2025 Wisconsin Association of the Deaf (WAD) Conference Schedule and Workshop List (Tentative)

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Get to know the talented individuals who make up our team of presenters. Each brings a unique perspective and skill set to our conference ensuring an educational and engaging experience for our audience.

Pam Sue Conine- University of Wisconsin

"Preparing the Next Generation: Transparency and Innovation in Interpreter Education"

Interpreter education is undergoing significant transformations to meet the demands of an ever-evolving field, and the Deaf community often wonders how interpreting programs are equipping future professionals for the challenges they will face. This workshop will provide an in-depth look at the UW-Milwaukee ASL/English Interpreting Program and its initiatives to prepare culturally competent and compassionate interpreters. The session will begin with a historical overview of interpreter education, exploring key milestones and challenges that have shaped the field. Attendees will gain insight into how external factors influence interpreter preparation and how UW-Milwaukee is addressing these dynamics to remain relevant and responsive. Through a transparent discussion of curriculum design, teaching practices, and innovative approaches, this workshop will highlight how the program integrates authentic experiences with the Deaf community into its training. Participants will learn about strategies for fostering cultural and linguistic competence, ensuring graduates are both employable and equipped to serve the community with professionalism and empathy. Whether you are a member of the Deaf community, an interpreter, or an educator, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to engage in dialogue about the future of interpreter education and the shared responsibility of preparing the next generation of practitioners.

"Overview of Wisconsin Interpreter Licensure- DPI and DSPS"

In Wisconsin, questions about the two primary interpreting licenses—Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)—highlight the complexities surrounding interpreter credentialing. This workshop aims to clarify the requirements, pathways, and barriers associated with each licensure, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of these systems and their impact on interpreting services. Through a detailed exploration of licensure processes, participants will learn about the goals and challenges of these systems, particularly in balancing the protection of Deaf consumers with ensuring interpreters have access to viable career opportunities. The workshop will also address the factors influencing interpreter licensure and service provision, offering a platform for discussion with the Deaf community.

Katy Hagmeyer and Karen Dishno

Workshop #1- "Unraveling Your Roots: An Introduction to At-Home DNA Testing"

Workshop #2- "Tracing Your Family Tree: Understanding Genealogy Searches with DNA"

This workshop introduces participants to the fascinating world of genealogy and how DNA testing can support the process of building a family tree. Attendees will learn how to create and grow a family tree using platforms like Ancestry, including how to enter information, link DNA matches, and explore historical records. The session will cover how to use search tools effectively, evaluate sources for accuracy, and avoid common research pitfalls. Participants will also gain insight into interpreting DNA results in the context of family history, making connections with biological relatives, and verifying information through records and shared matches. Whether you're just getting started or looking to go deeper, this workshop provides practical guidance for uncovering your roots with confidence.

This interactive workshop offers a beginner-friendly look at the world of at-home DNA testing. Participants will explore popular DNA kits like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage, and learn what each test is designed to uncover—from ancestry and ethnicity estimates to health markers and family connections. The session will also cover key differences between kits, including cost, accuracy, and privacy policies. We'll discuss both the benefits and potential risks, such as data sharing, unexpected family discoveries, and ethical concerns. Whether you're testing for the first time or looking to better understand your results, this workshop will help you make informed, empowered choices on your genetic journey

Leah Simmons, Samantha Hudson and Abigail Frances, IndependenceFirst

"How to become a Personal Care Worker?"

Amidst a national caregiver shortage, people with disabilities may struggle to find someone to provide the care needed to live independently in their homes. Deaf individuals face additional challenges to fill this role with a Personal Care Worker (PCW) that meets their communication needs. Learn how to support your community to live independently by becoming a PCW!

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Stacy Soltis, Pharmacist

Medication Safety

This presentation will be focusing on managing multiple medications, reading medication labels, considerations for older adults, proper disposal of medications, and over-the-counter medications.

Becky Mulhern, Board on Aging and Long Term Care

"Consumer Rights: An Introduction to Long-Term Care Ombudsman Services"

Under the federal Older Americans Act, every state must have a Long Term Care Ombudsman Program to address complaints and advocate for improved care. In Wisconsin, this program is administered by the Board on Aging and Long Term Care (BOALTC) and serves individuals aged 60 and older living in long-term care facilities or using programs like Family Care and IRIS. Ombudsmen work independently to protect residents' rights, resolve concerns, and provide education on care standards and resident protections. This presentation offers an overview of Wisconsin’s Ombudsman Program, its services, and how it supports quality care and advocacy—at no cost to those it serves.

