This scholarship offers financial support for training costs or CASLI exam fees for BIPOC and other underrepresented interpreter groups who are pursuing RID certification. Click here to apply. 

The Scholarship for Students Who Are Hard of Hearing or Deaf provides financial support to undergraduate students who identify as Deaf or Hard of Hearing. This $1,000 scholarship may be used toward tuition, books, and required supplies for any semester, including summer, during the 2026–2027 academic year. Funded by Sertoma, Oticon, Inc., and additional grantors, this award helps reduce financial barriers and promote academic success for Deaf and Hard of Hearing college students.

The Arts & Sciences Award supports students in grades 1–12 by helping fund participation in after-school, weekend, and summer programs that enrich language development and build skills in the arts or sciences. This scholarship encourages academic growth, creativity, and hands-on learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Applications open December 29, 2026, and close February 16, 2027.

This scholarship will fund leadership training opportunities and preparation for individuals interested in serving the ASL interpreting field, RID as an organization, or the deaf community in a leadership capacity. Click here to apply.

The BIPOC Interpreter Advancement Scholarship is designed to support BIPOC interpreters who are not yet nationally certified and demonstrate financial need, including those who may need to test multiple times. Applicants are required to submit an unrehearsed video sample showcasing both ASL-to-English and English-to-ASL interpreting skills. Video submissions must be emailed to scholarship@thesosagency.com by July 30, 2026. This scholarship covers the full cost of the NIC Performance Exam and includes virtual mentoring sessions with The SOS Agency to provide guidance, feedback, and professional support throughout the certification process.

This scholarship offers financial support for training and certification costs specifically for D/deaf, CODAs or Heritage signers pursuing RID certification. Click here to apply.

The Patricia Dawson Memorial Scholarship, offered through the Cross Cultural Health Care Program (CCHCP), supports individuals pursuing professional training in medical interpreting through the Bridging the Gap course. Established in honor of Dr. Patricia Dawson’s leadership and commitment to health care access, this scholarship helps expand opportunities for interpreters dedicated to serving diverse communities. Select residents of Oregon may also qualify for fully funded 64-hour Medical Interpreter training through support from the Oregon Health Authority.

This award was established with a goal of recognizing individuals and organizations engaged in innovation, research and other entrepreneurial projects that positively impact the profession of sign language interpreting. Click here to apply.

This scholarship seeks to provide ASL interpreters with financial support for costs related to enrollment in mentorship programs or other mentoring-related training. Click here to apply.

This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors and recent high school graduates/GED equivalents wishing to enter the profession of ASL interpreting and who have plans to enroll in an ITP program. Click here to apply.

Join SCRID in the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina for a three-day event geared toward professional development, networking, and community building among interpreters and service providers.

This conference is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Earn continuing education units (CEUs)

• Connect with fellow interpreters, mentors, and colleagues

• Explore best practices and emerging trends in the field

• Participate in workshops, panels, and interactive discussions

Southern Baptist Conference of the Deaf (SBCD) is a nationwide ministry dedicated to connecting, equipping, and encouraging Deaf Southern Baptists. Through annual conferences, resources, and local church support, SBCD provides a welcoming space for Deaf believers to grow in faith, fellowship, and leadership. Committed to making the Gospel accessible in American Sign Language, SBCD empowers the Deaf community to share Christ’s love and serve in His mission together.

Click the link below to download the PDF

NAI South Carolina is the state chapter of the National Association of Interpreters in Education, focused on establishing and upholding regulations that govern educational interpreters—such as compliance with Regulation 43‑243.2 scheduled to begin in August 2025 . They collaborate with institutions like Clemson University’s South Carolina Educational Interpreting Center and the SC School for the Deaf and Blind to support interpreter training, certification, and mentorship. Through this coordinated network, they aim to ensure high-quality ASL interpreting services and equitable educational access for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students statewide.

