The “Foundations in Mediation for Ukrainian Interpreters” Program Launches for Ukrainian Interpreters
Following the success of the course “Mediating in English” with Barry J. Roberts, which became an important step in the development of English-language mediation in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation (UAM) is launching a new opportunity for interpreters who wish to engage professionally in mediation processes.
About the Program
Foundations in Mediation for Ukrainian Interpreters is a specialized training program designed for interpreters who work or plan to work in the field of mediation. The course aims to ensure high-quality and accurate interpretation during mediation sessions, trainings, and professional events.
The program consists of six intensive practice-oriented sessions, including simulations, terminology exercises, work with real-life cases, and other tools essential for interpreters operating in a mediation environment. The training is delivered by leading U.S. experts Barry J. Roberts and María Ceballos-Wallis.
Program Trainers
María Ceballos-Wallis, MA is a federally and state-certified court interpreter in the United States, working at the U.S. Federal District Court. She is a trainer at the De La Mora Institute of Interpretation, host of the podcast “Subject to Interpretation”, and a bilingual certified mediator.
Barry J. Roberts, JD, LL.M., MA (TESOL) is the founder of English for Dispute Resolution, an author and trainer, and a former attorney, mediator, and court mediation program administrator. In collaboration with UAM, she developed the course “Mediating in English”, which prepared Ukrainian mediators to work professionally in English.
Since 2021, María Ceballos-Wallis and Barry J. Roberts have been delivering mediation training for interpreters in the United States and internationally. They actively collaborate with the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation, adapting their materials and teaching approaches to the needs of Ukrainian interpreters.
Format and Participation
- Dates: December 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, and 20
- Format: Online (Zoom), each session lasts 2 hours
- Registration: https://forms.gle/d6xXFEmThfToivSj6
- Participation: Free of charge
To receive a certificate, participants are required to complete 4 hours of interpretation practice at mediation-related events or during mediation procedures.
Participants who successfully complete the program will receive certificates and will be included in the list of interpreters on the Mediation Help platform.
What Participants Will Gain
The program includes:
- an introduction to the language, culture, and ethical standards of mediation;
- an understanding of the interpreter’s role and boundaries of responsibility in mediation processes;
- practice in active listening techniques and other essential soft skills;
- work with documents, glossaries, and complex communication situations;
- practical exercises in small groups together with UAM mediators;
- an overview of best practices for using AI tools in interpretation.
The training is organized by the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation in cooperation with the Ukrainian Association of Translators, within the framework of the project “CONSENT: Enhancing the Role of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Ukraine with a Focus on Mediation”, implemented with the financial support of the European Union.