When it comes to healthcare, communication isn’t just important—it can be a matter of life and death. For Deaf individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL), access to a qualified interpreter is not just a convenience; it’s a right and a necessity. Yet, many medical facilities across the United States still fall short in providing culturally competent interpreting services.
At Spot On Interpreting, we’re proud to serve major cities like Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, Las Vegas, New York, and Washington D.C., ensuring that patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing receive the respect, understanding, and care they deserve.
Why Cultural Competence Matters
ASL is not a direct translation of English—it is its own rich, visual language with unique grammar, idioms, and cultural nuances. That’s why hiring an interpreter who is fluent in ASL and understands Deaf culture is essential, especially in high-stakes environments like hospitals and clinics.
A culturally competent interpreter will know how to navigate sensitive topics, accurately relay medical terminology, and ensure that the patient feels seen, heard, and respected.
The Legal Landscape
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), healthcare providers are legally required to offer effective communication, which includes providing qualified interpreters when necessary. Unfortunately, there are still reports of hospitals using untrained staff, or even relying on written notes or lip-reading—none of which are acceptable substitutes for a trained ASL interpreter.
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Health Communication found that Deaf patients who received professional ASL interpretation had significantly higher satisfaction rates and better treatment outcomes than those who did not (source).
Building Trust and Better Outcomes
Trust is foundational in healthcare. For Deaf patients, having a qualified ASL interpreter in the room helps build that trust. It empowers them to ask questions, express concerns, and understand their diagnoses and treatments fully.
Our interpreters at Spot On Interpreting are trained not only in language but also in ethics, confidentiality, and cultural competence—ensuring that every interaction upholds the dignity and autonomy of the Deaf individual.
How You Can Help
If you’re a healthcare provider—or know one—make sure you’re meeting your responsibilities under the ADA. Partnering with a trusted interpreting agency is the first step. At Spot On Interpreting, we provide certified ASL and Spanish interpreters for a wide range of settings.
📍 Serving communities across California, Nevada, and the East Coast—including Anaheim, San Diego, Las Vegas, New York, and Washington D.C.—we’re committed to breaking down communication barriers every day.
📩 Get in touch with us to learn more or schedule interpreting services.
