Sign Language Interpreting Services

On this page...

The Office of Sign Language Interpreting Services (OSLIS) provides interpreting services between American Sign Language (ASL) and English for families and caregivers, staff, students, and other stakeholders throughout New York City Public Schools (NYCPS). Their purpose is to promote cross-cultural communication among Deaf and hard of hearing members of the NYCPS community, and foster inclusivity and communication access for the ASL signing community in their schools and workplaces.

OSLIS provides the following services:

  1. Interpreting services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students whose Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) mandate interpreting services (provided through agencies that contract with NYCPS).
  2. Interpreting services for Deaf families and NYCPS employees (provided by OSLIS staff interpreters).

In addition to interpreting services, the office also provides screening and mentoring for agency interpreters working in the classroom, ASL observations of Deaf and hard of hearing children in the system, and assists with outreach to parent coordinators, principals, schools and other departments within NYCPS.

Classroom Interpretation Services

For students to obtain classroom interpretation services, their Individualized Education Program (IEP) should both:

  • List the student's disability classification as "Deafness" (or some broader classification, with a specific clarification regarding hearing in the "Present Levels of Performance" section).
  • Include evaluations of the student's ASL fluency (to determine whether an ASL interpreter would be of use to them).

Once "Sign Language Interpreter" is listed under Recommended Special Education Programs/Services on a final draft of the student's IEP, an interpreter will be provided.

Classroom Interpreters are placed via sign language interpretation agencies that contract with NYCPS.

Requesting Interpretation Services for Outside the Classroom

NYCPS sign language interpreters provide interpretation for families outside of a student's classroom services. They are employees of NYCPS familiar with the unique language, culture, and operations of the NYCPS system. As members of the NYCPS team, they are also well-connected to local resources available to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community throughout New York City to best assist families in our school communities.

To arrange an American Sign Language interpreter, please speak to the principal or parent coordinator at your child's school. Interpreting services can be provided both onsite and virtually for a variety of meetings and events, including, but not limited to:

  • IEP and eligibility meetings
  • Related services discussions and team meetings
  • Initial evaluations and family intake sessions
  • Placement conferences and professional consultations
  • School celebrations such as graduations
  • Other parent engagement opportunities where communication access is needed

Your child's school should submit the request for an interpreter. You may also contact OSLIS in any of the following ways:

Working With a Sign Language Interpreter

What is the role of a Sign Language Interpreter?

  • Sign language interpreters provide access to communication by bridging the gap between those who use spoken language and Deaf adults who use sign language. Both OSLIS and contracted interpreters provide these services within the NYCPS system.
  • Interpreters translate spoken words into sign language, and vice versa, ensuring everyone can understand and participate in the interaction.
  • Interpreters are aware of the cultural nuances within both hearing and deaf communities, ensuring that communications are not only linguistically accurate but also culturally appropriate.
  • Interpreters remain neutral and impartial, ensuring that their interpretation does not influence the content or flow of communication.
  • Interpreters adhere to strict standards of confidentiality, protecting sensitive information shared during interactions.
  • Interpreters continually develop their skills and knowledge through ongoing training and education, staying abreast of advancements in interpreting techniques and technologies.

Working Effectively with a Sign Language Interpreter

  • To effectively work with a sign language interpreter, establish clear communication by speaking directly to the Deaf or hard-of-hearing person, not the interpreter. Refrain from saying "tell him/tell her/tell them." This helps establish a natural flow of communication and avoids confusion.
  • Maintain a natural speaking pace and tone and be patient as the interpreter facilitates the conversation. The interpreter is trained to keep up with standard speech patterns. If you need to slow down or clarify anything, the interpreter will ask.
  • If you have specific questions or concerns about the interpretation, address the interpreter directly. However, avoid direct questions to the interpreter that are not relevant to the deaf person or personal in nature.
  • Respect the interpreter's expertise and their role in facilitating communication and know they are trained to interpret effectively and accurately.