Resources & FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Sign Language (ASL)? +

American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete natural language with its own grammar, syntax, discourse structures, and regional variation. ASL is not derived from English and should not be understood as "signed English." Like spoken languages, ASL evolves across communities, generations, and contexts.

What is the difference between an ASL interpreter and a translator? +

Interpreting and translation are related but distinct practices. Interpreting typically occurs in real time between signed, spoken, and/or visual languages, while translation involves producing a rendered version of recorded, written, or prepared content. In signed language work, these distinctions can become more complex, particularly in areas such as intralingual interpreting, International Sign, adaptation work, and multilingual communication environments.

How do I know if I need an interpreter? +

If Deaf participants, employees, audience members, students, clients, or stakeholders are involved, communication access planning should be part of the event design process from the beginning — not treated as a last-minute accommodation. The appropriate interpreting team depends on language preferences, setting complexity, participant needs, audience size, technical content, and whether international or multilingual access is required.

What is Deaf culture? +

Deaf communities are linguistic and cultural communities centered around signed languages, shared histories, visual communication practices, and collective experiences. Deaf identity is not defined solely through audiology, but through language, access, community, and lived experience. Deaf experiences are diverse across countries, languages, races, and educational backgrounds.

How do Deaf interpreters and hearing interpreters work together? +

Deaf interpreters and hearing interpreters may work collaboratively as part of a co-interpreting team. Depending on the setting, language needs, and communication goals, Deaf interpreters may engage in intralingual interpreting, translanguaging practices, International Sign interpreting, or culturally and linguistically adaptive interpretation strategies. Effective teams are collaborative rather than hierarchical, with roles shaped by language access needs rather than rigid assumptions.

When should a Deaf interpreter be used? +

Deaf interpreters may be appropriate in multilingual, international, highly specialized, fast-paced, or linguistically complex environments. They are also commonly used when communication involves significant cultural mediation, translanguaging, International Sign, non-standard language use, DeafBlind communication, or situations requiring enhanced visual accessibility strategies.

How far in advance should I book interpretation services? +

Advance scheduling improves interpreter matching, preparation quality, and overall communication access outcomes. In New York City, scheduling at least one month in advance is strongly recommended, with six weeks often ideal for standard assignments. Conferences, theatrical productions, multilingual events, Deaf interpreter teams, international meetings, and highly specialized assignments often require three to six months of advance planning due to coordination, preparation, and limited interpreter availability. Requests made within two weeks of an event may face significantly reduced availability, particularly for experienced teams and complex assignments. However, With Direction still works to accommodate urgent and last-minute requests whenever possible.

Do you provide remote/virtual interpreting services? +

Yes. With Direction provides remote interpreting, virtual conference access, multilingual coordination, and remote consultation services for meetings, webinars, international events, trainings, and digital content. Remote work may include ASL-English interpreting, Deaf interpreter teams, International Sign interpreting, translation projects, and accessibility consultation.

What information do you need to provide an accurate quote? +

Helpful information includes event goals, participant language preferences, location or platform details, scheduling, audience size, technical subject matter, presentation materials, accessibility considerations, and whether Deaf interpreter teams or international access may be needed. Early planning allows for stronger interpreter matching and preparation.