ASL Services, Inc.

11/08/2024

We are excited to share that ASL Services, Inc. has joined forces with Propio Language Services, a leader in interpretation, translation, and localization solutions. This partnership enhances our ability to provide comprehensive language services, ensuring greater accessibility and efficiency for our clients.

For more details, please read the official announcement from Propio.

10/15/2024

10/11/2024

🎶 Exciting News! Free Performance of Handel's Messiah with Live ASL Interpretation! 🎶

If you're looking for a beautiful way to enjoy the holiday season, don’t miss out on this free performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Messiah Choral Society at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 3:00 PM.

What’s special about this performance?
✅ Free Admission – Early seating is available!
✅ Live ASL Interpretation – Ensuring accessibility for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community!
✅ A chance to experience an iconic piece of music in the stunning Steinmetz Hall!

Whether familiar with this masterpiece or new to classical music, this event is perfect for everyone. You’ll also be supporting local arts and accessibility in our community!

🎟️ Get early seating information here: DrPhillipsCenter.org
📺 Can’t make it in person? You can also stream it live.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness beautiful music that is accessible to all!

10/08/2024

🌪️ Stay Safe, Everyone! 🌪️

With Hurricane Milton approaching, it's so important to take all the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Whether stocking up on essentials, securing your home, or following local evacuation orders, please take every measure seriously. Your safety comes first!

Check-in with your neighbors, stay informed, and stay prepared. We're all in this together, and we'll get through it together. 💙

Stay safe, everyone! 🙏

10/03/2024

We’re right in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month - Let's Take the Time to Recognize It!

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, honors the contributions and cultural richness of Hispanic and Latino/a/x communities. Let's highlight 10 important things about this celebration:

1) Honoring Traditions: The month provides an opportunity to celebrate the Spanish language, music, dance, food, and family values integral to Hispanic and Latino/a/x cultures.

2) Independence Celebrations: Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the Independence Anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence shortly after, on September 16 and 18.

3) A Full Month of Celebration: This month-long observance celebrates the influence of Hispanic and Latino/a/x communities in areas like culture, history, politics, and the arts.

4) From a Week to a Month: President Lyndon B. Johnson established Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, and President Ronald Reagan extended it to a full month in 1988.

5) Updated Terminology: While "Hispanic" is a government term for people from Spanish-speaking countries, many prefer Latino/a or the more inclusive "Latinx," which recognizes gender diversity and includes people from non-Spanish-speaking Latin American countries like Brazil.

6) Diverse Communities: Hispanic Heritage Month reflects the rich diversity of Hispanic, Latino/a, and Latinx communities, representing people from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

7) Contributions in Various Fields: Hispanic and Latinx Americans have significantly contributed to science, politics, arts, civil rights, and sports. Influential figures like César Chávez, Ellen Ochoa, Sonia Sotomayor, and Dolores Huerta have impacted lives.

8) Educational and Cultural Events: Schools, universities, and cultural institutions host exhibits and performances to showcase Hispanic and Latinx history and culture.

9) Government Recognition: The U.S. government officially recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month, with federal institutions like the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian holding special programs.

10) Community Impact: This celebration highlights not only famous individuals but also the contributions of everyday people through community building, entrepreneurship, and preserving cultural traditions.

09/26/2024

Don't miss out on Plaza Sésamo episodes in American Sign Language (ASL)! 👐

Thanks to Dicapta - Accessible communication developers's collaboration with Sesame Workshop and support from the U.S. Department of Education, we're excited to bring you educational and entertaining clips featuring your favorite Plaza Sésamo characters. Now, in a more inclusive version, children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families can fully enjoy the content!

🔔 Be sure to subscribe to the Plaza Sésamo YouTube channel so you never miss a video!

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1vMhg3AawgTJugSImnrRC9MLlbjjBnse

Mae quiere que le expliques a tus pequeño lo que es un desastre natural, así como ella lo hac...

09/25/2024

🎭✨ Exciting News! 🎶

Join us for an exceptional ASL-interpreted performance of Girl From the North Country, the Tony Award-winning musical, on September 28th, 2024, @ 2 PM at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, FL.

Experience this unforgettable production, with music and lyrics by Bob Dylan, brought to life with ASL interpretation provided by ASL Services, Inc.. 🌟

🎟 How to Purchase Tickets:
Call the Box Office at (844) 513-2014 and request ASL Interpreter Viewing Seats to reserve your spot today!

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a fully accessible performance. We can’t wait to see you there!

09/25/2024

🎃✨ Get ready for a spooktacular ASL-interpreted performance of Junie B. Jones in BOO... and I Mean It! 🎭👻

📅 Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 13th, 2024 @ 2 PM at Orlando Family Stage!

