American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting

For more information on DHH-related parent rights and resources, including: legislation, free emergency equipment, transition services & community agencies, and hearing aid assistance programs, please visit the DHH Program page.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program Page

How to Request a Sign Language Interpreter

American Sign Language interpreting services for students, parents, family members or other Deaf community members for school-related events (meetings, sports events, graduation etc.) may be requested by completing the form linked below. Please give at least 48 hours’ notice. 

ASL Interpreter Request Form

If you need immediate assistance, contact the interpreter coordinator  Alice.Brown@stpsb.org or call (985) 285-3868.

If you are a d/Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing person and need an interpreter to access a business or service, you should first contact the business or organization directly and request that they provide an interpreter. If your request is denied or not fulfilled, you can contact a local interpreting agency for support. These agencies can help coordinate services or provide guidance on your rights.

Below are examples of interpreting agencies that serve the Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Pearl River, and New Orleans areas. This is not a complete list, but it can be a helpful starting point.

Deaf Focus (LAD)
Phone: 225-319-5586
Email: Request@deaffocus.org
Website: https://lad1908.org/browse/deaffocus/7

New Orleans Sign Language Services
Contact: Barbara Lovas
Cell/Text: 504-722-2967
Video Phone: 504-273-1152
Email: info@neworleanssignlanguageservices.com
Website: https://www.neworleanssignlanguageservices.com/

Lighthouse Interpretation & Translation (New Orleans)
Phone: 1-877-261-2495
Email: sales@lighthouseonline.com
Website: https://lighthouseonline.com/new-orleans/

Sorenson Interpreting Services
Website: https://sorenson.com/interpreting/

Purple Communications (Interpreting Services)
Website: https://www.purplevrs.com/services/interpreting/

In many situations (like medical visits, court, or government services), a business or organization may be required to provide a qualified interpreter for effective communication. If you are unsure about your rights, you can learn more at the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division website: https://www.ada.gov/resources/effective-communication/

The STPPS DHH Program continues to provide free access to ASLdeafined for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students and their parents and school staff.

ASLdeafined is a Deaf-owned and operated program with lessons created by Deaf professionals. It supports building ASL skills and strengthening communication at home and at school. The program can be accessed on a phone, tablet, or computer.

This resource is an added support and does not replace direct instruction from a certified DHH teacher for students who use ASL as their primary language.

Learn more: https://www.asldeafined.com
For access or questions, contact: Suzanne.Lynch@stpsb.org

Video Relay Services (VRS) let a person who uses sign language make phone calls to someone who uses a regular phone. An interpreter appears on a video screen and signs what the hearing person says, and then speaks what the signing person says. This helps both people talk to each other in real time.

VRS is free for Deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States. To use it, a person must have hearing loss and sign up with a VRS provider. They will get a special phone number to make and receive calls. VRS can be used on a smartphone, tablet, or computer by downloading an app, so people can make calls from almost anywhere.

The links below are examples of VRS providers and resources. This is not a complete list, and other options may also be available.

• Sorenson VRS
• Purple VRS (P3)
• ZP Better Together (ZVRS)
• Convo Relay VRS

For more information about Video Relay Services, including how they work and user rights, please visit the FCC Consumer Guide to Video Relay Services.

• Deaf Focus - Deaf Focus provides structured American Sign Language (ASL) instruction led by Deaf educators, with courses designed for beginners through more advanced learners. Their programs emphasize both language development and understanding Deaf culture to support meaningful communication at home and in the community.
• New Orleans Sign Language Services - New Orleans Sign Language Services offers ASL instruction and communication training for individuals, families, and professionals. Their classes focus on practical, everyday signing skills and are designed to support effective communication between Deaf and hearing individuals in a variety of settings.
• Oklahoma School for the Deaf - The Oklahoma School for the Deaf provides online ASL learning resources and educational materials that support foundational sign language development. While based out of state, their virtual offerings are accessible to families nationwide and can be used as supplemental learning tools.