National Sign Language Interpretation Service
National Sign Language Interpretation Service for Deaf Victims
About the Service
Activating Change’s Sign Language Interpreting Service for Deaf Victims closes 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. Victim service providers must meet eligibility requirements and apply to participate.
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.
Who is Eligible to Receive Interpretation Services
Any victim services organization in the United States is eligible to apply to participate in the service. However, priority consideration will be given to:
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- Organizations with an immediate need for interpretation services
- Organizations in rural and remote communities
- Organizations in communities with limited to no sign languageinterpreters qualified to interpret in victim services
- Organizations that lack financial resources to pay for interpretation services
At this time, we cannot provide interpretation services for:
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- Law enforcement: on scene response, interview, or investigation
- Prosecution and courts: interviews, investigation, or court proceedings
- Medical: any healthcare services including forensic exams
Accepting Applications in the Fall of 2023
We successfully closed our first round of applications on July 7, 2023. We received close to 200 applications. Our team is currently reviewing applications, and we will notify organizations of the outcome of their application at the end of July.
We anticipate accepting another round of application during the fall of 2023. Check back to this page or sign-up for our mailing list to receive news and announcements.
Watch Our Informational Session to Learn More
On June 13, staff from Activating Change hosted an informational session on the service. It covers who is eligible to receive services, how the service works, and more information on how to apply.
During the session, participants asked questions about the service and our presenters answered them. Due to time constraints, we were unable to answer everyone’s questions. We’ve answered those questions in the Informational Sessions Questions and Answers document that are available for you to download now:
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. Our interpreters reflect the diversity of Deaf communities. This allows us to match interpreters and victims who share cultural, racial, gender, and other identities.
How the Service Works
Contact Us for More Information
For more information about the interpreter service, please contact us at hello@activatingchange.org.