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 - 09:00

Welcome by RNUSLI

Time: 09:00 - 09:10

Introduction to eDeaf / DEAFinition

Time: 09:10 - 09:13

Remarks by Edeaf / DEAFinition - Nazereen Bhana

Time: 09:13 - 09:20

Remarks by AFSLI - Timothy Tinat

Time: 09:20 - 09:35

Introduction of Dr Christopher Stone - Timothy Tinat

Time: 09:35 - 09:40

Keynote Address - Dr Christopher Stone

Time: 09:40 - 10:20

Remarks by Guest of Honor - Mr Habimana Dominique

Time: 10:20 - 10:45

Group photo and Tea Break

Time: 10:45 - 11:00

Background of AFSLI and Country Reports

Time: 11:00 - 13:15

Lunch

Time: 13:15 - 14:00

Introduction of WASLI Board Members and Presentation

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 of the conference

Time: 09:00 - 09:20

Role of Sign Language Interpreters in Diverse Settings

Time: 09:20 - 10:00

Impact of SA Sign Language Interpreters in Mental Health

Time: 10:00 - 10:30

Q & A

Time: 10:30 - 10:45

Tea Break

Time: 10:45 - 11:15

Challenges in Sign Language Interpreter Education in Cameroon

Time: 11:15 - 11:45

Reclaiming Space and Identity

Time: 11:45 - 12:15

Q & A

Time: 12:15 - 12:30

Lunch

Time: 12:30 - 13:30

Who is a Deaf Interpreter/What is their role/Teamwork

Time: 13:15 - 14:15

Bridging the World: Deafblind People and Interpreters Working Together

Time: 14:15 - 15:15

Coffee and Health Break

Time: 15:15 - 15:45

Poster Presentations

Time: 15:45 - 17:00

Networking and relaxing

Time: 17:00 - 18:30

Gala Dinner

Time: 18:30 - 21:00

Day 3 – 25 March 2026

Arrival and registration

Time: 08:00 - 09:00

Keynote Address

Time: 09:00 - 09:30

Sign Language Policy and Advocacy in Africa

Time: 09:30 - 10:00

Bridging Silence: Technological Innovation

Time: 10:00 - 10:30

Q & A

Time: 10:30 - 10:50

Tea Break

Time: 10:50 - 11:20

Policy and Advocacy for Sign Language Rights

Time: 11:20 - 11:50

Professionalization of Sign Language Interpretation

Time: 11:50 - 12:20

Q & A

Time: 12:20 - 12:35

Interpreters Lead Cohort Project

Time: 12:35 - 12:45

Lunch

Time: 12:45 - 13:30

Communication Barriers in Maternal Healthcare

Time: 13:30 - 14:00

Policy, Power Dynamics, and Trust

Time: 14:00 - 14:30

Future of Interpreting in the Age of AI

Time: 14:30 - 15:00

Q & A

Time: 15:00 - 15:20

Tea Break

Time: 15:20 - 15:45

Conference Recommendations

Time: 15:45 - 16:20

Closing Remarks by State Minister of Minaloc

Time: 16:20 - 16:30

Vote of Thanks and Closing

Time: 16:30 - 17:00

Networking

Time: 17:00 -