On Sunday Aug. 4, at 10:30 a.m., the Monadnock Summer Lyceum will feature Laurie R. Shaffer, an expert on American Sign Language and an advocate for the deaf community.  The presentation will be at Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church, 25 Main St.

Shaffer's colleague, Nicole Cruz, a member of the New Hampshire deaf community, will perform poetry she composed in American Sign Language. Her pieces, which will be thematically linked to the topic of the day's talk, will be interpreted into spoken English for audience accessibility. Cruz will also be moderator for the event.

Shaffer’s talk will address the concept of authentic access versus performative access. She will take attendees through her own journey as she developed her passion and knowledge concerning American Sign Language and her path to becoming an ASL/English interpreter. Using story, she will examine the lessons learned and discuss her continuing efforts to collaborate with the deaf community to create equity and inclusion.  

In a chapter she authored in “The Routledge Handbook of Sign Language Translation and Interpreting,” Shaffer calls for a more-thorough examination of the systematic, institutional and technological obstacles that impede effective communication between those who speak English and those who use ASL. 

Shaffer’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Hamilton College, a master’s degree in education of deaf children from Syracuse University and a doctorate in research in interpretation and translation from Gallaudet University. She joined the faculty of UNH Manchester in 2017 and shares her expertise in American Sign Language/English interpretation in their bachelor’s degree program as director and assistant professor. In addition, she develops professional development programs in this area of education. Working with colleague Wendy Watson, she designed a model and program of peer mentoring that has been offered broadly across the country since 2004.

Cruz was born deaf, and has had full access to ASL throughout her life. She is an instructor for the ASL program at the University of New Hampshire and also runs the ASL program for Manchester’s Memorial High School. She serves as a consultant and language coach for ASL/English interpreters who provide services for theaters in New Hampshire. 

Cruz's poetry performance will be from 10:30 to 11 a.m., so attendees are strongly encouraged to arrive by 10:30.

People may also view the presentation online at monadnocklyceum.org.