ASL RESOURCES
Your comprehensive guide to ASL interpreting, the Deaf community, accessibility laws, and support services. Covering national organizations, Texas statewide programs, and Austin-area resources. Curated by 3 Bridges since 2010.
Last reviewed: July 2026. We review this page regularly and update links as organizations, programs, and guidance change.
Laws, Compliance & Advocacy
Federal and state laws establish the rights of Deaf and hard of hearing people in everyday life, from medical appointments and court proceedings to workplace accommodations and public services. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in 1990, remains the cornerstone of accessibility law, requiring effective communication in public accommodations, government services, and employment settings.
HIPAA governs how patient information is handled, including when interpreters are involved in healthcare settings. The resources below cover the core regulations every business owner, healthcare provider, attorney, and accommodations professional should understand, along with the national and Texas-specific advocacy organizations working to strengthen these protections.
Federal Laws & ADA4 resources
The official U.S. Department of Justice site for the Americans with Disabilities Act, including regulations, technical assistance, and enforcement information.
Detailed DOJ guidance on what "effective communication" means under ADA Titles II and III, including when qualified sign language interpreters are required.
The full regulatory text covering state and local government services (Title II) and public accommodations (Title III), including auxiliary aids requirements.
DOJ guidance specifically for hospitals on communicating with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing under the ADA.
Healthcare Compliance & HIPAA3 resources
Official HHS Office for Civil Rights site for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, covering protected health information and patient privacy rules.
Plain-language PDF guide explaining how HIPAA applies when using interpreters and language services in healthcare settings.
Hospital accreditation standards from The Joint Commission covering effective communication with patients who have language or hearing differences.
Civil Rights & Advocacy4 resources
National advocacy organization promoting equal access to telecommunications, media, and information technology for Deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind people.
Nonprofit founded in 1975 providing accessibility, employment, and entrepreneurship programs for the global Deaf community.
Federally designated legal protection and advocacy organization for Texans with disabilities, including legal representation in disability discrimination cases.
Federal Communications Commission office overseeing telecommunications accessibility, including Video Relay Service (VRS) and closed captioning rules.
Interpreting Profession & Certification
The interpreting profession is governed by national and state credentialing bodies that ensure interpreters meet rigorous standards of skill, ethics, and continuing education. In the United States, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) sets the national standard with its NIC certification and joint NAD-RID ethics code. In Texas, the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) administers state certification at multiple levels including Basic, Advanced, Master, Court, and Medical.
Every 3 Bridges interpreter holds both RID and BEI credentials, plus specialty certifications where applicable. The resources below cover certification details, ongoing professional development, ethics, and interpreter education programs for those entering the field.
National Certification (RID)2 resources
The national professional organization for ASL interpreters in the United States, administering certification (NIC), ethics standards, and continuing education for over 16,000 members.
The joint NAD-RID ethics code governing interpreter conduct, including confidentiality, professionalism, accuracy, and respect for consumers.
Texas Certification (BEI & TSID)5 resources
Texas state certification body for sign language interpreters, administered by Texas Health and Human Services with multiple levels including Court and Medical specialty certifications.
Searchable database of currently BEI-certified interpreters in Texas, including level of certification and contact information.
Official breakdown of BEI certification levels (Basic, Advanced, Master, Court, Medical) and what each level authorizes interpreters to do.
Frequently asked questions about BEI testing, certification process, fees, and renewal requirements.
State affiliate professional organization providing advocacy, networking, and continuing education for Texas sign language interpreters.
Interpreter Education & Development3 resources
Gallaudet's BA and MA programs in Interpretation, considered the gold standard in interpreter education at the only liberal arts university designed for Deaf students.
International nonprofit for Children of Deaf Adults, including resources for interpreters who grew up bilingual in ASL and English.
Professional organization for educators teaching sign language interpretation, holding biennial conferences and publishing pedagogical resources.
Deaf Community Organizations
The Texas Deaf community is one of the largest and most active in the United States, anchored by the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin, which was founded in 1856 and is one of the oldest continuously operating Deaf schools in the country. Beyond TSD, Texas is home to a robust network of statewide and local organizations spanning advocacy, education, recreation, faith, and culture, with the Texas Association of the Deaf dating back to 1886.