NAOBI‑DC (National Alliance of Black Interpreters – DC Chapter) is a nonprofit professional network founded in 1999 to uplift and empower African American/Black sign language interpreters. They provide mentorship, continuing education units (CEUs), workshops, community events, and advocacy to advance members’ leadership and interpreting excellence . By connecting interpreters with resources, fellow professionals, and opportunities, NAOBI‑DC fosters recruitment, networking, and professional development with an emphasis on cultural responsiveness.

The Legal Interpreter is a private Facebook group of approximately 4,000 legal sign language interpreters dedicated to peer support, professional growth, and sharing industry-specific insights. Members regularly post questions about handling courtroom situations—like preparing for Federal Court exams, test clients, or law enforcement interpreting workshops—and share information on mini‑courses and CEU opportunities . The group serves as a go-to hub for networking, mentoring, and staying current in the legal interpreting field.

Educational Interpreter Support Group is a private Facebook community specifically for sign language interpreters working in educational settings. Members use the space to discuss practical challenges like classroom dynamics, IEP meetings, and working with teachers or state guidelines. It offers peer mentorship, question-and-answer threads, job leads, and shared resources—all aimed at improving practice and support for educational interpreting.

Interpreter Peer Support is a private Facebook group that brings together sign language interpreters and interpreter students for mutual support, resource sharing, and peer mentorship. Members connect to ask questions, discuss best practices, offer advice on interpreting challenges, and share job leads or CEU opportunities. The group fosters a welcoming, collaborative environment dedicated to professional growth and peer empowerment.

ASL Interpreter Certification Test Prep is a private Facebook group for American Sign Language interpreters and students preparing for certification exams like NIC, BEI, EIPA, CASLI, and CDI. It serves as a collaborative forum to share study strategies, testing resources, peer support, and exam insights—especially for those aiming to pass interpreting tests through discussion and advice.

ASL Interpreters & Trainees Hub is a private Facebook group that brings together current and aspiring American Sign Language interpreters for networking, learning, and mutual support. Members share job leads, continuing education events, classroom strategies, and interpreting resources, while also offering encouragement through certification journeys. The group serves as a supportive and inclusive space for professional growth and community engagement.

Provides nationwide Deaf community programs, technology solutions, and interpreting services.

The largest civil rights organization advocating for Deaf culture, language rights, and accessibility across the U.S.

Focuses on Deaf advocacy, accessibility, and community engagement in South Carolina.

Advocates for Deaf rights, accessibility, and inclusion in North Carolina.

- A short film showcasing Deaf accessibility in the film industry.  
- Features Deaf and Hard of Hearing creatives in Hollywood.

- Explores Black American Sign Language (BASL) and its cultural significance.  
- Features interviews with Deaf linguists and Black Deaf community members.

- A PBS documentary exploring Deaf history and culture in the U.S..  
- Features interviews with Deaf historians, activists, and community members.

- Follows a drummer experiencing sudden hearing loss and his journey into the Deaf community.  
- Features Deaf actors and consultants, including Paul Raci and Lauren Ridloff.

- A practical ASL guidebook written by a Deaf educator.  
- Teaches everyday phrases and promotes fun in sign language.

- A modern look at Deaf identity, education, and community advocacy.  
- Covers topics like Deaf organizations, accessibility, and fun in sign language.

- A deep dive into the Deaf experience, Deaf culture, and ASL.  
- Covers Deaf education, sign language interpreters, and Deaf community events.

- A personal and historical look at Deaf culture, education, and language.  
- Cohen, a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), provides insights into the Deaf experience at the Lexington School for the Deaf.

ASL.ms is a free, web-based toolkit focused on helping learners practice ASL fingerspelling through adjustable-speed quizzes and drills originally designed for college students but now available to everyone . The site also provides insights into Deaf education, baby-signing for hearing children, and ASL linguistics, highlighting its roots in Deaf-led learning.

