Interpreting for Deaf Individuals in Substance Use and Legal Contexts
Includes a Live Web Event on 04/21/2026 at 7:00 PM (EDT)
This Professional Studies program is offered for 0.2 PS-Legal CEUs at the little/none Content Knowledge Level. RID HQ is an approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities.
This workshop will help better equip interpreters to provide culturally responsive and ethically sound services to Deaf individuals with substance use issues within the criminal justice system. Often the only consistent communication bridge for Deaf individuals in complex legal and treatment settings, interpreters will explore their role in navigating access and advocacy issues. The session will address the unique challenges and access issues Deaf individuals face when navigating substance use, treatment programs, and the legal system. Participants will gain tools for more effective and ethical interpreting interactions in these complex situations through discussion of current research, case studies, updates on litigation, available resources, and needed improvements in carceral settings, as well as strategies to assist interpreters in navigating the barriers and injustices that Deaf individuals experience in these systems.
Makoto Ikegami, DSW, LCSW (He/Him)
Dr. Makoto Ikegami is a Deaf-licensed clinical social worker and founder of Deaf Multicultural Counseling, LLC. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in culturally responsive mental health and substance use services for Deaf communities. He frequently collaborates with interpreters in clinical and educational settings and is a national presenter on Deaf mental health, interpreter teaming, and recovery support. Dr. Ikegami teaches in MSW programs at Gallaudet University and Arizona State University and serves as President of the American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association (ADARA).
Deb Guthmann, Ed.D., NIC (She/Her)
Debra Guthmann, Ed.D., NIC, is a nationally recognized lecturer, administrator, counselor, researcher, educator, expert witness, presenter and advocate with over 45 years of extensive experience in service to the deaf community. Dr. Guthmann is the founding Director of the Minnesota Substance Use Disorder Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals which is one of the first inpatient treatment programs serving this population in the United States. She has been involved with the validation of mental health, substance abuse and career related screening tools in American Sign Language. Dr. Guthmann was the Director of Student Services at the California School for the Deaf, Fremont, CA, responsible for clinical services. She has published books, book chapters and articles focusing on substance use and ethics within the deaf community and is one of the editors and a contributor for a book published by Gallaudet Press titled “Deaf People in the Criminal Justice System: Selected Topics on Advocacy, Incarceration and Social Justice. Dr. Guthmann serves as an advisor for a documentary film called “Being Michelle”, which focuses on the injustices that happened to a deaf and disabled woman while incarcerated. Additionally, Dr. Guthmann has served on a number of advisory boards and is the past President and current Vice President of The American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association (ADARA).
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- Non-Member - $65
- Member - $50
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