Deaf Interpreters (DI) are highly skilled and trained Deaf professionals who are recognized by and affiliated with provincial agencies such as Ontario Interpreting Services (OIS). A Deaf Interpreter (DI) facilitates communication between a Deaf person, a hearing person and an ASL-English interpreter using their native language, American Sign Language (ASL). A Deaf Interpreter may also facilitate communication between two signed languages. 

The Ontario Association of the Deaf (OAD) Position Paper on Deaf Interpreters (2015)

A Deaf interpreter (DI) uses their native sign language, along with gestures and other communication strategies, to foster culturally and linguistically appropriate interpretation for consumers. In Canada, American Sign Language (ASL) and la Langue des Signes Québécois (LSQ) are the national signed languages used. In addition, Canada also has two regional varieties of signed language – Inuit Sign Language (ISL) and Maritime Sign Language (MSL). 

Deaf Interpreters provide service in a wide variety of settings and situations. These are often settings where the outcomes can have serious and long lasting impacts such as

• Medical
• Legal
• Employment
• Mental health

Consumers who benefit from the services of a Deaf Interpreter include, but are not limited to

• Deaf children
• Individuals with a cognitive challenge
• Individuals with a physical disability that affects their ability to produce a signed message
• Deaf and hard of hearing people who have idiosyncratic language use (sometimes referred to as “home signs”)
• Non-native signers (i.e., newcomers and/or visitors to Canada) who use another signed language

In addition, Deaf consumers with fluent language use may also benefit from the services of a Deaf Interpreter. A Deaf Interpreter possesses a native comprehension of Deaf life experiences, which are unfamiliar to the hearing interpreter. Deaf Interpreters may work as part of a team with a hearing interpreter.

As a team, the interpreters will

• Ensure that the spoken language message reaches the Deaf consumer in a form that is understandable
• Ensure that the Deaf consumer’s signed message is conveyed accurately into the spoken language

A Deaf Interpreter may also work without a hearing interpreter. A Deaf Interpreter may work alone or in a group of Deaf Interpreters when

• Interpreting from one signed language directly into another (this often occurs at national and international conferences and gatherings)
• Translating between written language and signed language

The Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada (AVLIC) is the national professional association for sign language interpreters. Deaf Interpreters who are members of AVLIC are required to follow the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct which focuses on

• Professional accountability
• Professional competence
• Non-discrimination
• Integrity in professional relationships
• Integrity in business practices

(Ontario Association of the Deaf (OAD) Position Paper on Deaf Interpreters, 2015.)

If you are interested in working as a professional Deaf Interpreter, visit AVLIC as a Deaf Interpreter -ASL Version

Booking a Deaf Interpreter (DI)

Whether you are contracting with an interpreter who operates an independent business or with a referral agency, securing interpreting services is a business transaction. There are a number of factors and terms that need to be discussed and negotiated.

The following factors will help a Deaf Interpreter determine if they are qualified for the assignment

• The nature of the appointment
• Availability of adequate preparation materials (information related to the appointment that will help the interpreter prepare)
• Identities of the individuals involved
• Composition of the interpreting team
• The need for related professionals - Deaf Interpreter, Deaf Advocate

If the Deaf Interpreter deems themselves to be qualified, the following terms will need to be confirmed

• Date, time and location of the appointment
• Fees
• Payment for time preparing for the appointment payment for travel expenses/travel time cancellation policy

In some circumstances, it may be useful to have a signed service agreement outlining mutually agreed upon terms. In other circumstances, emails clearly laying out terms prior to confirming the booking may be sufficient. Many Deaf interpreters work as independent contractors. For this reason, there are variations among business practices.

Because of the increasing demand for Deaf interpretation, the availability of many interpreters fills up very quickly. For this reason, OASLI suggests that you contact and secure a Deaf Interpreter a minimum of 2-3 weeks ahead of the actual appointment.

If you are looking for a Deaf Interpreter, please see our Directory of OASLI Interpreters where you can search alphabetically for OASLI members.

The Ontario Association of Sign Language Interpreters (OASLI) is one of two professional associations of ASL-English Interpreters in Ontario. Along with our sister chapter, Sign Language Interpreters of the National Capital (SLINC), we are an affiliate chapter of the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI).

OASLI members work alongside Deaf individuals and organizations to improve the quality of interpretation services by promoting the use of professional service providers.

OASLI is committed to

• providing sign language interpreters with professional development and networking opportunities
• offering venues for sign language interpreters to share best practices, and discussing trends and issues in the field
• promoting the standards set by the CASLI Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct which emphasizes confidentiality, impartiality, integrity and accuracy of all interpreted information
• acting in an advisory capacity to service providers, agencies, and interpreter training programs
• raising awareness about the field of interpreting through public education

A volunteer board of directors, responsible for the administration and governance of the association, is elected annually by the membership. 

Our Vision

A future where all signed language interpreters have the supports they need to be competent, qualified, professionals who follow ethical practices.

Our Mission

OASLI is a non-profit organization established to support its members in their professional practice through the following:

• Providing professional development opportunities
• Facilitating mentorship relationships and networking opportunities
• Creating professional development resources
• Creating resources to be used in professional practice
• Setting professional standards of practice
• Acting in an advisory capacity and advocating for professional standards of practice
• Educating the public about the profession of signed language interpreting
• Encouraging the development of stronger ties between the Deaf and Interpreting communities 

What We Do

Why Choose a CASLI/OASLI Member?