SignSchool is a free, video-based ASL learning platform offering a modular curriculum, interactive exercises, and quizzes on both web and mobile (iOS/Android). You can browse thousands of signs by category or handshape, reinforce learning through the “Fingerspelling Game” and “Sign of the Day,” and use slow-motion playback for clarity and precision . Ideal for beginners and intermediate learners, it’s praised for its diverse signer representation and engaging review tools, though some users note limited in-depth lessons and occasional fast-paced quizzes.

ASL Bloom is a freemium platform by SignLab that offers 20+ engaging, gamified modules—each with video lessons, quizzes, visual dictionary access, and grammar/cultural tips—to help beginners learn American Sign Language at their own pace . With spaced repetition, progress tracking, and AI-powered retention support, users can effectively build conversational skills and retain over 1,300 signs and sentences. Praised by learners for its structured, phrase-based approach and fun learning experience, ASL Bloom is a strong choice for those starting out or looking to deepen their ASL knowledge.

ASLdeafined is a subscription-based Android app offering comprehensive American Sign Language video lessons and an extensive 18,000+ sign dictionary taught by Deaf experts, tailored for learners of all ages—including Deaf students, parents, and the wider community . With themed lessons, retention exercises, quizzes, customizable vocab banks, and progress tracking, it delivers a structured and interactive ASL learning experience.

Sign Language ASL Pocket Sign is a free Android app by MobiReactor that offers hundreds of bite-sized video lessons, an ASL dictionary, and quizzes to help users learn sign language gradually . With over 1 million downloads and a stellar 4.8‑star rating from nearly 28 K reviews, it’s praised for its clear teaching style—though some lessons and flashcards are gated behind a daily free lesson or subscription.  Designed for learners of all ages, it also includes baby signs, the alphabet, and everyday phrases in a fun, interactive format

North Carolina Sign Language Studies & Interpreter Education Programs Directory provides a statewide, regularly updated (last in March 2023) listing of colleges, community programs, and private providers offering ASL instruction or interpreter training across different regions of North Carolina . Hosted by the NC Department of Health & Human Services’ Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, it clearly labels each institution as offering Sign Language Studies, Interpreter Education Programs, or Private Classes, but stops short of endorsing any particular offering. The resource also highlights free, virtual ASL courses and encourages learners to subscribe to the DSDHH events calendar or reach out to regional specialists for customized or small-group classes.

Click below to download a list of ITP courses. 

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HandSpeak® is a long-standing, free web app offering one of the oldest and most extensive online ASL video dictionaries, created by Deaf educator Jolanta Lapiak since 1995. It features a “Sign of the Day,” searchable finger‑spelling and reverse‑dictionary tools, and detailed tutorials on grammar, linguistics, baby-signing, and Deaf culture—complete with adjustable playback speed and printable resources. Learners at all levels—from beginners to advanced—appreciate its self-paced, exploratory layout, tools to build vocabulary lists and quizzes, and a vibrant “Kid Signing” section tailored to private study or classroom enrichment.

The Parent & Infant Financial Aid Scholarship provides support to families of infants and toddlers under age four who are pursuing a listening and spoken language outcome for their child. This scholarship helps offset the cost of essential services, technology, and related resources that promote early language development. Applications open June 22, 2026, and close August 10, 2026.

This scholarship will provide financial support to ASL interpreters who are ready to take the next step in their career development by registering for initial CASLI exam fees. Click here to apply.

This annual scholarship is open to Deaf-Parented interpreters (Deaf or CODA) who are ready to apply for a CASLI interpreting exam including both portions of the exam. There will be up to two scholarship recipients each year. Applicants may apply for only one scholarship per year. 

The School-Age Financial Aid Scholarship supports students in grades 1–12 who attend a parochial, independent, or traditional private school. This program helps families cover educational expenses such as tuition, books, equipment, room and board, auditory and speech-language support services, academic tutoring, and transportation. Public school, oral school, homeschool, and post-secondary students are not eligible. Applications must be submitted online. Applications open March 2, 2026, and close April 13, 2026.

The George H. Nofer Scholarship for Law awards $5,000 annually to up to three full-time graduate students attending an accredited law school. This scholarship supports aspiring legal professionals as they pursue their Juris Doctor degree and prepare for careers in the legal field. Applications open December 8, 2025, and close March 9, 2026.

