Access. Equity. Expertise.
Reimagining Communication with Deaf Expertise
Professional sign language interpreting, translation, and accessibility consulting for legal, governmental, cultural, and international organizations.
Who We Are
A Different Kind of Interpreting Firm
With Direction, LLC is a sign language interpreting and consulting firm grounded in linguistic expertise, professional standards, and intentional coordination. We operate at the intersection of interpreting practice, accessibility strategy, and communication design.
What sets us apart is the ability to navigate the intersection of culture, language, and accessibility with firsthand Deaf expertise — not theoretical understanding. The Deaf community is richly diverse, and our coordination model reflects that reality.
Deaf-Led
Leadership grounded in lived linguistic knowledge.
Research-Informed
Practice built on scholarship and field expertise.
Institutional-Level
Serving UN agencies, legal systems, and global institutions.
Boutique
Intentional coordination — not volume placement.
“Access with Intention. Direction with Purpose.”
Founded and led by Christopher Tester, Ph.D., CDI, SC:L — a Deaf interpreter with two decades in legal, diplomatic, and cultural settings.
Now & Next
What Guides Our Work
Three commitments shape every engagement.
Deaf Expertise
Lived linguistic knowledge centered in every engagement.
Professional Standards
Credentialed teams, written agreements, and preparation on every assignment.
Intentional Coordination
Teams built through long-term professional relationships — matched to the person, not the time slot.
United Nations Agencies and Global Partners
From Brooklyn to the UN
WITHdirection provides interpreting for UN agencies, global partners, and international forums — settings where accuracy carries diplomatic weight.
- Interpreters are AIIC members and/or WFD-WASLI IS Accredited
- International conference interpretation
- High-stakes diplomatic settings
Services
What We Offer
Four areas of practice — each grounded in standards, systems, and intentional coordination.
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Sign Language Interpreting
Professional sign language interpreting across legal, conference, academic, theatrical, and corporate settings — on-site and remote (VRI). Includes designated interpreting for Deaf professionals.
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Sign Language Translation
Video-based translation of written content into sign language, plus sign-to-text transcription for legal and general use.
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Consulting & Expert Witness
Expert consulting for accessibility strategies, interpreter education curricula, legal cases, professional development, and performing arts. Includes expert witness services for legal proceedings.
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Tailored Training
Research-based workshops, training programs, and structured mentoring in International Sign, ASL, and BSL. Topics include Deaf-hearing co-interpreting, legal interpreting, theatrical interpreting, and ethical decision-making.
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Explore. Learn. Connect.
Discover accessible events and resources for the Deaf community and allies
Community Calendar
Discover ASL-interpreted and Deaf-community events throughout Brooklyn and NYC—from museum tours to performances.
Resources & FAQ
Learn about Deaf culture, sign language interpreting, and accessibility best practices.
Remote & Virtual
Remote Interpreting
Remote interpreting delivered through secure, professional platforms. WITHdirection coordinates skilled interpreters for virtual meetings, conferences, and digital events with the same strategic planning and intentional coordination as our on-site interpreting.
Stay in the Loop
Updates from the Field
Occasional notes on accessibility practice, upcoming events, and WITHdirection’s work — no noise, easy to unsubscribe.
In Their Words
What Partners Say
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Elizabeth Lockwood
CBM Global Disability Inclusion
It is a pleasure working with Chris and With Direction, LLC. Organizing interpretation services is quick, efficient, and professional. The IS and ASL interpreters are skilled, flexible, and punctual.
Jan 30, 2025
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William Mager
Deaf Screenwriter & BSL User
Christopher is an excellent translator and provided ASL to BSL support during a very important meeting. He was well prepared, professional and courteous.
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Anna Burlyaeva
UNICEF
Excellent! Quality work, flexibility, attention to details. Offering unique set of skills and services for affordable cost.
Jan 31, 2025
Start with a Conversation
Tell us about your event, case, or program — the setting, timing, and language needs. We'll match an intentional team and confirm every detail in writing before work begins.