What We Do
Sign language interpreters are professionals who facilitate communication between deaf and hearing people. Many of us hold certifications from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or other entities, and thereby follow a strict code of ethics.
What’s for certain is that each of us has a unique background and skillset that we bring to our work, with expertise in religious, social justice, nonprofit, and other settings that you might have in mind.
Even more so, we each value the ways in which deaf people have invested in us with their language, American Sign Language, and so we have formed this group to give back to the community where we’re able.
Pro Bono vs. Paid Services
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the law that ensures that sign language interpreters be provided when requested by a deaf person. Businesses and nonprofits that serve the public are covered entities under the ADA and are required to comply with the law by paying for interpreting services for their employees or customers.
However, the ADA specifically exempts religious organizations and private clubs from its provisions, and makes exceptions for organizations for whom paying for interpreter services would be an undue financial burden. In these cases, a pro bono interpreter may be appropriate. Examples include:
- Funerals
- Grassroots rallys, protests, etc.
- Small businesses or nonprofits with few resources
See ada.gov for more information.