CDIT

CDIT Updates

Mission: Expanding the presence of Deaf interpreters in Colorado

Colorado Registry for the Interpreters of the Deaf

Annual Conference

10/26/2024

Dear Community,

The Colorado Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (CRID) recognizes the critical need

for growth in the field of Deaf interpreting in our state. In 2022 and 2023, we hosted

two Deaf interpreter training sessions, "Colorado Wants Y ou Deaf Interpreters," which

highlighted the significant interest among Deaf individuals in pursuing careers in

interpreting. Currently , we have approximately 20 interested Deaf individuals who are

hesitant to enter the field due to limited job opportunities and a lack of training

resources.

To address these needs, we are proud to announce the collaborative efforts of our

dedicated officers: President Pauline Ballentine, Secretary Jennifer Mari Gunderson,

and Treasurer Kevin Harrer . Together , they have developed the Colorado Deaf

Interpreter Training (CDIT) program, with support from CRID, CORE, CCDHHDB, and

DHHS. This initiative features a comprehensive curriculum, a new logo, and a

leadership team committed to its success.

We are excited to announce the launch of our first pilot cohort, which will begin in

Spring 2025, accommodating 10 participants. The program will be offered at a

nominal fee of $50. A second cohort will follow in Fall of 2025.

We encourage you to share this announcement within your communities and agencies.

The application process is now open, and interested individuals can apply using the

following link:

We will review applications and notify selected participants by the end of December .

Priority will be given to Deaf interpreters who have prior experience working with

agencies in the field. The second cohort will accept additional participants based on

available spots.

Thank you for your support in advancing the field of Deaf interpreting in Colorado

Kevin Harrer

Kevin is a Colorado native with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a minor in Mathematics. He also has a Master’s Degree in Deaf education from Gallaudet University. He works for the Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind as a Certified Deaf Interpreter. In addition to his certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Kevin possesses a Status I Court/Legal Interpreter designation.

He has worked in education, medical, video relay, government, and legal settings for more than ten years as a ASL/English communication specialist. Kevin is best known for his work as a teacher of the deaf, teaching mathematics and American Sign Language for several schools and Pikes Peak State College.

Kevin is passionate about deaf education and advocating for communication access in Colorado and is a strong advocate for the deaf communities in Colorado. He is especially proud of his work with the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind Alumni Association. Kevin currently lives in Colorado Springs. In his free time, he loves to participate in various Deaf events, produce video presentations, and do basically anything in the mountain outdoors, such as hiking, snowboarding, skiing, and bicycling.

Pauline Ballentine

Hello. My name is Pauline. Currently, I live in Evans, Colorado. I was born and raised in Massachusetts. I attended mainstream school when I grew up. I came from a Deaf family, and I am second-generation Deaf. I have been married for 30 years now and my three adult children are Deaf and third-generation Deaf. The oldest is a boy, 27 years old, the second one is a girl, 24 years old, and lastly, the third one is a boy, 19 years old. Currently, my last child is living at home with me.

I have been taught Interpreting Training Programs for many years. At the same time, I do contract work related to do the presentations and assessments including language and interpretation.

Earlier I explained who my family is, I just finished my Ed.D. program under the Deaf Studies track. My dissertation was on Deaf interpreters and their barriers navigating the system and why they have the resilience to overcome those barriers. It was interesting research for me.

As for the fun part of my life, well, I finished my Ed.D. program last May so most of my time focused on it. Right now, I am coming out and looking around and breathing. I am

figuring out my new norms, and what my new life after Ed.D. looks like. I am not sure what it is now. I do enjoy reading, researching, and teaching. Around here for fun we go hiking, swim in my swimming pool, take care of eight chickens for eggs- it is a hobby,

plus take care of two cats. It is great to meet you all!

Catalog:

Pauline Ballentine is a certified Deaf Interpreter and a seasoned educator and advocate

within the Deaf community. She earned her Ed.D. in Deaf Studies, with her dissertation

focusing on the barriers faced by Deaf interpreters and their resilience in navigating

systemic challenges. Pauline has extensive experience teaching Interpreting Training

Programs and working as a contractor in language and interpretation assessments and

presentations.

Her career spans research, development, teaching, and advocacy, reflecting her deep

commitment to empowering the Deaf community and advancing the interpreting

profession. As a second-generation Deaf individual from a proud Deaf family, Pauline

continues her legacy with three adult children, all Deaf and carrying the family’s

traditions forward.

Outside her professional life, Pauline enjoys hiking, swimming, and caring for her seven

chickens and two cats. Her diverse experiences and expertise make her a passionate

and dedicated contributor to the field of interpreting and Deaf community advocacy.

Jennifer Mari Gunderson

Jennifer Mari Gunderson is a dedicated educator and advocate for bridging the gap between Deaf and hearing communities. Born Deaf into a Deaf family, Jennifer attended a Deaf school and later graduated from a mainstream program. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from Gallaudet University in 2013 and completed her Master's in Sign Language Education there in 2017.

With over 10 years of experience teaching American Sign Language, Jennifer is passionate about fostering understanding and inclusivity between Deaf and hearing individuals. In addition to her teaching career, she has over 15 years of experience as a Deaf interpreter. As a student growing up, Jennifer often found herself assisting other Deaf students who struggled to understand their hearing teachers or interpreters. In both Deaf schools and mainstream settings, she would clarify communication by signing directly to the students. This early experience as an informal interpreter has shaped her journey and made interpreting a natural part of her life. Her deep connection to the natural world mirrors her love for education. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking, and spending quality moments with her child and furkids.

Colorado Deaf Interpreter Training (CDIT)

CDIT Updates

Mission: Expanding the presence of Deaf interpreters in Colorado

Meet the Committee

Kevin Harrer

Pauline Ballentine

Jennifer Mari Gunderson

Hearing and Deaf Interpreter Full Team Workshop

CDIT Sponsorship Opportunity

CDIT Training Information