Whether you're a Deaf person seeking community, a hearing family member looking to connect, or a professional working alongside Deaf colleagues and clients, the organizations below offer entry points at every level. National civil rights bodies like the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) shape federal policy and ADA enforcement. Statewide groups like the Texas Association of the Deaf address state-specific issues, while local Austin organizations such as the Austin Deaf Club and Travis County Services provide direct community connection and direct services for Deaf residents.
National Organizations7 resources
The largest civil rights organization advocating for the 48 million Deaf and hard of hearing Americans, with extensive resources on ADA, education, employment, and accessibility.
NAD's curated library covering law, advocacy, education, employment, technology, and health. One of the best starting points for any Deaf-related research.
Membership-based national organization serving people with hearing loss through advocacy, education, technology guidance, and a robust network of local chapters.
The voice of Black Deaf Americans, advancing leadership development, advocacy, and cultural pride within the Deaf community since 1982.
Promotes the heritage, welfare, and visibility of Asian Deaf Americans through advocacy, education, and biennial conferences.
National support network for parents of Deaf and hard of hearing children, providing resources, mentorship, ASL learning tools, and family camps.
The only national rehabilitation and training center for youth and adults who are DeafBlind, headquartered in New York with field offices serving every state.
Texas Statewide5 resources
Statewide membership organization advocating for the rights, language, and culture of Deaf Texans since 1886. One of the oldest state Deaf associations in the country.
State agency providing programs, equipment vouchers (STAP), interpreter certification (BEI), and community services across Texas.
Premier residential bilingual (ASL/English) school for Deaf and hard of hearing students in Texas, serving K-12 with statewide outreach programs since 1856.
TSD's outreach arm providing professional development, ASL learning materials, and family support for Deaf education throughout Texas.
Online hub connecting the Texas Deaf community with events, news, job postings, and statewide resources.
Austin Area4 resources
Local county program offering case management, advocacy, and resource navigation for Deaf and hard of hearing residents in Austin and surrounding areas.
Long-running social club hosting regular events, monthly gatherings, and community connections for Austin's Deaf community.
Local nonprofit providing specialized support, advocacy, and direct services for DeafBlind individuals in Central Texas.
Facebook community for Austin-area interpreters to network, share opportunities, and support professional development.
Deaf Events & Calendars4 resources
Comprehensive calendar and newsletter covering Deaf community events, social gatherings, and workshops in the greater Austin area.
Direct events page for Austin Deaf Club's monthly socials, picnics, holiday gatherings, and special programs.
Official events calendar for TSD, including community open events, workshops, sports games, and statewide programs.
Family-focused events, picnics, and educational workshops connecting parents and Deaf/HoH children across Texas.
Sports & Recreation2 resources
National governing body for Deaf athletics in the U.S., organizing teams for the Deaflympics and World Deaf Championships across multiple sports.
Quadrennial international multi-sport event for Deaf athletes. Equivalent to the Olympics, sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee since 1955.
Faith & Spiritual Communities4 resources
National ministry producing ASL Bible translations, Deaf-led congregations, and discipleship resources. Completed the first full Bible translation in any sign language (ASLV) in 2020.
Global organization translating Scripture into the world's 350+ sign languages and supporting Deaf-led church planting.
National directory to find Deaf churches, Deaf Bible study groups, and hearing churches that offer ASL interpretation, searchable by location.
Comprehensive listings of Deaf and interpreted church services across Austin and Central Texas, maintained by the local Deaf community.
Education & Career
From early childhood through higher education and career launch, Deaf and hard of hearing students benefit from a network of specialized schools, universities, and vocational support programs. The Texas School for the Deaf (founded 1856) anchors Deaf K-12 education in Texas, while Gallaudet University in Washington DC remains the world's only liberal arts university designed specifically for Deaf students.
Beyond formal schooling, transition and vocational rehabilitation services help Deaf adults navigate employment, while professional networks across legal, medical, government, arts, and advocacy fields support career development at every level. These resources cover educational pathways and career growth at every stage.
Schools & Higher Education5 resources
Premier residential bilingual (ASL/English) K-12 school for Deaf students in Texas, serving students statewide since 1856.