The Preschool Financial Aid Scholarship supports families of children from age four through the start of first grade who need assistance covering educational and support-related expenses. This program helps with costs such as auditory support services, speech-language therapy, preschool tuition, and other related services that promote early academic and language success. Award amounts vary and are distributed once per year. Applications open April 27, 2026, and close June 8, 2026.

The South Carolina Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (SCRID) offers Testing Scholarships to support eligible members pursuing professional certification. These scholarships help cover performance testing costs for the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) through Boys Town National Research Hospital. Awards are granted quarterly (pending funding) to qualified South Carolina interpreters who meet membership and eligibility requirements.

The Powering Education Scholarship, offered by Alpha One Disability + Aging Solutions, provides financial support to individuals with disabilities pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship awards up to $5,000 per recipient and is open to students entering undergraduate or graduate programs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through April 1 each year. Funds are distributed after the successful completion of the first semester with a minimum 2.5 GPA, helping students continue their educational journey with added financial stability.

The Louise Tumarkin Zazove Foundation Scholarship supports undergraduate students with significant bilateral hearing loss who are pursuing higher education at accredited non-profit U.S. colleges. Established in 2003 to honor Louise Tumarkin Zazove’s lifelong commitment to the Deaf community and education, the Foundation provides tuition assistance to help students achieve their academic goals. Applicants with cochlear implants are considered equally, and the scholarship continues to empower Deaf and Hard of Hearing students nationwide through financial support and recognition of their achievements.

The North Carolina Association of the Deaf will host its 2026 statewide conference — a gathering for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, interpreters, students, and community members. Attendees can expect workshops, presenters, networking opportunities, and discussions focused on advocacy, accessibility, education, and Deaf community support. A great opportunity to learn, connect, and be part of strengthening the Deaf community in North Carolina. More details coming soon.

Click the link to find out what is required to be a certified interpreter in Tennessee!

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NAI North Carolina is the North Carolina chapter of the National Association of Interpreters in Education (NAI), dedicated to establishing and enforcing statewide standards for educational interpreters under the NC Interpreter and Transliterator Licensing Act. It collaborates closely with the NC Interpreter and Transliterator Licensing Board—which sets credentialing requirements like national certification or interpreter training degrees—and the Department of Public Instruction, which oversees interpreter classifications in schools . Currently, legislation is advancing to remove exemptions for educational interpreters, making licensure mandatory from the 2025–2026 school year onward.

CASLI Exams for RID Certification outlines the testing pathway administered by the Center for Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI) to determine eligibility for national credentials through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). Candidates must pass the two-part CASLI Generalist Knowledge Exam—which includes a Fundamentals section and an Ethics & Cultural Responsiveness case-study portion—and then complete the appropriate CASLI Generalist Performance Exam tailored to either Deaf or hearing interpreters; previous NIC and CDI exams have been retired, and bridge or gap tests may apply for those transitioning from older versions . Additionally, all exam components must be passed within a specified testing cycle (usually five years, extended in some cases), and fees vary depending on exam type and RID membership status.

Interpreters Helping Interpreters is a private Facebook support group for deaf and hearing sign language interpreters, as well as interpreter training students. It serves as a collaborative space to share resources—like continuing education tips, job leads, mental‑health support, and technical advice—with a focus on peer mentorship and professional growth . Whether you're studying, working, or preparing for certification, the group fosters a supportive community dedicated to advancing interpreting excellence.

Interpreters of Medical Spanish is a private Facebook group that connects Spanish–English medical interpreters, healthcare professionals, and trainees. Members share job leads, continuing education opportunities, terminology resources, and best practices for working in clinical settings. It's a supportive online community for networking, professional development, and navigating the healthcare interpreting field.

