American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting is an essential service that allows people that do not know sign language to communicate effectively with deaf and hard of hearing (HoH) individuals. ASL helps in a broad range of settings, including education, medical, legal, and business environments. Sign language interpreting services are vital in facilitating communication between deaf and hard-of-hearing people with those who do not know sign language. These services ensure that the deaf community can access the same opportunities and services as everyone else, promoting equal treatment and inclusivity.
Cal Interpreting & Translations (CIT) recognizes the significance of qualified and skilled sign language interpreters in the deaf community. CIT proudly boasts over a decade of experience and established relationships with certified sign language interpreters worldwide and is committed to providing top-notch services for all our clients. We strive to make the art of communication possible for everyone.
Sign language interpreting conveys messages between people who use signed and spoken languages. This includes interpreting visual or signed languages, such as ASL, with spoken languages, such as English, and other spoken languages, such as Mandarin, Spanish, or Arabic.
In the US, there are three common forms of signed language, American Sign Language (ASL) and Pidgin Signed English (PSE) or Signed English (SE), and Signing Exact English (SEE). ASL is the most utilized form of signing in America and Canada. The environment dictates the type of sign language used.
Cal Interpreting & Translations focuses on the needs of the deaf community and strives to empower them by providing communication access for everyday needs. To achieve this, we created a specialized ASL division dedicated to addressing communication barriers faced by the deaf community. Our team of interpreters consists of professionals with the credentials, training, and skills to meet the specific requirements of each assignment.
American Sign Language interpreting is a crucial service that allows for communication between individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing with those who do not use sign language. Without qualified and skilled interpreters, deaf individuals would face many obstacles in their daily lives. Medical appointments, legal proceedings, and emergency services all require effective communication.
Our dedicated interpreting team at Cal Interpreting & Translations is available 24/7 to help ensure deaf individuals have access to vital information and services. Our sign language interpreters are fluent in English and American Sign Language (ASL). Our professionally trained interpreters are experts in all professional settings, including legal, medical, educational, and entertainment.
Without qualified interpreters, the Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals may not understand the information presented to them, be unable to effectively communicate their own needs and concerns, or even give proper consent. With all language and communication, misunderstandings and miscommunications can easily occur. In critical situations such as medical emergencies, legal proceedings, or business negotiations, miscommunications can sometimes lead to severe consequences. ASL services work best when you learn how to effectively use a sign language interpreter.
In some situations, it is required by law to provide a certified interpreter. Failure to do so can result in legal penalties. Not providing a qualified interpreter can violate ethical standards, especially if the interpreter lacks the necessary training or experience to provide accurate and impartial interpreting services.
At Cal Interpreting & Translations, we recognize that language is more than words. Our American Sign Language interpreters are highly skilled and experienced and have a cultural and technical understanding of language. They are heavily trained to factor in cultural nuances and context while maintaining clear and accurate messaging. We offer many ASL services for all your needs.
Interpreting can be conducted with on-site interpreting or through video remote interpreting (VRI). On-site interpreting requires both the interpreter and the deaf or hard of hearing person to be physically present in the same location, while VRI involves using technology to allow for communication and interpretation with individuals in different locations.
We also offer sign language interpretation from certified native speakers of the visual language or certified deaf interpreters. This service may be more appropriate in specialized situations. For those more comfortable with communication through caption or transcription, we also offer Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART).
At Cal Interpreting & Translations, we offer onsite interpreting and captioning services for a variety of settings, including medical appointments, legal proceedings, business meetings, and educational settings. We understand that effective communication is crucial in these settings, and our interpreters work closely with clients to ensure that they fully understand and participate in the conversation.
Onsite interpreting requires our interpreters to be physically present in the same location as the person needing interpretation. We understand that onsite interpreting services can be critical in many situations, and we are committed to providing timely and reliable services. Our team of interpreters is available to travel to locations throughout the United States, and we work closely with our clients to ensure we meet their interpreting needs.
Our onsite ASL interpreters and translators are available for one-time and ongoing appointments. We are committed to providing high-quality interpreting services. CIT works closely with our clients to understand their specific needs and preferences.
Our interpreters are trained to interpret accurately and impartially and to maintain confidentiality at all times. We also ensure our interpreters have a deep understanding of the culture and needs of the deaf community and can provide culturally sensitive interpreting services.
Video Remote Interpreting has been rapidly gaining popularity, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, but here at Cal Interpreting & Translations, we have been using this technology for years. VRI offers several advantages over on-site interpreting, including increased flexibility, cost savings, and the ability to provide interpreting services in remote or difficult to access locations.
VRI for ASL has become an essential tool for many deaf or hard of hearing individuals, particularly those living in rural areas or those with limited access to on-site interpreters, as it allows for greater flexibility in scheduling and availability. Interpreters can be available at any time, even outside regular business hours, which can be especially helpful in emergencies or after-hours situations. We ensure our VRI services are the same high quality as in-person interpreting services.
Cal Interpreting & Translations has experience with various technologies required for VRI, including software and hardware. We will easily guide you through the setup for your VRI sessions.
Communication Access Real-time Translation provides real-time or live translation of spoken words into text. It relies on software and a stenograph to convert speech immediately into text, which someone can read.
CART can help to make communication accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those who have a learning disability, use English as a second language, or are in noisy environments. This makes CART a powerful tool for improving communication in various settings such as events, meetings, and lectures.
Equivalent to how native speakers are significant for interpreting spoken languages, certified deaf interpreters (CDIs) are important for visual languages such as ASL. A holder of this certification is a deaf or hard of hearing individual, a native user of ASL that is part of the deaf community, thus has a strong awareness of deaf culture, and has undergone a rigorous certification process. CDIs are considered experts in the signed language.
CDIs have undergone specialized training and certification in using gestures, mimes, props, drawings, and other tools to enhance communication. Working with a CDI can provide a higher level of cultural and linguistic competence and clarity, and a deeper understanding of the experiences and needs of the deaf community.
CDIs are essential in settings where specificity is required, such as in legal proceedings or in situations where complex jargon is used, such as for a medical procedure. No matter how complex your sign language interpretation needs, Cal Interpreting & Translations is here for you.
Cal Interpreting & Translations is a trusted provider of translation, captioning, and interpreting services with a specially dedicated team of highly qualified and certified experienced interpreters. Over the years, we have established a reliable and trustworthy reputation amongst our repeat clients, including local and national governments, educational organizations, and Fortune 500 companies.
We have a deep understanding of the deaf community and the unique cultural and linguistic nuances of signed languages. Our interpreters ethically focus on providing accurate, impartial, and confidential interpreting services. One of our pride and joys has been providing ongoing ASL services for various school districts throughout California, including LAUSD and Torrance USD. We recognize the importance of having quality, sensitive, yet professional ASL educational interpreters available at events with young children.
We offer a range of interpreting services to meet your needs, including on-site, video remote interpreting, CDIs, and CART. We understand that each situation is unique, and we work closely with our clients to determine the most appropriate interpreting service for their specific needs. Our team is available 24/7, so you can always count on us to provide reliable, professional, and timely interpreting services.
No matter what your needs may be, we can and are ready to assist you now. We have translators and interpreters standing by 24/7.
CIT's interpreter is such a rockstar, and it’s so great to have him as a lead interpreter for our Board meetings. About Our Interpreters 
Thank you for always being able to handle emergency interpreting assignments with ease. About Urgent Requests
Thank you for always being able to handle emergency interpreting assignments with ease. About Urgent Requests
Your translation rates are more competitive than other language service providers I used in the past. About Pricing
Professionalism matters at CIT. We respond to request inside 24 hours.