TSD's outreach arm providing professional development, ASL learning materials, and family support for Deaf education throughout Texas.
The world's only liberal arts university designed for Deaf and hard of hearing students, founded in 1864 in Washington DC.
Federally chartered college at the Rochester Institute of Technology offering technical and professional education programs for Deaf students.
Federally funded research and technical assistance center improving postsecondary outcomes for Deaf people through evidence-based resources.
Transition & Vocational Rehab3 resources
State agency providing vocational rehabilitation services to help Deaf and hard of hearing Texans achieve employment goals.
Free consulting service providing guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment, including for Deaf employees.
NTID's career services arm offering employment advising, employer partnerships, and job placement support for Deaf and hard of hearing students and graduates.
Career Resources for Deaf Professionals5 resources
National nonprofit dedicated to promoting professional development and access in entertainment, visual arts, and media for Deaf and hard of hearing professionals. Home of DPAN.TV, the sign language news and content network.
National professional organization for Deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled attorneys, judges, law students, paralegals, and legal professionals across the United States and Canada.
Information, advocacy, mentorship, and networking for aspiring and current Deaf and hard of hearing medical professionals including physicians, nurses, and allied health workers.
National nonprofit supporting Deaf and hard of hearing federal, state, county, and local government employees through networking, training, and career advancement resources.
National advocacy organization promoting leadership development, economic empowerment, and educational advancement for Black Deaf and hard of hearing individuals across multiple professional fields.
Family, Children & Youth
A child's early years are crucial for language development, and families of Deaf and hard of hearing children benefit enormously from connection with other families, expert guidance, and culturally rich experiences. National organizations like Hands & Voices and the American Society for Deaf Children provide parent-to-parent support that often makes the biggest difference in a family's journey.
Camps and youth programs give Deaf children opportunities to thrive in ASL-immersive environments alongside Deaf peers, building friendships, leadership skills, and cultural identity. From the Texas School for the Deaf's family weekend retreats and summer programs to nationally recognized camps like Aspen and Camp Mark Seven, these resources serve parents, caregivers, and Deaf youth at every stage of development.
Parents of Deaf & HoH Children5 resources
National parent-driven organization supporting families of Deaf and hard of hearing children with unbiased information across all communication choices.
Texas chapter of Hands & Voices providing local family events, parent-to-parent support, and resources across the state.
National support network for parents of Deaf and hard of hearing children, providing resources, mentorship, ASL learning tools, and family programs.
National organization focused on listening and spoken language for children with hearing loss, providing parent resources, professional certification, and family support.
Texas Department of State Health Services program ensuring newborn hearing screening, diagnostic follow-up, and early intervention services for Texas families.
Signed Books, Shows & Learning Videos for Kids3 resources
Free collection of popular children's books told in ASL with voice narration and captions, produced by the Statewide Outreach Center at Texas School for the Deaf. Titles include The Snowy Day, Knuffle Bunny, Stone Soup, Duck at the Door, Henry's Freedom Box, and many more.
Free ASL-interpreted episodes of six popular PBS Kids shows including Arthur, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Alma's Way, Donkey Hodie, Pinkalicious & Peterrific, and Work It Out Wombats! Available on the PBS Kids website, app, and YouTube channel. Look for the yellow ASL badge.
Free ASL learning videos created by the McFeely family, designed for hearing families with Deaf children and used by ASL classes in high schools and universities nationwide.
Camps & Youth Programs10 resources
Texas School for the Deaf summer camps and enrichment programs serving Deaf and hard of hearing children and youth ages 3 to 22, with daytime and overnight options across multiple themes.
Annual weekend retreat in Austin hosted by the Texas School for the Deaf for Texas families with Deaf and hard of hearing children ages 6 months to 18 years, including educational workshops and family activities.
STEAM-focused retreats for Deaf and hard of hearing middle and high school students across Texas, exploring career paths and building leadership skills through hands-on learning.
Teen and adult camps for the DeafBlind community in Texas, offering barrier-free programming, networking, and sports and recreation activities adapted for DeafBlind participants.
