World Association of Sign Language Interpreters

World Association of Sign Language Interpreters
Name	World Association of Sign Language Interpreters
Abbrev	WASLI
Formation	2003
Type	Non-governmental organization
Headquarters	Geneva
Region served	Global

World Association of Sign Language Interpreters is an international non-governmental network linking national and regional interpreter associations, professional bodies, and individual practitioners associated with sign language interpreting. It serves as a coordinating forum between stakeholders such as United Nations, World Federation of the Deaf, European Union of the Deaf, International Labour Organization, and national ministries including Ministry of Education (United Kingdom), Ministry of Health (Australia), and Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (Finland). The association engages with international frameworks like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and bodies such as World Health Organization, UNESCO, and Council of Europe.

History

Founded in 2003 following meetings that involved representatives from organizations such as World Federation of the Deaf, National Association of the Deaf (United States), British Deaf Association, Deaf Federation of Australia, European Union of the Deaf, and the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf, the association emerged amid global developments including the adoption process of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and advocacy by figures linked to Maryam Al-Khawaja-style human rights activism. Early assemblies referenced initiatives from the World Health Organization and policy discussions in forums like the International Labour Organization. Key formative gatherings occurred alongside events hosted by institutions such as Geneva University Hospitals, University of Edinburgh, and Gallaudet University.

Mission and Objectives

The association’s stated mission aligns with international human rights instruments exemplified by the United Nations system, seeking to promote professional standards analogous to those advocated by International Federation of Translators, European Network for Accessible Tourism, and policy frameworks of the European Commission. Objectives include advocacy for recognition of interpreting as a profession in legislative contexts like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, promoting training comparable to curricula at Riverside Community College District and programs at Ochanomizu University, and fostering cooperation with organizations such as World Federation of the Deaf, National Technical Institute for the Deaf, and the International Disability Alliance.

Structure and Governance

Governance is modelled on international associations such as International Council on Archives, with an elected executive committee, regional representatives, and specialty working groups similar to those seen in International Bar Association and International Council of Museums. Headquarters functions coordinate with offices in hubs like Geneva, Brussels, and London, mirroring arrangements used by World Health Organization, European Commission, and UNESCO. Decision-making processes reference practices from bodies such as International Olympic Committee and Council of Europe committees, while ethical standards draw on precedents from International Federation of Journalists and American Translators Association.

Programs and Activities

Programs include professional development initiatives inspired by curricula at Gallaudet University, certification guidance analogous to National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (Australia), and mentorship models comparable to those of Royal College of Physicians. Activities extend to advocacy campaigns in partnership with World Federation of the Deaf, policy submissions to institutions like the United Nations Human Rights Council, capacity building in regions covered by Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and collaborative projects with NGOs such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Training events echo pedagogical links to universities including University of Toronto, University of Melbourne, and University of Copenhagen.

Membership and Regional Associations

Membership comprises national associations such as National Association of the Deaf (United States), British Deaf Association, Deafness Forum of India, and provincial bodies like Ontario Association of the Deaf, plus individual members from institutions including Gallaudet University and RIT University. Regional chapters parallel entities like the European Union of the Deaf, African Union, Organization of American States, and networks similar to Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability. The association collaborates with professional bodies such as International Federation of Translators and accreditation agencies like National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (Australia).

Conferences and Events

Major conferences mirror international gatherings such as the World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf, regional symposia akin to European Day of Languages events, and workshops held in academic venues like Gallaudet University, University of Salamanca, and University of California, Berkeley. The association organizes world congresses, regional conferences in partnership with groups like European Union of the Deaf and Deaf Sports Australia, and satellite workshops at forums including the United Nations Human Rights Council and the World Health Assembly.

Publications and Resources

Publications include conference proceedings, guidelines for best practice comparable to documents from International Labour Organization, training manuals influenced by curricula at Gallaudet University and Riverside Community College District, and policy papers submitted to institutions like United Nations, World Health Organization, and Council of Europe. Resource development follows models used by International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions and disseminates tools for practitioners and educators drawing on research from universities such as University of Manchester, University of New South Wales, and University of Amsterdam.

Category:Interpreting organizations Category:Deaf culture Category:International non-governmental organizations