Join us for a fun-filled, Halloween-themed adventure with Junie B. Jones, interpreted by professionals from ASL Services, Inc., ensuring accessibility for our Deaf and hard-of-hearing audience.

🎟 How to purchase tickets and seating information:

Call (407) 896-7365 ext. 225 or email csweezy@orlandofamilystage.com to request Deaf/Hard of Hearing seating and for additional show information.

Bring the whole family to enjoy this delightful performance! Don’t wait to purchase your tickets!

09/25/2024

📣 Exciting news for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Orlando! 🌟

Mark your calendars for October 26th, 2024 – we're thrilled to announce that The Book of Mormon at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Artster for the Performing Arts will have ASL-interpreted performances at 2 PM and 8 PM! 🎭👏

This is a fantastic opportunity to experience this award-winning musical in a fully accessible setting. Take advantage of this exceptional performance interpreted by ASL Services, Inc. professionals!

👉 To reserve your spot, call the Dr. Phillips Center Box Office at (844) 513-2014 and request the ASL Interpreter Viewing Seats.

Let's celebrate accessibility and the arts together! 💫

09/23/2024

🌍✋ Happy International Day of Sign Languages! ✋🌍

Today, we honor the beauty and significance of sign languages across the world. Sign languages are more than a means of communication - they carry the richness of culture, identity, and the spirit of inclusion.

A heartfelt thank you to the Deaf community, interpreters, and advocates for your continued efforts to make the world a more accessible place for all.

Grateful to DeafNation for sharing such an inspiring video!

09/21/2024

We join the millions celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15, during which we honor the achievements, histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans.

09/10/2024

This is such a wonderful initiative!

Congratulations to everyone involved - your hard work and dedication are truly making a difference in the lives of Latino children who are deaf or hard of hearing. 🌟

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟We're thrilled to introduce the ASL versions of Plaza Sésamo video clips in Spanish—an incredible resource for learning and fun! These video productions are a result of collaborative efforts aimed at promoting the inclusion of Latino children who are deaf or hard of hearing, along with their families.

👏 A huge shout-out to Denisse Planas and Jocelyn Negrete for their dedication and leadership in making this dream a reality. Your work is impacting lives!

This initiative, funded and supported by OSEP, brings Plaza Sésamo to our families. Together, we can bridge gaps and create spaces where everyone can thrive.

🎬 Special thanks to our talented production teams:The amazing Deaf actors, directors, and crew in Rochester, with love and collaboration from NTID.Our fantastic trilingual interpreters and incredible choreographer from ASL Services in Orlando.The phenomenal Dicapta team, led by Olga Collazos and Javier Olarte.

We are immensely proud and grateful for everyone's efforts and can't wait to share the impact this will have on our community!

🔗 Stay tuned for more exciting updates—subscribe to Plaza Sesamo's YouTube channel and playlist for weekly content that educates, entertains, and inspires. Let’s make learning a joyful experience for everyone!



https://apnews.com/press-release/ein-presswire-newsmatics/deaf-culture-1551e0874bca839ed3034a1c5942ef14

09/04/2024

September is Deaf Awareness Month!

With 30 days in September, we are sharing 30 fascinating, important, and fun facts - let's dive in together!

10 Fascinating Facts:
1) Deaf Awareness Month is celebrated globally to promote Deaf culture and awareness.
2) Established by the World Federation of the Deaf in 1958.
3) Includes International Week of the Deaf in the last week of September.
4) Deaf culture is a vital part of many Deaf individuals' identity.
5) Technology like VRS and captioning revolutionizes communication for the Deaf.
6) ASL isn't universal; each country has its own sign language.
7) Sign languages have their own grammar and syntax, separate from spoken languages.
8.) Highlights influential Deaf figures like Helen Keller and Marlee Matlin.
9) The Deaflympics showcases the athletic talents of Deaf athletes.
10) Deaf literature reflects rich cultural experiences.

10 Important Facts:
1) The ADA protects the rights of Deaf individuals in the U.S.
2) Early access to sign language is crucial for Deaf children's development.
3) Also raises awareness about Deaf-Blind challenges.
4) Understanding Deaf history is vital for appreciating the community's journey.
5) Ensuring Deaf individuals have access to interpreters in healthcare is critical.
6) Specialized schools meet Deaf students' educational needs.
7) Promotes Deaf-friendly workplaces for inclusivity.
8.) Many countries officially recognize their national sign languages.
9)Access to Deaf-friendly mental health services is essential.
10) Dispels misconceptions, like the false idea that all Deaf people can lip-read.

