Each year, Deaf survivors/victims – especially those from communities of color – experience significant and persistent communication, cultural and other barriers to accessing hearing victim services. One of the greatest factors contributing to these barriers is the lack of qualified, trauma-informed sign language interpretation available to Deaf survivors. The lack of sign language interpretation in victim services for Deaf Survivors is an ongoing barrier out there, and directly because of that deaf survivors are unable to access hearing programs and systems.

Activating Change’s initiative, Sign Language Interpreting Service for Deaf Victims, addresses this gap by providing qualified, trauma-informed remote sign language interpretation services – using safe and secure technology – free of charge to victim service providers serving Deaf victims of crime. At this webinar, AC staff - Esther Fass and Nancy Smith - will provide an overview of the project, how to apply, and important dates. In addition, participants will be able to ask questions about participating in the project.