Committee

Deborah has been interpreting professionally since 1988. She studied ASL-English interpreting and received both Associate of Applied Science (1988) and Bachelor of Science (2016) degrees from the Rochester Institute of Technology.  Deborah also holds certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) in both Interpretation and Transliteration (CI and CT). In her tenure as an interpreter, she has worked primarily in post-secondary education specializing in STEM disciplines, crisis and conduct settings and work with Deaf faculty, staff and administrators.  Deborah has training and extensive experience in working with individuals who are DeafBlind and frequently provides both low-vision and tactile ASL (TASL) services at RIT and in private practice in the Rochester community. Deborah is currently the Manager of the Professional Development Program in RIT/NTID’s Department of Access Services.  As part of her role, she is also an RID Approved Certification Maintenance Program (CMP) Sponsor. Throughout her career she has provided mentoring and coaching for students and peers.  She presents to students in the ASL-English Interpreting Education (ASLIE) program related to professional practice and continuing development.  Deborah has presented workshops on preparation strategies, ASL to Spoken English, Chemistry concepts, and strategies for navigating work in proprietary environments as well as best practices for professional development.

Rico Peterson is Associate Professor, Assistant Dean, and Director of Access Services at RIT/NTID. Rico earned a Ph.D. in Education from the University of California Riverside, and has taught at Gallaudet, Northeastern University and RIT/NTID.