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Resources

Information to support meaningful access.

A small library for the people who plan, request and coordinate accessibility services. Practical answers to the questions that come up most.

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Four topics, four short reads.

Each card links to a section further down the page. Skim what you need, skip what you don't.

Looking for something else? Our blog covers ongoing industry insights, professional standards and the day-to-day work behind the assignments.

Accessibility guides

Understanding ASL interpreting services.

What is ASL interpreting?

ASL interpreting carries communication between people who use American Sign Language and people who use spoken English. Interpreters work in real time, carrying meaning, tone, intent and cultural nuance, not just words. In any setting where clarity matters, professional interpreting protects the integrity of what's being said.

ASL is a complete language, with its own grammar, structure and culture. It isn't a word-for-word visual representation of English.

When is it needed?

If a Deaf or hard-of-hearing person uses ASL as their primary language, interpreting is how the conversation stays whole. Common settings include:

  • Education, K–12 and higher education
  • Medical and behavioral health
  • Legal proceedings and court
  • Government meetings and public forums
  • Corporate events and trainings
  • Religious services and community gatherings

Onsite vs. virtual

Onsite interpreting works best for complex environments, longer interactions and any setting where visual clarity is essential.

Virtual interpreting fits telehealth, remote meetings and online courses. Each situation deserves its own evaluation, the right format isn't one-size-fits-all.

Why coordination matters

Interpreting isn't just about who's available. Every assignment is evaluated for duration, complexity, communication intensity, subject matter and the environment itself. That evaluation is what allows the right interpreter to be matched to the moment, and properly supported once they're there.

Planning & coordination

How to plan for accessibility services.

Planning ahead leads to smoother coordination and stronger outcomes. When you send us a request, share what you can:

  • Date and time
  • Location, or the virtual platform
  • Estimated duration
  • Type of setting
  • Number of participants
  • Subject matter
  • An on-site contact person

Clear details up front cut delays and make appropriate staffing possible.

Timeline recommendations

Whenever possible:

  • Submit requests early
  • Share materials in advance, agendas, slides, scripts
  • Confirm event logistics as they firm up
  • Clarify expected duration

Advance planning is what makes interpreter preparation possible, and preparation is what makes communication land.

What to expect from us

Once we receive a request:

  • We evaluate the assignment
  • We determine appropriate staffing
  • We confirm with you once coverage is secured
  • We stay in touch through the date of the event

Professional coordination is meant to reduce uncertainty, not add to it.

Planning & coordination

Why do I need two interpreters?

Interpreting takes sustained cognitive effort. Past a certain point, accuracy and clarity naturally decline as fatigue sets in. For assignments that run longer than 90 minutes, or that involve high-intensity sustained dialogue, teaming is the professional standard.

What teaming actually does

  • Interpreters alternate the active role
  • The off-mic interpreter monitors for accuracy and terminology
  • Fatigue-related errors drop sharply
  • Communication integrity is protected

This matters most in:

  • Legal proceedings
  • Mental health sessions
  • Medical appointments
  • Academic lectures
  • Conferences and public forums

Teaming isn't duplication. It's a quality safeguard, for the Deaf participant, the hearing participant, the interpreter, and the organization that brought everyone together.

Meaningful access requires sustained accuracy.

Planning & coordination

Accessibility for conferences and public events.

Large-scale gatherings carry coordination challenges that smaller assignments don't, multiple speakers, shifting schedules, big audiences, audio limitations, breakout rooms. The earlier accessibility is part of the plan, the better the day runs.

Planning the room

For interpreting at events, think about:

  • Stage visibility from the audience
  • Lighting on the interpreter
  • Where interpreters will be placed
  • Teaming for extended sessions
  • Speaker materials shared in advance

Large events almost always require multiple interpreters rotating throughout the day.

CART for conferences

CART, real-time captioning, can be the right fit for lecture-style presentations, large audiences, or any moment where written text strengthens access. Some events benefit from offering interpreting and CART side by side.

Neutrality and professionalism

Public forums, civic events, political gatherings and concerts all ask interpreters to maintain professional neutrality while keeping communication open. At public events, access isn't optional, it reflects the inclusion the event is meant to embody.

Accessibility belongs in event planning from the beginning. Added last-minute, it gets last-minute results. Built in early, it disappears into the seamless experience attendees were promised.

Not sure which service fits your setting?

Tell us what's happening and we'll help you scope it. One assignment or an ongoing contract, same care either way.

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