Adirondack Mountains lakefront camp in Old Forge, New York offering ASL-immersive recreational and leadership programs for Deaf, hard of hearing, and KODA/CODA youth ages 9-16 since 1982.
Year-round camp on 17 acres in Snowmass, Colorado serving Deaf and hard of hearing youth and adults since 1967 with summer and winter programs, family camps, and ASL immersion experiences.
NAD's youth leadership program for Deaf and hard of hearing students in grades 7 through 12, with chapters across the country and biennial conferences focused on advocacy and leadership development.
Central hub for hearing Kids of Deaf Adults (KODAs) and their families, offering educational resources, pop-up camps, and connections to regional KODA camp programs nationwide.
Comprehensive directory of Deaf and hard of hearing-friendly summer camps across the United States, maintained by the American Society for Deaf Children.
Interactive state-by-state map of Deaf and hard of hearing camps and family immersion programs, including day programs, overnight camps, and CODA programming, hosted by Gallaudet's Clerc Center.
Health, Safety & Support
Access to mental health care, crisis support, and safety resources is often complicated for Deaf people by communication barriers. The organizations below provide direct services in ASL or through trained interpreters, ensuring Deaf individuals can access counseling, crisis intervention, and protective services without compromise.
For survivors of abuse and domestic violence, Deaf-specific organizations like The Deaf Hotline, ADWAS, and DeafHope provide culturally competent advocacy. Funding programs help cover the cost of communication access, including the Texas STAP equipment voucher program for individuals, the State Bar of Texas Communication Access Fund for attorneys, and the IRS Disabled Access Credit that many small businesses don't know they qualify for.
This page is for general information only. For legal, medical, mental health, or emergency needs, contact the appropriate professional, agency, or emergency service directly.
Mental Health & Counseling4 resources
Online counseling practice providing therapy in ASL with Deaf and hearing therapists, serving clients nationwide.
Telehealth therapy practice with culturally competent Deaf therapists providing services in ASL.
National Deaf Center's comprehensive guide to finding mental health providers who specialize in serving Deaf and hard of hearing clients.
National Alliance on Mental Illness FAQ explaining how to access mental health services as a Deaf or hard of hearing person.
Crisis Lines (24/7)3 resources
24/7 crisis support available via videophone (dial 988) with ASL interpreters or Deaf counselors for suicide prevention and emotional distress support.
24/7 crisis intervention, advocacy, and mental health support for Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, and late-deafened individuals. Videophone: 321-800-3323. Text HAND to 839863.
24/7 text-messaging crisis support with a dedicated partnership for the Deaf community through Gallaudet University. Text the word DEAF to 741741 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor.
Domestic Violence & Abuse Support7 resources
24/7 hotline for Deaf survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse, available via videophone (855-812-1001) or email.
Deaf-specific services from the National Domestic Violence Hotline, including videophone access and trained Deaf advocates.
Washington state agency providing direct services and national leadership in Deaf survivor advocacy. Videophone: 206-812-1001.
California-based organization providing virtual support and advocacy for Deaf survivors of domestic violence nationwide.
Washington DC-based organization providing direct services and advocacy for Deaf survivors of abuse.
Comprehensive list of organizations serving Deaf survivors of abuse, maintained by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence.
Austin-based agency providing safety, healing, and justice for survivors of abuse and exploitation, with services accessible to Deaf clients. SAFEline: 512-267-7233.
Funding & Access Programs4 resources
Federal tax credit available to small businesses with $1M or less in revenue or 30 or fewer employees, covering 50% of ADA accessibility expenses (including sign language interpreters) between $250 and $10,250 per year. Claimed via IRS Form 8826.
Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program providing financial vouchers to qualified Texas residents who are Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, or speech-impaired for purchasing videophones, captioned telephones, signaling devices, and other approved assistive equipment.
Reimbursement fund for Texas attorneys covering sign language interpreters, CART, braille documents, and other auxiliary aids and services for clients with disabilities, helping attorneys meet ADA obligations.
Federal nondiscrimination requirements for healthcare providers, insurers, and grantees receiving HHS funding (including Medicare and Medicaid). Mandates qualified ASL interpreters be provided free of charge to Deaf and hard of hearing patients.
