Background Info

There is a severe shortage of qualified and certified American Sign Language (ASL), ProTactile (PT), and Trilingual interpreters across Washington State.

• Many Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled and Hard of Hearing (DDBDDHH) community members struggle to get qualified interpreters. We are losing access to doctor’s appointments, work meetings, job interviews, court dates, social service appointments, community events, and more.

• Many DDBDDHH students don’t have qualified interpreters in the classroom, hindering their access to quality education.

• Businesses, organizations, and service providers struggle to find qualified interpreters to meet their needs.

If the bill, SHB 2221, passes, it will create and fund a stakeholder workgroup to gather data about the ASL, PT and Trilingual interpreter shortage in Washington State. The workgroup will use the data to create a report that recommends policy solutions to the House of Representatives and Senate. The report would also include community-based solutions for Washington State residents. 

We need your support to get the bill passed. Is the interpreter shortage impacting your life? Hold your representatives accountable for finding solutions.

How can you show your support for SHB 2221?

• SHARE THIS WEBSITE with your friends, family, and peers. The interpreter shortage has gone on long enough. Let’s get more ASL, PT, and Trilingual interpreters here in Washington State!

• CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS! Show your support for the bill, SHB 2221, by contacting legislators in your district to share your experience as a part of the DDBDDHH Community. We have templates you can use below.

• Comment on SHB 2221. Instructions here.

• On Instagram and FaceBook, please share with your peers

• Follow our e-news for updates

• If you’re willing to make a video sharing your story about how the interpreter shortage impacts you, send us a video or contact us to set up a recording.