Language of the Deaf Community

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language. With the signing, the brain processes linguistic information through the eyes. The shape, placement, and movement of the hands, as well as facial expressions and body movements, all play important parts in conveying information.

Sign language is not a universal language — each country has its sign language, and regions have dialects, much like the many languages spoken all over the world. Like any spoken language, ASL is a language with its own unique rules of grammar and syntax. Like all languages, ASL is a living language that grows and changes over time.  It is also like spoken languages, has regional dialects and variations in vocabulary. This means that certain signs or expressions may differ from one region to another.

ASL is used predominantly in the United States and many parts of Canada. ASL is accepted by many high schools, colleges, and universities in fulfillment of modern and “foreign” language academic degree requirements across the United States.

Professional ASL interpreters are certified with the Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf, Inc. (RID) certification to provide interpretation of the spoken word to ASL while adhering to the RID/ National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Code of Professional Conduct which upholds high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct of interpreters.

RID certification represents a commitment to high standards of practice and ethical conduct in the field of ASL interpreting. It's an essential credential that helps maintain the quality and reliability of interpreting services for ASL users.