AFSLI Conference 2026 – Kigali, Rwanda
Explore the full 3-day lineup of keynote sessions, workshops, panels, and networking activities hosted by the Rwanda National Union of Sign Language Interpreters (RNUSLI).
AFSLI Day – 23 March 2026
Arrival and registration
Time: 08:00 - 9:00
Welcome by RNUSLI
Time: 9:00 - 9:10
Remarks by Rwanda National Union of the Deaf
Time: 09:10 - 09:15
Remarks by Umbrella Organization of Persons with Disability to Fight Against HIV and Health Promotion (UPHLS)
Time: 09:15 - 09:20
Remarks by National Union of Disability Organization in Rwanda (NUDOR)
Time: 09:20 - 09:25
Remarks by National Council of Persons with Disability (NCPD)
Time: 09:25 - 09:30
Remarks by Guest of Honor
Time: 09:30 - 09:45
Background of AFSLI and official welcome
Time: 09:45 - 10:00
Key Note Address: Dr Christopher Stone
Time: 10:00 - 10:45
Group photo with guest of honor
Time: 10:45 - 11:00
Tea Break
Time: 11:00 - 11:30
Country Report Panel Discussions
East Africa
West Africa
North Africa
Southern Africa
Central Africa
Time: 11:30 - 13:15
LUNCH
Time: 13:15 - 14:00
Introduction of WASLI Board members and
Presentation about WASLI
Time: 14:00 - 15:00
Interactive Workshop
International Sign Interpreting
Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Tea Break
Time: 16:00 - 16:30
Interactive Workshop
International Sign Interpreting
Time: 16:30 - 17:30
Day 2 – 24 March 2026
Arrival and registration
Time: 08:00 - 09:00
Overview of the conference
Time: 09:00 - 09:30
The Role of Sign Language Interpreters in Diverse Settings: Challenges and Opportunities in Service Delivery in Rwanda - Ndagijimana Ibrahim
Time: 09:30 - 10:00
The Impact of SA Sign Language Interpreters on the Therapeutic Alliance in Mental Health Settings - Thelma Kotze
Time: 10:00 - 10:30
Q & A
Time: 10:30 - 10:45
Tea Break
Time: 10:45 - 11:15
Bridging Silence with Empowerment: The Role of Deaf Interpreters in Africa - Nankinga Rebecca Olivia & Okwadi Micheal
Time: 11:15 - 11:45
Reclaiming Space and Identity: African Deaf Interpreters, Ubuntu, and the Struggle for Recognition - Razaq Fakir
Time: 11:45 - 12:15
Q & A
Time: 12:15 - 12:30
LUNCH
Time: 12:30 - 13:30
Interactive Workshop - WASLI Board
Time: 13:15 - 15:15
Coffee and Health break
Time: 15:15 - 15:45
POSTER PRESENTATIONS:
Breaking Barriers: The Evolving Role of Kenya Sign Language Interpreters in Corporate Inclusion - Hildah Murugi Njeru et al.
Advancing Sign Language Interpreters as a Tool for Inclusivity in Africa - Aisha Salisu
Technology and Innovation in Sign Language Interpretation - Minnie Mbesa et al
Advancing Accessibility: Policy Reform and Advocacy for Sign Language Rights in Africa - Lydia Nsubuga
The Role of Sign Language Interpreters in Inclusive Education: A Rwandan Perspective - Rachel Nyirabarera
Time: 15:45 - 16:45
Interactive Workshop: Deafblind interpreting
Time: 16:45 - 17:45
Networking and relaxing
Time: 17:45 - 19:00
Gala Dinner
Time: 19:00 - 21:00
Day 3 – 25 March 2026
Arrival and registration
Time: 08:00 - 09:00
Keynote address: Debra Russell
Time: 09:00 - 09:30
Sign Language Policy and Advocacy in Africa - Deborah Oyuu Iyute
Time: 09:30 - 10:00
Bridging Silence: Technological Innovation in Sign Language Interpretation for Inclusive Access in African Communities - Judy Kihumba
Time: 10:00 - 10:30
Q & A
Time: 10:30 - 10:50
Tea Break
Time: 10:50 - 11:20
Bridging the Silence: Policy and Advocacy for Sign Language Rights in Africa - Winnie Adoyo Hsc
Time: 11:20 - 11:50
Professionalization of Sign Language Interpretation in Africa: Ethical Considerations and Best Practices for Interpreters - Prisca Sinyoro
Time: 11:50 - 12:20
Q & A
Time: 12:20 - 12:35
Introduction about Interpreters Lead Cohort Project - Razaq Fakir
Time: 12:35 - 12:45
LUNCH
Time: 12:45 - 13:30
Communication Barriers in Maternal Healthcare: Interpreting Challenges for Deaf Pregnant Women in Kenya - Eddy I Mandilla, Joseph Etyang, and Kate Ogutu
Time: 13:30 - 14:00
Bridging the Divide: Policy, Power Dynamics, and Trust Between Deaf Communities and Interpreters in Africa - Joseph B. Etyang
Time: 14:00 - 14:30
Q & A
Time: 14:30 - 14:45
Break
Time: 14:45 - 15:15
From Reflection to Collaboration: Shaping the Future of Interpreting in the Age of AI and Sign Language Technology - Silvia Muturi
Time: 15:15 - 15:45
Q & A
Time: 15:45 - 16:00
Recommendations from Conference
Time: 16:00 - 16:30
Vote of thanks and closing
Time: 16:30 - 17:00
Networking
Time: 17:00 - ……...