Attendees facing a United Nations session with live sign language interpretation shown on large screens

Access. Equity. Expertise.

Reimagining Communication with Deaf Expertise

Expert sign language interpreting and strategic accessibility consulting. Deaf-led, research-informed, and built for institutional settings.

20+
Years of Professional Interpreting
15+
Countries Worldwide
40+
International Conferences
7
State Court Systems Qualified

Who We Are

A Different Kind of Interpreting Firm

With Direction, LLC is a Deaf-led 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 — Deaf-led expertise at every level.

Learn more about us

Now & Next

What Guides Our Work

Grounded in linguistic expertise, professional standards, and intentional coordination.

Deaf Expertise

Lived linguistic knowledge centered in every engagement.

Professional Standards

Practice built on scholarship and field expertise.

Intentional Coordination

Teams coordinated through long-term professional relationships.

United Nations Agencies and Global Partners

From Brooklyn to the UN

WITHdirection provides interpreting services for UN agencies, global partners, and international forums — bringing the highest level of professionalism to global accessibility.

  • Interpreters are AIIC members and/or WFD-WASLI IS Accredited
  • International conference interpretation
  • High-stakes diplomatic settings
United Nations headquarters with the Global Goals for Sustainable Development projected on the building

Explore. Learn. Connect.

Discover accessible events and resources for the Deaf community and allies

Community Calendar

Discover Deaf-led and ASL-interpreted events throughout Brooklyn and NYC—from museum tours to performances.

ASL Museum Tours
Deaf Artists Showcases
Community Socials
View Calendar

Resources & FAQ

Learn about Deaf culture, sign language interpreting, and accessibility best practices.

Deaf Culture & Community
Interpreting Services Guide
Educational Resources
Explore Resources
Christopher Tester interpreting a remote video session from his studio

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

  • CBM Global Disability Inclusion logo

    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

  • 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.

  • 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 Consultation

Tell us about your event, case, or program. We respond quickly and welcome all forms of communication.