10 Fun Facts:
1) Sign language challenges flooded social media during this month.
2) Silent dinners offer a fun way to experience Deaf culture.
3) Deaf comedians bridge cultures with humor.
4) Deaf artists showcase stunning visual works in galleries.
5) Deaf theater provides powerful storytelling in sign language.
6) Many start learning ASL this month.
7) A time for the Deaf community to express pride in their culture.
8.) Flash mobs perform songs or messages in sign language.
9) Celebrates Deaf representation in media.
10) Deaf culture festivals bring vibrant celebrations in many cities.

08/06/2024

We are proud to announce that our VP, Brian Steinhoff, has been appointed to the board of TDIforAccess, Inc. This is a testament to his dedication and passion for advancing accessible telecommunications and media for all.

ASL Services, Inc. recognizes the invaluable work in accessibility and is dedicated to ensuring accessibility, inclusivity, and effective communication for the Deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, DeafBlind, and DeafPlus communities.

Congratulations, Brian!

🌟 Introducing Our Board of Directors! 🌟

We are excited to announce our newly appointed Board of Directors at TDIforAccess (TDI). The collective expertise and unwavering commitment of the board members will drive our mission to foster accessibility and inclusion for all in information and communication technology.

We look forward to navigating the next chapter together!



Image Description: A blue background with white swirl on the bottom featuring individual professional headshot of eight board members.

Image One: Older white male, with bald head, light gray beard, smiling, wearing blue striped shirt with open collar and dark blue blazer. with blue suit and light blue button down shirt.

Image Two: A Pakistani-American woman smiling with long curly black hair with side-swept bands, wearing a black blazer with a blue and black blouse.

Image 3: Afro-latina with shoulder length curled brown hair and green eyes. Smiling and wearing a grey blazer with white undershirt and her arms crossed standing in front of a white background.

Image 4: A white woman with shoulder length black hair standing in an open hallway adjacent to floor to ceiling glass windows wearing a black blazer.

Image 5: A white woman with shoulder-length blonde hair and glasses, wearing a light denim blazer and a pink blouse with a gold necklace.

Image 6: A male standing outdoors in a lush, green environment. He is smiling and has short hair with a neatly trimmed beard. He is wearing a light-colored, long-sleeved button-up shirt with a checkered pattern and a brown belt. In the background, there are large tropical leaves and a blurred path.

Image 7: A white woman with wavy red hair mid-length, and has a brown-framed glasses, smiling at the camera sitting on the tan sofa with a brick background, wearing green shirt with a black blazer, necklace, and diamond earrings.

Image 8: A white female smiling with short, curly grey hair, wearing a dark suit with a dark shirt and a necklace with a mottled grey background.

07/26/2024

🎉 Today marks the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act! 🎉

What is ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government programs and services.

5 Things We Bet You Didn’t Know About the ADA:
1) President George H.W. Bush signed the ADA with 59 pens, each of which was later given to key figures involved in the advocacy for disability rights.
2) Since 2000, 181 countries have passed disability civil rights laws inspired by the ADA.
3) More than half of accommodations for people with disabilities under the ADA cost employers NOTHING. The average for other accommodations is about $500.
4) The ADA also applies to digital accessibility, not just physical accessibility. In fact, the number of web accessibility lawsuits brought to federal court citing Title III of the ADA reached a new record in 2022, with plaintiffs filing 3,255 lawsuits—a 12 percent increase from 2021.
5) An employer or potential employer cannot discriminate against family members and others who have a relationship with a disabled person for that association.

Published by Disability Rights Texas

🌟 Let’s celebrate this milestone and continue advocating for inclusivity and accessibility for all! 🌟

07/14/2024

🌟 Highlighting The Hands Up Conference in Orlando, Florida! 🌟

ASL Services, Inc. was thrilled to be one of the sponsors for the Hands Up Conference, where sign language interpreters from all over came together to learn more about our industry. It was an event filled with learning, networking, and plenty of fun!

This year was especially significant as it was the first conference since the passing of one of the founders, Maureen Tuccelli.

At ASL Services, we are incredibly proud to support and celebrate the invaluable work of sign language interpreters. Your dedication ensures accessibility, inclusivity, and effective communication for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to making this conference a success!

07/09/2024

🚀 Exciting News for All Interpreters! 🚀

Join us for the Terp Academy Summit from July 25th to 28th! This year, they have a fantastic lineup of workshops designed to enhance your interpreting skills and knowledge.

Check out the schedule below, and make sure to register soon! You can attend VIRTUALLY from anywhere in the world. 📅

Register now by visiting https://events.hellocirrus.com/2024summitregistration?campaign=TerpAcademy

Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with fellow interpreters!