignments 3 & 4
· August 16–31, 2026