K-12 Interpreter Peer Support is a private Facebook group designed for sign language interpreters working in K–12 educational settings. It offers a space for members to share resources, discuss classroom strategies, get advice on IEP meetings and curriculum access, and offer mutual support. The group fosters a tight-knit community aimed at enhancing interpreting practices and educational outcomes for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Court Interpreter Exam Prep is a private Facebook group where aspiring court interpreters gather to prepare for the oral exam, share study tips, and form peer support networks. Members ask and answer questions about test formats, preparation resources, and strategies specific to Federal Court and state certification exams . It's a focused, collaborative space for those working toward official court interpreting credentials.

ASL Interpreters Connect is a private Facebook group uniting ASL interpreters, students, and professionals from diverse backgrounds. It’s a dynamic forum for sharing job opportunities, continuing education events, best practices, and classroom or field interpreting tips. With a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, the group supports ongoing professional development and community-building among sign language interpreters.

Visit our events page!

Certifies American Sign Language interpreters and promotes quality language access.

Provides education and support services for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Blind students.

Provides interpreting services, community programs, and advocacy for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

- A documentary following three Deaf families as they navigate the hearing world.  
- Highlights different perspectives on Deaf culture, education, and communication.

- An Oscar-winning short film about a Deaf child finding her voice through sign language.  
- Stars Maisie Sly, a Deaf actress, and highlights Deaf education struggles.

- A Netflix reality series following Deaf students at Gallaudet University.  
- Offers an authentic look at Deaf culture, relationships, and identity.

- A documentary exposing discrimination against Deaf individuals (audism).  
- Shares real-life experiences from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

- Academy Award-winning film about a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) navigating life between the Deaf and hearing worlds.  
- Features Deaf actors, including Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, and Daniel Durant.

- A neurologist’s exploration of Deaf culture and ASL.  
- Discusses how language shapes thought and identity in the Deaf community.

- Critiques how hearing institutions and medical perspectives have tried to "fix" Deaf individuals.  
- Advocates for Deaf pride, inclusion, and accessibility.

- Explores the history, language, and identity of the Deaf community.  
- Written by two Deaf scholars, it examines how ASL and Deaf culture shape the Deaf experience.

Marlee Signs – BridgingApps is a free app hosted on BridgingApps designed to help users begin learning American Sign Language (ASL) at their own pace, guided by Academy Award–winning actress and deaf advocate Marlee Matlin .

InterSign – Learn ASL is a free, Duolingo-style app offering a structured ASL curriculum with 200+ lessons across themed sections. Users earn rewards, play interactive games, and practice with a built‑in sign dictionary and videos from ASL experts.

The ASL App is a Deaf‑led, conversational American Sign Language resource offering over 2,500 signs and phrases taught by native signers. It features slow‑motion playback, favorites for review, and on‑the‑go usability—no subscription required, just a one‑time purchase to unlock all content . Designed for casual practice in everyday settings, it is praised for its clean video-based instruction and intuitive navigation

Lingvano – Learn ASL is a subscription-based online platform offering bite-sized, interactive video lessons in American Sign Language taught exclusively by Deaf instructors, complete with quizzes, vocabulary trainers, and a handy sign dictionary . Its gamified learning experience—including streaks, adjustable video playback, and a mirror feature for practicing your signing—makes it engaging and effective.

Hands On ASL is a free iOS app that uses interactive 3D hand models—zoomable and rotatable in 360°—to teach you ASL fingerspelling through engaging quizzes and real-time practice . It features multi-level exercises where you can beat your own high scores and unlock rewards, with customization options like different skin tones

We’re putting together study guides for you. Once they’re ready, we’ll share them here.

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Signing Savvy is a comprehensive online and mobile ASL video dictionary featuring thousands of high-resolution clips of signs, fingerspelled words, numbers, and full sentences—each enhanced with descriptions, memory aids, and context examples . Beyond simple lookups, it lets users build custom word lists, take digital flashcard quizzes, view printable handouts, and adjust video playback speed—making it a dynamic tool for learners, educators, and interpreters. Developed by Deaf educators and instructional designers, Signing Savvy supports self-paced learning with engaging tools tailored to visual language acquisition.