Sign Language Interpretation

• Sign languages are languages used by d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals that involve hand shapes, facial expressions, body movements, and spatial cues to convey meaning.
• There are numerous sign languages, each with unique features. In the U.S., American Sign Language (ASL) is one of the most widely used, and has distinct grammar and syntax from English. There are various signed languages around the world, and even within regions, dialects and variations exist.
• Different sign language interpretation services serve different communities, and it’s important to understand the context and needs of your audience when providing accessibility services.

There are several different types of sign language interpreters, each of which may be better suited to certain situations or client preferences. (For more information on tactile language, which many DeafBlind individuals use, please visit the Tactile Language Interpretation page of the Hub.)

Several common types of sign language interpreters are listed below:

• Deaf interpreters: Deaf interpreters bring their lived experience as Deaf individuals, sophistication in Deaf culture, and fluency in sign language to their professional practice in order to provide more nuanced and culturally accurate interpretation. They partner with hearing interpreters to provide comprehensive and intuitively sound interpretation services.
• Hearing interpreters: Hearing interpreters are individuals who are not d/Deaf, but who are fluent in sign language and have received rigorous training to provide interpretation services (e.g., in ASL).
• Theatrical interpreters: Theatrical interpreters are trained to interpret in live performance settings, such as theater shows. These interpreters also capture the artistic nuances, emotions, and tone of the performance.

Additionally, there are some common considerations that will come up whenever incorporating sign language interpreters into an event at your organization. These include:

• Number of interpreters: The number of interpreters required for an activity depends on several factors, including length, complexity of the content, number of participants, and the type of service needed. Service providers will help you determine this.
• Interpreter delivery methods: Sign language interpretation can be delivered by on-site interpreters, who are physically present to provide direct, in-person interpretation, or remotely through systems like Video Remote Interpreting (VRI).

When your organization follows best practices for preparing and scheduling interpreters, you can ensure that the process will go more smoothly and that more people will be able to participate successfully. These best practices are listed below:

• Determine interpreter needs: Determine the activities for which you will provide interpreters without the need for specific requests (such as performances, large events without registration, etc.), as well as the activities for which you will provide interpreters only upon request. Collaborate with experts from the d/Deaf community to determine this and book interpreters early.
• Communicate policies and processes clearly: Ensure that all materials related to interpretation requests clearly outline your policies, procedures, timelines, and preferred deadlines for requests. Also include contact information for a staff point person.
• Respect preferences: Always prioritize and make every effort to accommodate specific sign language interpretation requests from patrons. Keep in mind that not all sign language systems are suitable for every individual.
• Know your service providers: Build relationships with service providers and agencies in your area, as well as remote providers. Familiarize yourself with their policies and procedures for fulfilling requests.
• Look for qualifications and certification: Ensure that you work with certified and highly qualified interpreters.
• Help interpreters prepare: Provide interpreters with any relevant materials in advance, such as scripts, presentation outlines or notes, proper names, etc. For more complex events or productions, additional planning and rehearsal time might be needed.
• Provide adequate sightlines and sound: Ensure that interpreters have a clear line of sight to the speakers or performers and access to clear sound so that they can interpret effectively. Avoid obstructing the interpreter’s view with other materials or objects. Similarly, ensure that patrons have a clear line of sight to interpreters, or designate a specific seating area for direct access to interpreters.
• Consider other services: While captions and other services such as haptic devices or sensory aids may play an important role in accessibility, they should not be viewed as substitutes for sign language interpretation. These services serve different needs and should be considered as complementary rather than interchangeable.
• Train your staff: Provide training for your staff about Deaf culture, communication practices, and interacting with interpreters.
• Remember internal accessibility: Remember that providing sign language interpreters should not be limited to patrons and audiences. Ensure that you offer these services internally as well, such as during job applications, organization staff events, etc.

Putting on theatrical performances requires some additional considerations for providing high-quality sign language interpretation. These include:

• Engage Deaf talent: Whenever possible, include Deaf actors, performers, and creatives in your production. Representation is crucial, and Deaf artists bring unique perspectives to the work.
• Work with Directors of Artistic Sign Language (DASLs): Consider whether working with a DASL would be right for your production. A DASL is a professional (identifying as Deaf) who oversees the integration of sign language in staged productions. They collaborate with production teams, actors, and designers to ensure that the signing content aligns with the artistic vision of the show.
• Support Planning and Rehearsal: Ensure you account for ample planning and rehearsal time for DASLs and interpreter teams to work with your production team.

Additionally, several best practices apply for communicating how and when interpreters are available, or for communicating with the Deaf community more broadly. These include:

• Engage with the Deaf community: Simply providing interpretation services is not enough to guarantee attendance. Actively engage with the Deaf community through partnerships with Deaf organizations to build trust and raise awareness about your events. By fostering these relationships, you can ensure that your events and services are communicated directly to the Deaf audience, encouraging them to attend.
• Be transparent and clear: Clearly communicate the availability of sign language interpretation services in all promotional materials, both digital and print. Include detailed information about the process for requesting services, such as timelines and contact information, to ensure that Deaf individuals are aware of how to access these services. Make this information easily accessible on your website, event listings, and social media, so it’s visible to all potential attendees in advance.
• Use accessible communication channels: Use accessible communication channels such as ASL vlogs or video updates to directly inform Deaf patrons about upcoming events and available interpretation services. Featuring interpreters or a DASL if you’re working with one in these videos allows you to communicate in a way that resonates with the community.
• Build awareness over time: Building a loyal Deaf audience is not just a one-time effort. It is an ongoing process that requires consistent outreach, collaboration, and trust. Beyond just offering interpretation services, cultural organizations should maintain regular communication with Deaf patrons through newsletters, social media updates, and community events. Seek and act on feedback provided.

Finally, keep these cross-cultural considerations in mind when engaging with the Deaf community or when incorporating sign language interpretation into your organization’s offerings:

• Respect for Deaf culture: Deaf individuals have their own culture, with sign language as its core. It’s important to recognize and respect the rich traditions and history of the Deaf community. Use identity-first language (“Deaf or DeafBlind person”) instead of person-first language (“person who is Deaf”), as the Deaf community often sees their Deafness as a cultural identity, not a disability.
• Interpreter representation: As much as possible, work with interpreters who represent the cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity within the Deaf community, as it enhances the authenticity and inclusivity of the event for Deaf audiences. Interpreters with shared cultural experiences and identities (including race, ethnicity, and gender identity) can better navigate nuances in communication, including humor, idioms, and cultural references.