As we jump into 2021, Sign Language Resources wants to express its gratitude for the accomplishments achieved in 2020:

During this pandemic, we were fortunate enough to be able to retain most employees and their paychecks through the Paycheck Protection Program while also supporting others through unemployment benefits. Though there were some ups and downs, we were also able to expand our employee roster by adding 13 new interpreter employees in 2020. Our roster of employees and independent contractors is now 400+ strong. We are happy to report that Sign Language Resources remains resilient during these unprecedented times!

During the 2020-2021 school year we have 3 full-time Deaf Interpreters working with students! Since 2018 we have consistently provided native language models to deaf and hard of hearing students in NYC Department of Education schools. Our K-12 educational interpreters also have added support this year, as we now have 3 educational interpreter supervisors to assist them on a daily basis. For more information on our supervisors, see our staff page.

One silver lining of the pandemic’s impact was that we were able to focus on creating and launching our NEW WEBSITE! A huge accomplishment - our website not only received a face-lift, but a lot of new content was added including the ability to create and share newsletters and updates with our Interpreter/Consumer/Client bases.

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Expansion of VRI work and opportunities: As a company, pre-COVID-19, we did not have many opportunities to use different platforms with Video Remote Interpreting. Once COVID-19 began, we had to navigate multiple video platforms to accommodate the different needs of our customers. We are now familiar with many of the available platforms, and are able to guide interpreters on their functions. Our 400+ interpreters are now available to take on VRI assignments.

Ongoing Support of Black Lives Matter Movement:

As an agency, we realize there is more that must be done to support this movement. We are committed to continuing the conversation with those in the BIPOC community and their allies. Our actions stated below are only the start of the change we are determined to sustain.

In 2020, we collaborated with New York City Black Deaf Advocates on a panel discussion of how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the Deaf Community with over 100 community members in attendance. Furthermore, we collaborated with Mt. Sinai Beth Israel Hospital to launch a webinar about COVID-19 related interpreting concerns. This panel consisted of Deaf and BIPOC interpreters sharing their insights with over 150 attendees.