Joseph Trelstad
West Des Moines,Iowa
Summary
An experienced I Can Connect Trainer and a nationally certified Sign Language Interpreter with over 24 years’ experience working in various settings, including with Deaf-Blind consumers. Possess an ongoing passion for technology and a commitment to equal access to communication for all people.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Trainer/Interpreter/SSP
Helen Keller National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP)
06.2015 - Current
- Facilitate communication between NDBEDP trainers and clients during assessments, installations, and trainings
- Provide SSP services in various settings for Iowa’s NDBEDP trainers
- Assist trainers in installation of computers, software, and other communication/assistive technologies
- Trainer and Installer
- Create instructional materials that effectively convey complex concepts in accessible formats for diverse learners.
- Mentor new trainers, providing guidance on best practices for engaging participants and maximizing learning outcomes.
- Analyze participant progress data to identify trends and adjust training strategies for improved results.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts to create accurate training content.
Part-time Video Relay Interpreter
Sorenson Communications
01.2009 - Current
- Convey all auditory and signed information so that the Sign language users and hearing people can fully interact over videophone and telephone in FCC regulated call center
- Facilitated real-time communication between hearing and Deaf individuals using sign language interpretation.
- Utilized video technology to enhance accessibility for Deaf clients in various settings.
- Maintained confidentiality and adherence to ethical standards in all interpretations.
- Collaborated with team members to improve workflow efficiency and service delivery.
- Adapted quickly to diverse communication styles and environments during assignments.
- Mentored junior interpreters, providing guidance on best practices and techniques.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing any concerns or issues promptly and professionally.
- Collaborated with other interpreters during team meetings, sharing insights and strategies for handling challenging call situations or client needs.
- Collaborated with fellow interpreters to improve service quality and share best practices for interpretation techniques.
- Maintained a high level of professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive information during video relay calls.
- Demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills by resolving technical issues swiftly without disrupting client communication.
- Adapted quickly to changing circumstances within calls, ensuring seamless transitions between topics or speakers as needed.
Webmaster for Two Organizations
Iowa State Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and Thrive
10.2008 - Current
- Redesign and create new tools for websites
- Handle day to day and ongoing maintenance
- Developed and maintained user-friendly website interfaces for enhanced accessibility.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to gather requirements and define website functionalities.
- Troubleshot technical issues, ensuring optimal website performance and uptime.
- Trained team members on content management system usage and best practices.
- Led initiatives to enhance user engagement through responsive design adjustments.
- Managed website updates and maintenance schedules to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Troubleshot issues with websites and fixed scripting and use issues.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, delivering high-quality results within tight deadlines.
- Conceptualized, planned and executed original designs for wide range of website properties.
- Configured and purchased domains for websites.
- Migrated existing websites onto new platforms without losing essential data or compromising site functionality.
- Conducted usability testing to identify areas for improvement in layout and design.
Independent Contractor
Joseph Trelstad Interpreter/ Transliterator
01.1997 - Current
- Own and operate interpreting business working with local agencies, government entities and private organizations to coordinate and provide interpreting services to the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Hearing consumers throughout Iowa
- Settings include: education K-12 and post-secondary, business, mental health, medical, Deaf-blind (tactile signing), government, stage performance, video relay, Deaf/Hearing teaming, conferences, political events, religious, and athletic events
Interpreter/Transliterator
Brandt Agency of Interpreting LLC
08.2011 - 05.2019
- Facilitated communication between Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Hearing individuals in classrooms and meetings in junior high and high school
- Collaborated with the educational team with issues regarding communication, cultural and technology
- Worked with students on vocabulary and other concepts
- Assisted student led sign language clubs
- Facilitated communication between diverse groups through accurate interpretation of spoken and written content.
- Utilized advanced language skills to convey complex information clearly and effectively in real-time settings.
- Coordinated with clients to ensure understanding of cultural nuances impacting message delivery.
- Streamlined workflow processes to enhance efficiency in interpretation assignments across various platforms.
- Conducted thorough research on subject matter terminology, ensuring accuracy in specialized interpretations.
- Led initiatives to implement technology solutions that improved service delivery and client satisfaction rates.
- Utilized active listening skills and cultural sensitivity to convey accurate interpretations.
- Maintained message content, tone, and emotion as closely as possible.
- Provided oral interpretations for clients during special events, successfully maintaining pace with native speakers to deliver real-time comprehension.
- Enhanced communication between clients and non-English speakers by providing accurate translations in real-time conversations.
- Communicated with clients to understand interpreting needs and provide best service possible.
- Used knowledge of accepted ethical guidelines to interpret confidential and sensitive information.
- Provided cultural input to speakers to help parties who did not speak similar languages communicate with and understand one another.
- Prepared for interpreting tasks by researching and gathering information about tasks beforehand.
Part-time Interpreter
Des Moines Area Community College
08.2007 - 05.2009
- Provided interpreting and transliteration services for college ASL classes and provided input in curriculum planning and student assessments
- Facilitated communication between diverse groups, ensuring clear understanding and collaboration.
- Developed and implemented strategies to enhance the efficiency of interpretation processes across campus events.
- Utilized active listening skills and cultural sensitivity to convey accurate interpretations.
- Provided oral interpretations for clients during special events, successfully maintaining pace with native speakers to deliver real-time comprehension.
Medical Interpreter
Mercy Medical Center
07.2005 - 10.2006
- Provided interpretation and transliteration for Deaf employees and patients in various settings within the hospital; including surgeries, staff meetings and clinic appointments
- Participated in the planning and implementation of Deaf awareness and medical vocabulary classes for health service providers and community interpreters
- Facilitated accurate communication between patients and medical staff in high-pressure environments.
- Interpreted complex medical terminology for diverse patient populations to ensure understanding of treatment plans.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to enhance service delivery and improve patient satisfaction.
- Implemented feedback mechanisms to refine interpretation processes and enhance accuracy of services provided.
- Advocated for patient rights and needs, ensuring equitable access to healthcare resources for all patients.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Upper Iowa University
Des Moines, Iowa01.2004
Associate of Applied Science - Sign Language Interpreter/Transliterator
Saint Paul Technical College
Saint Paul, Minnesota01.1997
Certification
- Permanent License by Examination, Sign Language Interpreter and Transliterator - Iowa Department of Public Health/ Professional Licensure Bureau
- Certified CI/CT- Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Timeline
Trainer/Interpreter/SSP
Helen Keller National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP)
06.2015 - Current
Interpreter/Transliterator
Brandt Agency of Interpreting LLC
08.2011 - 05.2019
Part-time Video Relay Interpreter
Sorenson Communications
01.2009 - Current
Webmaster for Two Organizations
Iowa State Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and Thrive
10.2008 - Current
Part-time Interpreter
Des Moines Area Community College
08.2007 - 05.2009
Medical Interpreter
Mercy Medical Center
07.2005 - 10.2006
Independent Contractor
Joseph Trelstad Interpreter/ Transliterator
01.1997 - Current
Associate of Applied Science - Sign Language Interpreter/Transliterator
Saint Paul Technical College
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Upper Iowa University