In the United States and much of Canada, members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community use American Sign Language (ASL) for person-to-person communication. More than 500,000 people in these countries use ASL as their native language.

Unlike English, ASL is a visual language that incorporates hand motions along with facial expressions and body movements to convey information and ideas. Many US states recognize ASL as the official language of the deaf community and allow ASL studies to fulfill language study requirements in their school systems.

Is ASL Different from Spoken English?

ASL is not a word-for-word translation of spoken English. It has unique grammatical rules around word formation and sentence structure. Most sentences have a subject-verb construction familiar to English speakers, but the placement of adverbs and dependent clauses can float depending on the user’s emphasis. For example, time-related words often appear at the very beginning or very end of sentences.

Many people who are not native speakers assume that ASL is all about hand gestures. They may have been exposed to the ASL alphabet while studying in school. While fingerspelling is part of ASL, native speakers sign with their whole bodies, changing the tone of a sentence simply by raising their eyebrows or leaning forward.

Is ASL a Universal Language?

When English-speaking Americans travel to England or Australia, they can typically understand most of what is spoken to them. While they may be confused by a few idioms and notice spelling differences, enough of a connection exists for words and concepts to make sense between the two countries.

ASL and other sign languages have a different history. Sign languages developed organically and emerged locally among the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities of each country. ASL has regional signing idiosyncrasies and slang. British Sign Language (BSL) is not a variation of ASL but is an independent language.

Greater mobility and the global reach of the internet have spurred efforts to develop an International Sign Language (IS). However, the current version of IS acts as a cross-language tool rather than being accepted as a full language by the global deaf community. Like other native sign languages, practical IS will vary based on the origin of the signer.

The Role of ASL Interpreters

A growing number of organizations have recognized the importance of having an interpreter in place for public events. Professional interpreters have spent years training in ASL and can provide immediate translations from sign language to English and vice versa.

The goal of an ASL interpreter is to ensure that people in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community are included in events and discussions. ASL interpreters may be present at large events, standing next to speakers to translate their speeches. They also serve as translators for day-to-day operations at healthcare facilities, businesses, and counseling services.

Industries in Need of ASL Interpretation

Society has become more aware of the need to include deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. As such, many industries are looking for ways to make communication more accessible.

  • Education

ASL interpreters aid in educational settings from kindergartens to universities. They help deaf and hard-of-hearing students participate in classroom activities alongside their hearing peers. They also lead language programs to grow the next generation of ASL specialists.

  • Healthcare

Clear communication can be a life-or-death issue in a healthcare setting. Interpreters facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers to improve the accuracy of medical information.

  • Government Sector

ASL interpreters are fixtures at press conferences during and after natural disasters, ensuring deaf members of the public understand emergency plans. They also assist with communication in various parts of the judicial system.

  • Hospitality

An ASL interpreter can be invaluable for hospitality businesses hoping to create a great experience for every guest. Having this resource available for conferences demonstrates a commitment to accessibility.

  • Social Services

Social service agencies work with clients with wide-ranging needs, including individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. ASL interpreters improve communication during counseling sessions and emergency interventions.

  • Religion

Many religious groups seek to be inclusive communities. ASL interpreters play a significant role in helping deaf and hard-of-hearing members participate fully in worship and other activities.

  • Technology and Media

ASL interpreters are increasingly asked to provide real-time translations of live entertainment events, online content, and television broadcasts. This practice makes such content accessible to a broader audience.

How to Better Include Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Including the deaf and hard-of-hearing community requires an expanded approach to communication, especially when in-person interactions are involved. In addition to real-time captions and text versions of presentations, incorporating ASL into the practices of an organization will improve its inclusivity.

ASL and Accessibility

One of the problems of relying on text-based resources to make communication accessible to deaf employees or audience members is the lack of tone and emotion. Sarcasm and pathos do not leap from a page. Experienced ASL interpreters know how to use the whole body to give emotion, tone, and depth to a message.

This ability will benefit both sides of a dialogue. The interpreter can provide context and add clarity to a deaf employee’s message, giving other employees a stronger sense of their meaning.

Implementing ASL to Make Communications More Accessible

The first step in implementing ASL is examining how an organization communicates. Interviews with deaf members of the group will reveal those places where they are left out. After determining the weak spots, the group can create a plan to address them. ASL-centered tactics include:

  • Education: Holding seminars to teach staff members to fingerspell as well as common ASL phrases for day-to-day interactions.
  • Video Relay Services: Using telecommunications technology to connect ASL users to an interpreter during voice phone calls.
  • On-Site Interpreters: Hiring an on-site interpreter or working with a service provider for meetings and presentations.

Embracing ASL not only bridges gaps but also enriches an organization’s understanding of communication. Recognizing the value of ASL in organizations can lead to a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone. By partnering with a professional translation service specializing in ASL, businesses, and institutions can ensure accurate, nuanced communication that respects and includes the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.