Interpreting Services
By law (the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, ADA), state and local government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations serving the public are required to provide effective communication access for people who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing. Upon request, an ASL interpreter, who is a professional trained to facilitate effective communication between spoken language and signed language, may be required.
Information for d/Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing Individuals
If you are a d/Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing person in need of interpreting services to access a business or service, you should first contact the business or organization directly and request they provide an interpreter for you. If a request for an interpreter is denied, contact one of LCD’s Regional Service Centers in your area for support.
Information for Businesses and Organizations
If you are a business or organization in need of providing ASL interpreting services for an individual, you will need to contact an ASL interpreter directly, or a local interpreting coordination agency to secure the time and place of service.
Locating an ASL Interpreter
Please use one of the following to locate ASL interpreters near you:
Code of Professional Conduct for ASL Interpreters
ASL Interpreters are professionals bound to specific codes of professional conduct.
LCD supports RID’s Code of Professional Conduct as an appropriate standard of professionalism for working interpreters in various settings..
For interpreters working in K-12 education settings, LCD supports the National Association of Interpreters in Education Code of Ethics.
Tips for Providing Communication Access
LCD has developed a series of guidance manuals to help you prepare to provide accommodations for individuals who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing.
To submit a request for additional guidance please contact lcd@la.gov with your inquiry
Eligibility for State Funds for Interpreting Services
LCD may provide limited funding for ASL interpreting services when access to public and private services are necessary but are unable to be provided.
For example:
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Due to the size of an organization/business/agency or its funding capabilities
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Emergency situations
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Other urgent situations that may have a critical impact on a person's physical or mental health.
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Additional situations may be approved by LCD on a case-by-case basis.
Note: Services for religious, educational, or personal use circumstances will not be approved. Special considerations may be provided for DeafBlind individuals
Please note, LCD does not schedule ASL interpreters directly. You must contact one of LCD’s Regional Service Center (RSC) in your area for assistance.