***Please note, if you are a hearing person it is illegal to request an interpreter for a show without there being a need for it.
However, you can contact LiveNation and Ticketmaster to request a link be added to their site for greater inclusion and to make requesting interpreter accommodations easier. As it currently stands, a person must purchase tickets first before requesting accommodations; however, a Deaf or HOH person needs some kind of assurance that an interpreter will be provided, which is not often the case.
You can also reach out to your favorite artist on social media and ask them to provide an interpreter at their show for more inclusiveness.
Be sure to use the hashtags #SignTheShow and #PutItInTheRider.
***Please note, if you are a hearing person it is illegal to request an interpreter for a show without there being a need for it.
If you are a hearing person requesting an interpreter for an event that you are hosting so that it will be accessible to a Deaf/hh audience, it may be daunting at first, but like with anything, it will become easier the more you do it! Below are some guidelines to consider when requesting an interpreter for access.
• Please put interpreters as a line item in your event budget; it's the right thing to do for inclusivity! Do not ask an interpreter to 'volunteer' their time; they are providing a service, just like any other provider, such as a mechanic or a doctor. Some interpreters may volunteer their time, but it is never a given. Most interpreters charge an hourly rate with a 2-hour minimum. Depending on the type of event and the length, hiring a team of two interpreters may be required for the best accessibility, and depending on your state's laws, hiring an interpreter may be a tax write-off.
• If you know the Deaf/hh attendees, please consider asking them who their preferred interpreter is and for their contact info. If you don't know the Deaf/hh attendees, reach out to one of the interpreting agencies listed below as soon as you can to ensure proper access and the best cultural fit for your event.
• When marketing your event, be sure to use the 'interpreter' logo (download here) so Deaf/hh folks know they are welcome and will be able to fully enjoy the event without having to request or fight for access.
DEAFinitelyDope specializes in providing music interpreting at concerts and festivals, as well as teaching online ASL lessons.
GoodSigns is a Deaf and CODA-owned interpreting business that strives to provide premium ASL access to live entertainment and online events. They provide ASL access at music festivals, concert halls, comedy clubs, local events, and more and are known for creating spaces where Deaf performers and access providers can shine!
All In Events led by performance interpreter Holly Maniatty, provides experiential equity through accessibility so that everyone can experience the transformational power of music.
First Choice Interpreting is a Minority and Woman Owned business, providing American Sign Language Interpreters throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, including Virginia and Maryland, and now, Virtually, around the globe. Their Interpreters have been evaluated and screened for their skills, experience, and professionalism to meet the needs of all of their clients and consumers.
Joyful Signing LLC provides American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting/transliterating services. Since 2009, Joyful Signing has provided over thousands of hours of quality services to Washington D.C. & Baltimore metro areas. We are committed to excellent customer service for our clients & Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing consumers with clear & accurate communication. (Black, woman owned—DMV area)
Pro Bono ASL is a group of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ professional hearing interpreters who use their hearing privilege to provide ASL access in all spaces. A focus on cultural competency helps to set them apart from others. They offer volunteer, reduced rate and paid interpreting services for both in person and virtual events, via our cadre of hearing and Deaf interpreters around the country.
View self-paced American Sign Language (ASL) videos online by Dr. Bill Vicars at lifeprint.com
Take online interactive lessons from DEAFinitelyDope at deafinitelydope.org
There's also the Top 26 Resources for Learning Sign Language
Or, if you prefer face-to-face classes, your local community college, Adult education centers, or Parks and Recreation departments often provide ASL classes.
Learn more about language acquisition for children 0 - 6 years at LEAD-K Family Services
LEAD-K Family Services works with the Hearing Coordination Centers under the Department of Health Care Services and the California Department of Education to serve families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. As the recipient of the 4-year federal grant starting in 2020 by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA-20-047), our services support the current Newborn Hearing Screening Program (NHSP) in California. Centralized services focus on connecting families with their local school district, Early Start home visit teachers, parent mentors, Deaf coaches, and other supports as outlined in an Individualized Family Support Plan.
Signing Families Corner includes resources for Deaf families including parents, guardians, grandparents and more who are raising Deaf, HoH or CODA (hearing) children.
The National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) is the official advocacy organization for thousands of Black Deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States. Black deaf leaders were concerned that Black Deaf and hard of hearing Americans are not adequately represented in leadership and policy decision-making activities affecting their lives so they established NBDA in 1982."
You can also visit the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) at nad.org