Zachary Davenport, Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing

"Breaking Down Barriers: Collaborative Advocacy and Policy Impact for the Deaf Community"

Systemic barriers continue to limit access for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals in Wisconsin. This two-part workshop explores how federal policy changes, legal cases, and self-advocacy are driving progress, while highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration.
Part 1 focuses on recent federal and state policy changes (like Section 504 and ADA Title II) and their impact on accessibility. Real-life scenarios will illustrate how these shifts can lead to meaningful change.
Part 2 emphasizes building partnerships and mobilizing collective action. Participants will engage in a partner-mapping activity and explore strategies for inclusive advocacy, with attention to intersectionality and diverse lived experiences.

Karla Gunn

"Reframing perspectives on Health Advocacy"

The presentation will include some information from Karla's personal experiences through breast cancer treatments, medical terms and navigating long term effects. The information will cover different types of breast cancer, medical professionals like primary doctor, general surgeon, oncologist, radiation oncologist, OT and PT. The presentation will cover some tips for awareness, emotional resilience, healthy choices and long term side effects. The presentation will cover a few tidbits about doing cancer genetic testing counseling and risk assessments. The presentation will cover the importance of spreading awareness like fundraisers or sharing stories. The participants will have an opportunity to share ideas on self advocacy, spreading awareness and gaining some knowledge.

Denise Johnson, IndependenceFirst

"Navigating the Mental Health and Substance Use System to Access the Services You Need."

This workshop guides participants through the process of filing complaints related to mental health and substance use services, with a focus on the rights of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals. The session covers legal protections under the ADA, common barriers to access, and how to navigate the complaint process step by step. Participants will learn how to identify the right channels, what information to include, and where to find support. By the end, attendees will feel empowered to advocate for their rights and push for more accessible, inclusive care.

Leia Sparks and Jenny Buechner, Professional Interpreting Enterprise

Deaf and Hearing Teams: What To Know!!

Deaf and Hearing interpreter teams play a vital role in ensuring clear, culturally sensitive communication. This workshop explores key teaming strategies, including feeding and escort interpreting, and how to navigate them with respect and clarity. Participants will reflect on how to request specific support, avoid overuse of escort interpreting, and define each team member’s role. Strong collaboration, open communication, and ethical practice are essential to maintaining message integrity and ensuring equal access for all.

Leia Sparks and Sara Kay Gengler, WisRID

Ethics and Education: It starts with us! (Interpreters Perspectives)

Interpreting in educational settings requires more than language skills—it demands cultural awareness, ethical decision-making, and a strong commitment to Deaf students' rights. This workshop explores the unique role of interpreters in supporting access to education while maintaining neutrality, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity. By upholding professional standards, interpreters help create inclusive learning environments where Deaf students can thrive academically and socially.

Anna Evans, Dogs on the go!

"How Traditional and Innovative Hearing Assistance Dog Programs Can Expand Quality of Life for People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing"

Although hearing assistance dog programs began in the 1980’s, many people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, AND hearing are unaware of how they transform people’s lives. This presentation will provide education on the differences between service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support dogs, review the history of hearing dog programs, and describe the canine and human characteristics required to achieve success as a hearing dog team

Casimir Mueller and Ted Trenkamp, Professional Interpreting Enterprise

The Backbone of Interpreting: Behind the Scenes with Coordinators

This workshop will emphasize the important role of the coordination system in supporting interpreters and deaf communities. Many people do not realize that coordinators are essential to ensuring that interpreters are available when needed. The goal is to educate the audience about how the system works and then how to apply what they learned about the system to find the appropriate resources for their needs. We will show how coordinators help organize and provide interpreter services, making it easier for deaf individuals to get the support they need. By the end of the session, participants will have a better awareness of how to access these services and feel more confident in using the resources available to them.

Jennifer Koehn, Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Workshop #1 Medicare 101 and your Disability Benefit Specialist

In this session Jennifer Koehn, Wisconsin’s Deaf Disability Benefit Specialist, and Amber Mullett, the Director of the Office for the Promotion of Independent Living (OPIL) will provide participants with an overview of Medicare. This interactive session will break down the complexities of Medicare coverage and the various coverage options available to participants. In addition to providing the basics of Medicare coverage, Jennifer and Amber will highlight available services provided by Disability Benefit Specialists, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, and Independent Living Centers in Wisconsin.

Workshop #2 Medicare 101 and your Disability Benefit Specialist

In this session Jennifer Koehn, Wisconsin’s Deaf Disability Benefit Specialist, will provide participants with a thorough review of their appeal rights when it comes to SSI/SSDI overpayment. This interactive session will walk participants through common scenarios experienced by participants and provide resources and action steps should this situation happen to you.