October 28, 2015

Rochester Institute of Technology

To Whom It May Concern:
Re: Silas Woodsmith 2016 Internship Application
I first met Silas Woodsmith when he was studying in the ASL and Deaf Studies Program prior to applying to the Program of
Sign Language Interpretation at Douglas College in which he has been a student for 13 months. Silas has conducted himself
in a professional manner in all his dealings with me, which I now know is a skill-set he brings with him from prior work/life
experience. As a faculty member and the program coordinator, I have had the opportunity to interact with Silas numerous
times to discuss his studies.
Interpreting Skills and Knowledge Base Silass interpreting skills are progressing well and he has a firm understanding of
constructed meaning and the goal of producing appropriate syntax in the target language as opposed to form-based work.
Prior to going on practicum, Silas will be learning how to adapt his signing to meet clients language preferences along the
language continuum.
Personal Strengths Silas communicates well in written and spoken English, and ASL. He has good interpersonal skills which
are evident in his dealings with fellow students and faculty members. He will well-liked by his peers. Silas is familiar with
the Demand-Control Schema and has experience leading case conferences related to difficult situations he has run into
when providing volunteer interpreting. He is open to feedback and engages in the discussion about the work.
Silas has also attended several professional development events that were not required for students, which shows his
enthusiasm about learning. This also shows me he is engaged in the Deaf community and with professional interpreters.
Volunteering Silas has been very active in the programs service learning opportunities. These include volunteer
interpreting and volunteer support in other capacities at Deaf events. Because we do not have anything equivalent to the
ADA, students will often volunteer in our community. At this point in the program Silas has provided approximately 80
hours of volunteer interpretation in the community, always working with a fellow student as a co-interpreter. He has
experience in a variety of settings including recreational, family gatherings and political events. He has also provided
interpretation and support services to individuals who are Deaf-Blind, attending an eight-day adult camp at Seabeck,
Washington, in August 2015.
Silas skills are progressing and I believe by January he will be ready for the learning and mentorship provided at RIT.
If you would like to speak with me further, please feel free to contact me.
Yours truly,

Cheryl Palmer, R.S.L.I.

Coordinator, Program of Sign Language Interpretation
Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies
604-527-5131
palmerc@douglascollege.ca