Sign Language Interpretation

Sign Language Interpreters (SLI) provide communication access when interactions involve Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, and hearing individuals. Interpreters are trained professionals who accurately and impartially convey information between American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English, preserving the meaning, intent, and tone of the speaker.

ASL is the primary language used by many Deaf individuals. A qualified Sign Language Interpreter is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and expressively, and may use specialized vocabulary as needed.

Some interpreters specialize in legal, medical, emergency, or trilingual settings. In complex situations, a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) may be assigned to support effective communication.

For more details, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page. 

Requesting Sign Language Interpreting Services

To request Sign Language Interpreting services for a City of Los Angeles program, service, meeting, or event, submit a request using the Department on Disability’s online form: bit.ly/dod-slicart.

Requests should be submitted as early as possible and at least five business days before the event to allow sufficient time for coordination.

If a last-minute need arises, submit the request as soon as possible. While DOD will make every effort to accommodate urgent requests, interpreter availability on short notice cannot be guaranteed.

When requests are submitted and processed through the online form, the Department on Disability assumes responsibility for the cost of Sign Language Interpreting services.

For general SLI inquiries, contact sli.cart@lacity.org. 

When to Plan for SLI

SLI services are strongly recommended when:

An elected official or City representative is speaking on camera or to the public

The event is open to the public, media, or community members

Emergency communications are taking place, including press conferences and media briefings

For panels, public meetings, or sessions with more than two speakers, two interpreters may be assigned to support interpreter accuracy and reduce fatigue.

In-Person, Remote, and Hybrid Events

Due to limited availability of in-person interpreters, departments should carefully consider the event format when submitting requests.

• • For virtual or hybrid events, select the option for remote interpretation services

  • For planned meetings or events, remote SLI is preferred when appropriate

  • Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) should not be used as a substitute for scheduled SLI at planned or complex events

If your department needs to set up an on-demand VRI account for American Sign Language, contact dod.comms@lacity.org.

Cancellations

Please notify the Department on Disability of any cancellations as soon as possible, and ideally at least 48 hours before the scheduled event or activity.

If a cancellation occurs within 48 hours of the event, still notify us as soon as you are able so we can adjust interpreter assignments when possible.

Send cancellation notices to sli.cart@lacity.org and include:

• • The date and time of the requested event, or

  • The vendor reference number, if available

Timely cancellation notices help us manage interpreter availability and reduce unnecessary costs.

Interpreter and Captioner Etiquette

To support effective communication:

• • Speak directly to the person receiving the communication, not the interpreter

  • Allow time for interpretation before continuing

  • Speak clearly and at a steady pace

  • Avoid side conversations

  • Manage discussions so one person speaks at a time

  • In group or remote settings, identify yourself before speaking

If CART captioning is also provided, the captioner may be in person or remote. For remote captioning, ensure a reliable audio connection so all spoken content can be captured accurately.

What to Expect When Filling Out the Service Request Form

Our Service Request Form collects key details to help us coordinate accessibility services like Sign Language Interpreting (SLI) for your event. Here’s the information you’ll be asked to provide:

1. Requester’s Contact Information

• First and last name

• City department, office, or bureau

• City email address (required)

• Phone number

2. Event Contact Information

• Name, email, and phone number of the main event contact

• Optional alternate contact information

3. Event Details

• Name of service recipient or if it's a general access request

• Event name or title

• Start and end date

• Arrival/connect time and start/end time

4. Event Type

• • Indicate if the event is on-site (in-person services) or remote (services provided through Zoom, Google Meet, etc.)

5. Services Requested

• Choose one or both:

  • CART captioning (English is the default unless another language is specified)

  • Sign Language Interpreting (ASL is the default unless another language is specified)

6. Additional Information

• Details about the event (ex: topic, speakers, language needs, recording/filming information)

• Link to any supporting materials (agenda, talking points, etc.)

7. Equipment Agreement

• Confirmation that your team will provide necessary equipment and ensure proper audio coordination for captioners or interpreters