The Ontario Association of Sign Language Interpreters' (OASLI) is an affiliate chapter of the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI), the national association. This means that OASLI members are also CASLI members. All OASLI/CASLI members are bound by CASLI’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct.

When you hire a CASLI member, you are working with a professionally trained interpreter who is committed to the following:

• Providing the highest quality service
• Maintaining honest and ethical business practices
• Demonstrating sound professional judgement and accepting responsibility for the quality of their interpretation
• Ensuring all information obtained during the course of professional service remains confidential

OASLI's Position of the Exclusive Use of Active CASLI Members

The Ontario Association of Sign Language Interpreters (OASLI) supports the exclusive employment of qualified professionals who are Active members of the Association of Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI). We believe that it is the right and the responsibility of all citizens of Ontario who employ the services of a sign language interpreter to contract only those providers who agree to uphold the guidelines of the profession as set out by our national association.

The Issue

The field of American Sign Language (ASL)-English Interpretation is currently unregulated. This leads to many people who are considered competent “signers” making a living as interpreters in communities across Ontario. As they are not Active members of CASLI, they

• are not required to follow the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct 
• cannot be held accountable for their actions through CASLI’s Dispute Resolution Process
• may not have graduated from a recognized Interpreter Education Program

This has led to a lack of quality assurance and disempowerment of consumers throughout the province.

Rationale

OASLI is an Affiliate Chapter of CASLI and as such all of our members have a minimum three years of post-secondary training or equivalent. Members are also bound by CASLI’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct, which include 

• Professional Accountability
• Professional Competence  
• Non-discrimination
• Integrity in professional relationships
• Integrity in business practices

CASLI is responsible for the development and administration of the Canadian Evaluation System, the country’s only ASL-English interpreter certification process. The ultimate goal of CASLI is to certify all of its members. CASLI also provides Deaf and Non-Deaf consumers with a formal Dispute Resolution Process (DRP). Unfortunately, this process may only be utilized in instances where the interpreter is an active CASLI member and does not apply to non-members. For all reasons stated above, OASLI supports the exclusive use of interpreters who are Active CASLI members.

Adopted by the Board - July 19, 2010 Passed by the membership - June 18, 2011 Clear Writing revision – February 7, 2014

OASLI's Position Paper: Exclusive Use of CASLI (former AVLIC) Active Members.pdf

Visit Booking Interpreters for more information.

Directory of OASLI Interpreters

Interpreting is a wonderful and rewarding profession. 

If you are interested in becoming an ASL-English Interpreter, there are five ASL-English Interpreting Programs (AEIPs) offered in Canada. In Ontario, George Brown College now offers a four year Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (American Sign Language – English) degree program.

ASL-English Interpreting Programs offered in Canada:

• Ontario - George Brown College (Honours Bachelor of Interpretation ASL-English degree)
• British Columbia - Douglas College (Sign Language Interpretation diploma) 
• Alberta - Lakeland College (Sign Language Interpretation diploma)
• Manitoba - Red River College & University of Manitoba (ASL-English Interpretation Diploma/Bachelor of Arts degree)
• Nova Scotia - Nova Scotia Community College (ASL-English Interpretation diploma)

Deaf Interpreter

• Ontario- George Brown College offers Deaf Interpreter training through the Bachelor of Interpretation (ASL-English) degree program. Training/screening is also provided through The Ontario Cultural Society of the Deaf (OCSD) and The Canadian Hearing Society's OIS DI Screening. Visit the Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada (AVLIC) website for more information on joining AVLIC as a Deaf Interpreter -ASL Version

French-LSQ Interpreter Training Program

If you are interested in becoming an LSQ-French Interpreter, there is a program offered in Montreal, Quebec.

• Quebec - Universite du Quebec Montreal (French-LSQ)

To apply to a program, contact the program in which you are interested. Each program can provide you with the pre-requisites for admission. See AVLIC's reccomendatons for choosing an Interpreter Education Program (AIEP)

If you are looking for an OASLI Interpreter, please visit the OASLI Members' Directory of Interpreters

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 an 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 ASL-English 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

How does an Interpreter Prepare for Work?

This video will give you a better understanding of what an interpreter needs in order to be prepared for your appointment. Booking an interpreter is only the first step. For an accurate interpretation, it is helpful to have some background. Click on CC for closed captioning. 

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 interpreters work as independent contractors. For this reason, there are variations among business practices.

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

Search the Directory of OASLI Interpreters

Who is Responsible for Booking an Interpreter?

Professional Sign Language Interpreters work in a variety of settings where Deaf, Deafened or Hard of Hearing people are present. Settings may include the following: 

• Medical 
• Legal
• Employment
• Mental health
• Education
• Conference
• Video Relay Services

OASLI Interpreters adhere to AVLIC’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct.

Values Underlying the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct 

• Professional Accountability - accepting responsibility for professional decisions and actions
• Professional Competence - committing to provide quality professional service throughout one's practice
• Non-discrimination - approaching professional service with respect and cultural sensitivity
• Integrity in Professional Relationships - dealing honestly and fairly with consumers and colleagues
• Integrity in Business Practices - dealing honestly and ethically in all business practices