Board of Directors

Become a Member

Dispute Resolution Process (DRP)

Our History

For the latest news and events, follow OASLI on Facebook and Twitter. 

The Canadian National Sign Language Interpreter Organization

Affiitate Chapters of AVLIC

British Columbia 

Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters (WAVLI)

Alberta 

Associaton of Sign Language Intepreters of Alberta (ASLIA)

Manitoba 

Manitoba Association of Visual Language Interpreters (MAVLI) 

Ontario 

Ontario Association of Sign Language Interpreters (OASLI) 

Sign Language Interpreters of the National Capital (SLINC) 

New Brunswick 

Association of Visual Language Interpreters - New Brunswick (AVLI-NB)

Newfoundland 

Newfoundland Association of Visual Language Interpreters (NAVLI)

Nova Scotia 

Maritime Association of Visual Language Interpreters (MAPSLI) 

Quebec

L'Association québécoise des interprètes en langues des signes (AQILS)

International Sign Language Interpreter Associations

World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI)

European Forum of Sign Language Interpreters (EFSLI)

Other National Sign Language Interpreter Associations

United States 

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) 

New Zealand 

Sign Language Interpreters Association of New Zealand

Australia

Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association 

England, Wales and N. Ireland 

Association of Sign Language Interpreters 

Scotland 

Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters 

OASLI supports the exclusive use of AVLIC members for all assignments requiring ASL-English interpretation. That being said, AVLIC membership itself is not an accreditation. AVLIC membership guarantees, under the present membership criteria, that the interpreter

• has graduated from a recognized interpreter training program (ITP)
• has committed to following AVLIC’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct (COEGPC)
• is subjected to AVLIC’s Professional Conduct Review Process (PCRP)

Furthermore, OASLI recognizes that several tests and screenings are available to ASL-English Interpreters in Ontario. Some of these tests are recognized as an accreditation, while others are employer-specific screenings. This is often confusing to consumers.

An ASL-English Interpreter accreditation will guarantee a minimum level of competency, whereas employer screenings only look for specific skills that are suitable for the employment environment. Employer screenings are not tests of general skill and should not be used outside of the context for which they were designed.

In Ontario, common designations ASL-English interpreters use when promoting themselves are

• AVLIC COI
• MAG Registered
• PWGSC Registered
• OIS Registered
• AEIP Graduate

It is the goal of this fact sheet to explain what each designation means and to highlight whether the designation is an accreditation or an employer screening.

Accreditation

AVLIC COI The AVLIC COI is the highest level of accreditation available to ASL-English Interpreters in Canada. It is also the only accreditation officially recognized by OASLI in Ontario.

The Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada (AVLIC) is the national professional association for sign language interpreters. OASLI is an affiliate chapter of AVLIC. AVLIC is the only certifying body of ASL-English Interpreters in Canada. The Certificate of Interpretation (COI) is awarded to interpreters who successfully complete the four-phase AVLIC Canadian Evaluation System

1. phase one - Written Test of Knowledge (WTK)
2. phase two - two preparation workshops
3. phase three - Test of Interpretation (TOI)
4. The fourth phase is Certification Maintenance.

Active membership with AVLIC and OASLI (or other affiliate chapters) is a condition of certification maintenance. All members are required to follow the AVLIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct, and are subjected to the AVLIC Professional Conduct Review Process (PCRP)

Employer Interpreter Screenings

MAG Registered

ASL-English interpreters who carry MAG accreditation are eligible to work for the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG).

In order to qualify for MAG accreditation, an interpreter must

• Attend a training seminar and pass a test in courtroom procedures and interpreter ethics, and
• Successfully complete a background check with the Canadian Police Information Centre

MAG accredited interpreters are issued MAG Photo Identification which must be shown when providing service in the courts of Ontario.

PWGSC Registered

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is formerly known as Secretary of State (SS). PWGSC screens ASL-English Interpreters who wish to work in federal government venues. The Translation Bureau coordinates interpreting services for employees of the federal government.

In order to qualify, the interpreter must pass both a written test and a video- taped skill screening. Once qualified, interpreters are

• referred to as Registered Linguistic Service Suppliers
• eligible to participate in the tendering process through the Translation Bureau

OIS Registered

Ontario Interpreting Services (OIS) is one of the core programs offered by The Canadian Hearing Society (CHS). OIS brokers the services of ASL-English Interpreters across Ontario on a fee-for-service basis.

Interpreters who wish to be employed by the agency must pass the OIS registration process. The registration process consists of

• a video-taped skills screening
• panel interview
• security check

Interpreters who are successful in this process are referred to as OIS Registered.

Other Designations

AEIP Graduate

AEIP Graduates are individuals who have graduated from an ASL-English Interpreter Training Program (AEIP).

In Ontario, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) currently funds one ASL-English Interpreter Training Program. This program is located at George Brown College in Toronto.

While the programs at Sheridan College in Brampton, St. Clair College in Windsor and Cambrian College in Sudbury are no longer in operation, these diplomas are recognized on par with those of the current programs.

Across Canada, several AEIPs are currently being offered as well. Diplomas received upon successful completion of these programs are recognized across the country.

RID Certifications

Some ASL-English Interpreters working in Canada hold certification granted by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). RID is a national professional association of interpreters based in the United States. RID grants accreditation based upon their own criteria and as such OASLI cannot comment on nor endorse those accreditations.