Communication Access & Media
Technology has transformed how Deaf people communicate with the hearing world, with relay services, video phones, and captioning making telecommunications accessible in ways that were impossible a generation ago. Relay Texas and the Texas STAP Program make these services accessible across the state, often at no cost to qualified individuals.
Deaf-created media and ASL learning resources celebrate and expand the language itself. From daily ASL news on The Daily Moth to studio-released films with ASL interpretation on Max, Disney+, and Apple TV+, this section gathers media that informs, educates, and entertains in ASL. Sign Language 101 joins established free programs like ASL University to make learning sign language accessible to everyone, with structured courses available for homeschool families using ESA funds in eligible states.
Relay Services & Assistive Technology5 resources
Texas state telecommunications relay service providing free voice-to-text, video relay, and IP relay calling for Deaf and hard of hearing Texans.
Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program providing equipment vouchers to qualified Texas residents who are Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, or speech-impaired for the purchase of videophones, captioned telephones, signaling devices, and other assistive equipment.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders comprehensive guide to assistive listening devices, alerting systems, hearing aids, and communication aids.
Comprehensive overview of telephone and relay options for Deaf and hard of hearing users, including VRS (Video Relay Service), IP Relay, CapTel (Captioned Telephone), and TTY services.
Detailed guide on assistive listening systems used in public venues, workplaces, and homes including FM systems, infrared systems, induction loops, and personal devices.
ASL News & Vlogs3 resources
Daily ASL news show founded in 2015 by Deaf journalist Alex Abenchuchan, covering trending US and world news plus Deaf community stories. With 350,000+ followers across platforms, available on website, YouTube, and Facebook.
Sign language news and content network produced by the Deaf Professional Arts Network, featuring ASL music videos, news commentary, and Deaf-led media content.
Official channel of the National Association of the Deaf featuring ASL videos covering advocacy, policy updates, civil rights education, and Deaf community news.
ASL Films & Entertainment4 resources
Max streaming service offers ASL-interpreted versions of major films including Barbie, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, A Minecraft Movie, and It: Welcome to Derry. Interpretation provided by Deaf artists including Leila Hanaumi, Otis Jones, Justin Jackerson, and others.
Academy Award winner for Best Picture (2022), starring Deaf actors Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur (Oscar for Best Supporting Actor), and Daniel Durant. Features extensive ASL throughout, telling the story of the only hearing member of a Deaf family.
Disney+ offers ASL-interpreted versions of select Marvel and Disney films including Ant-Man, available under the Extras tab. Look for ASL designations in the Audio settings.
Free ASL-interpreted episodes of six PBS Kids shows including Arthur, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Alma's Way, Donkey Hodie, Pinkalicious & Peterrific, and Work It Out Wombats! Available on PBS Kids website, app, and YouTube. Look for the yellow ASL badge.
Learn Sign Language3 resources
For learners who want a structured, instructor-led path, Sign Language 101 offers complete ASL course curricula created and taught by experienced Deaf instructors. Programs include ESA and education savings account-eligible options for homeschool families across multiple states, self-paced courses for beginners through advanced learners, and ASL training for businesses and educators.
Free ASL lessons, quizzes, and dictionary curriculum founded by Dr. Bill Vicars in 1997, used widely by ASL students, teachers, interpreters, and parents of Deaf children.
Emmy-nominated children's ASL learning series created by Rachel Coleman, current Executive Director of ASDC. Songs, stories, and structured lessons teach basic ASL vocabulary to children of all abilities.
3 Bridges Services
RID and BEI certified. HIPAA compliant. Austin-based since 2010. Choose the service that fits your needs:
Need an ASL Interpreter
Certified ASL interpreters for businesses, healthcare, conferences, education, and community events. On-site or VRI options available.
Request an InterpreterCART Captioning
Real-time captioning for meetings, classrooms, conferences, webinars, and live events. Remote or on-site delivery available.
Request CART ServicesLegal & Court Interpreting
BEI Court-Certified interpreters for hearings, depositions, attorney-client meetings, and legal proceedings across Texas.
Request Legal InterpretingASL Video Production
Professional ASL video content led by a Deaf Director of Artistic Sign Language (DASL) for marketing, training, accessibility, and brand storytelling.
Discuss a Video Project