Deaf Services and ASL Interpreting

ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation bridges communication between Deaf or hard of hearing people who use sign language and hearing people who speak English. Our professional interpreters do more than translate words, they convey meaning, tone, and cultural context in both directions, so everyone in the conversation fully understands each other.

We offer on-site interpretation for in-person meetings, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) for instant access anywhere, Deaf-Blind interpretation with tactile signing, oral transliteration, Cued Speech, and CART real-time captioning. Whether it is a doctor's appointment, business meeting, classroom, legal proceeding, or conference, we have the right solution for your communication needs.

Yes. All our interpreters hold national certification through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or equivalent state certifications. We thoroughly verify credentials, check backgrounds, and confirm that every interpreter meets strict professional standards and maintains ongoing education.

Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) connects you with a certified ASL interpreter instantly through video on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. It suits short appointments, unexpected situations, or times when scheduling an on-site interpreter is not possible. Many medical facilities, businesses, and service providers use VRI for quick, convenient access to professional interpretation.

For on-site interpreters, we recommend booking at least 5 to 7 business days in advance to ensure availability. Medical, legal, or mental health appointments should be scheduled 2 weeks ahead when possible, especially if specialized knowledge is needed. VRI services are often available same day, or even immediately for urgent situations.

CART (Communication Access Real-time Translation) provides live captions of everything being said, displayed on a screen in real time. It is especially helpful for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing in classrooms, conferences, meetings, and large events. CART also benefits people with auditory processing differences, and anyone who prefers reading along with spoken content.

ASL interpretation is mentally and physically demanding work. For anything lasting more than 90 minutes, we provide a team of two interpreters who switch every 20 to 30 minutes. This rotation prevents fatigue and maintains accuracy throughout your event. Fast-paced settings such as conferences or technical presentations may need a team regardless of length.

Good communication is a team effort. Share any materials or agenda with interpreters beforehand where possible. Make sure there is good lighting on the interpreter and minimal background noise. Speak at a natural pace and face the Deaf person when talking, since the interpreter will be positioned where both parties can see them. For longer sessions, allow brief breaks. We will guide you through best practices for your specific situation.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires covered entities to provide effective communication with people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, and in many situations that means a qualified interpreter at no cost to the individual. What counts as effective depends on the complexity and length of the conversation. We can help you work out what a given situation calls for, and we log every assignment so your organization can evidence what was provided.

No. VRI is excellent for short, straightforward interactions, but it is not appropriate everywhere. On-site interpreting is usually the right choice where the conversation is long or emotionally difficult, where the person cannot easily see a screen, where several people speak at once, or where someone is lying down, sedated, or moving between rooms. We will tell you honestly when on-site is the better call.

Yes, on request. A Certified Deaf Interpreter is a Deaf professional who works alongside a hearing interpreter, and is often the right choice when the Deaf individual uses non-standard or regional signing, has limited formal language exposure, or is in a high-stakes legal or medical setting. Tell us the situation and we will advise whether a CDI is warranted.

American Sign Language is not universal, and it is not the only signed language our clients need. Ad Astra's network covers signed languages beyond ASL, including Quebec Sign Language for our Canadian clients. Tell us which signed language and region you need and we will confirm availability before you book, rather than assuming ASL will do.

Pricing depends on the service, the length of the assignment, the location, the specialization required, and whether a team of two interpreters is needed. On-site assignments usually carry a minimum booking period, while VRI is billed by the minute with no travel costs. Tell us what you need and we will provide a clear quote up front.