Spa Day Honors Those Who Help Bridge the Gap
Interpreter Appreciation Event offers pampering, connection and thanks to ASL professionals
Almost 20 people enjoyed free spa services in mid-June, courtesy of a Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services Interpreter Appreciation Event. Now in its third year, the event is a small token of the immense gratitude D&HHS holds for those at the heart of its mission: making life accessible for the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing.
“We really appreciate the chance to say thank you to all of our interpreters at D&HHS and those working throughout the state,” said Erica Chapin, Community and Partnerships manager for D&HHS. “Their hard work allows us to serve our communities and provide necessary access and effective communication.”
Chapin said this year’s attendees had a great time.
Justine Bryant agreed.
She has been interpreting professionally for more than a decade, after a brief interaction with a Deaf person in the community led her to classes at GRCC. There, she said, she fell in love with the practical power of the language and the inclusivity of the culture.
She said she values the way D&HHS not only advocates in the community but also creates meaningful opportunities for connection.
“They don’t just talk about equity,” she added. “They do their best to model it.”
She was grateful for the recent spa day, where she connected with colleagues, enjoyed delicious snacks and decompressed with a scalp massage and blowout.
“It was thoughtful and well organized, and I walked away feeling relaxed and valued,” she said with a smile. “I’m grateful to D&HHS for hosting events like this, but also grateful they’re around to serve the community I care about the most.”
Beth Magennis, an ASL interpreter for 29 years, echoed Bryant’s remarks.
After earning a degree in ASL from Lansing Community College, she has worked in a wide range of settings and said she still loves helping bridge the communication gap between the hearing and the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing communities.
Connected to D&HHS since 1997, Magennis said she appreciates the staff who support her in her day-to-day work.
Of the recent Interpreter Appreciation event, she said simply: “I rarely take time to pay attention to my fingernails and toenails. It was a special treat for D&HHS to provide those two services at Heidi Christine’s Salon & Spa. As an added bonus, I used the massage chair during my pedicure. There was also an assortment of appetizers and desserts to enjoy.”
That feedback brought a smile to Chapin’s face.
“It was great to see our interpreters being able to relax and to see their fellow interpreters,” she said. “In fact, I think everyone’s favorite part is being able to catch up with one another on a personal level.”
But, she added, free salon services aren’t bad either.