Three teacher interpreters from Wangsel Institute for the Deaf attended the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI) Asia Meeting in Goa, India, on 10–11 October 2026. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange professional experiences, learn from research and explore ways to strengthen sign language interpreting services.
Key learning focused on the complementary roles of Deaf and hearing interpreters, the importance of assessment and continued training, and team interpreting to manage fatigue and maintain accuracy. Sessions also explored consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, preparation, mentoring, leadership and the opportunities and limitations of artificial intelligence in supporting accessible communication.
The insights gained will inform efforts to strengthen Bhutanese Sign Language (BhSL) interpreting services and communication access for Deaf students and the wider Deaf community. Wangsel Institute for the Deaf looks forward to applying these lessons through professional learning, collaboration and interpreting practices guided by Deaf people’s communication needs.
This marked the first participation of interpreters from Bhutan in a WASLI Asia Meeting. We look forward to participating in similar meetings in the future to deepen our understanding of interpreting, strengthen our professional skills and build networks with interpreters across the region and beyond.
