National Sign Language Interpreting Service

National Sign Language Interpreting Service for Deaf Victims

About the Service

Activating Change’s Sign Language Interpreting Service for Deaf Victims seeks to close the communication gap for Deaf victims of crime 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.

The service also provides expert guidance, tools, and resources to strengthen organization’s capacity to effectively secure, prepare and work with sign language interpreters of different specializations, including Deaf Interpreters and trilingual interpreters.

We are open for interpreting requests

MAKE AN INTERPRETING REQUEST HERE

Please note: The application does not save your progress. It is best to complete the application in one session, as your input will not be saved.

A request can be submitted at any time. Our hours of operation for interpreting services are 11am-6pm ET.

Please review our Terms and Conditions.

Learn More

Who Is Eligible?

Any victim services organization in the United States is eligible to participate in the service. At this time, we cannot provide interpretation services for:

    • Law enforcement: on scene response, interview, or investigation
    • Prosecution and courts: interviews, investigation, or court proceedings
    • Medical: any healthcare services including forensic exams

If you have a question regarding the nature of your assignment, please email us at DeafAccess@ActivatingChange.org to see if your request meets the criteria.

Please note: In order to maintain confidentiality and uphold safety measures, Activating Change does not collect the names of victims in any form of communication.

Our Interpreters

  • Qualified. Our interpreters can both receptively and expressively interpret accurately and effectively.
  • Trauma-informed. Our interpreters have been trained in victimization and trauma, and they understand how trauma impacts communication.
  • Knowledgeable. Our interpreters are familiar with the concepts and terms specific to victim services, as well as the services and systems victims often navigate.
  • Experienced. Our interpreters have experience with video remote interpreting and are equipped with high-speed internet, a private workspace, and excellent lighting.
  • Diverse. We aim to reflect the diversity of Deaf communities. When possible, we match interpreters and victims who share cultural, racial, gender, and other identities.

How the Service Works

A graphic showing the four step process: submit request, interpreters assigned, receive confirmation, and connect remotely.

A simple 4-Step Process 

  • You will submit a request for interpreters using our online request form. You’ll share relevant information about the assignment, excluding victim identifying information. You’ll get an email confirming that we RECEIVED your request. 
  • Our team will review your request. They will assign your request to the interpreter(s) who is the best match given the Deaf victim’s needs, the topic, nature, and day/time of the engagement. 
  • You will receive an email confirmation with the name(s) of the confirmed interpreters and the Zoom link for the event. 
  • You will connect to your assigned interpreter(s) via the Zoom link we provide. You’ll spend the first few minutes giving the interpreter and the victim time to meet and discuss language. Then, your meeting will begin. 

Contact Us for More Information

For more information about the interpreter service, please contact us at DeafAccess@activatingchange.org.

Click here for a toolkit on language access planning for Deaf people