A5Interpreting Logo Purple

A5 Interpreting connects you with communication services you need to lower barriers and build bridges with Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and hearing people around the state of Oregon.

Run by interpreters and consumers of services, our insider experience enables us to assess every request uniquely and customize the best fit for the particular need. We are committed to building relationships with customers, interpreters, and consumers to provide the most effective communication possible. 

Our name, A5 was born from the handshapes used in the ASL name for Bridges Oregon. The hand movement from a closed to open symbolizes the opening of communication channels, and the fingers spread wide represent the multiple fields Bridges works in and the great diversity of people in all of our communities. The name’s meaning has grown to stand for many “A” values we hold close: adaptability, access, allyship, affirmation, and action.

If you are in need of ASL interpretation, captions, or other communication services, please complete the form below. As we seek to personalize each event according to its particular needs, the most advanced notice is appreciated, and the more information you are able to provide, the better we can serve you. Thank you, and we look forward to working with you!

Hello ASL/English and Deaf Interpreters!

First and foremost, thank you for visiting this page and exploring the option to onboard with A5 Interpreting.

BIPOC and diverse ASL/English and Deaf interpreters from out of state are strongly encouraged to onboard with A5 Interpreting to do virtual assignments in Oregon due to an inadequate pool of BIPOC and diverse ASL/English and Deaf interpreters in the state of Oregon.

  • A5 Interpreting provides interpreting services statewide in legal, investigative, and medical situations in support of our Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) advocacy and accompaniment work.
  • A5 Interpreting supports our qualified and certified Deaf Interpreters.
  • A5 Interpreting provides detailed information for each assignment, enabling you to be fully prepared – No guesswork!
  • A5 Interpreting works with its customers to educate them about Deaf culture, ADA, and appropriate use of interpreters, simplifying your role as the interpreter.

If you are a qualified interpreter or an interpreter with RID/NIC, NAD, ACCI, BEI, OHCI, EIPA, and/or any other related sign language interpreter certification and are interested in working with A5 Interpreting, please contact us or fill out our onboarding form.

ONBOARD WITH US

A5 Interpreting is always open to receiving feedback and suggestions for improvement!

Onboarding inquiries, please contact support@a5interpreting.org.

A5 Interpreting is honored to bridge communication gaps between the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing, giving “voice” through American Sign Language (ASL) to individuals in a variety of businesses, organizations, and personal circumstances. Our goal is to create a quality experience for all parties involved.

With A5 Interpreting Services, you get:

  • Nationally Certified Interpreters
  • Certified Deaf Interpreters
  • Qualified sign language interpreters
  • Customized services for your unique needs
  • Email confirmation of the interpreter who will provide the interpretation

A5 Interpreting is for everyone in all kinds of environments to be able to communicate with everybody.

Not only do we provide an experienced interpreter but we handle all coordination down to the very last detail. We eliminate communication barriers so you can serve your customers. You make the call, then we do it all!

 

In situations where Deaf individuals use atypical, or a non-standard sign language, their language needs may extend beyond the fluency of even highly-skilled interpreters. In these circumstances a Deaf Interpreter (some of whom are certified and referred to as a “Certified Deaf Interpreter” or “CDI”) is a valuable addition to the communication team as they specialize in visual language and have specialized training that enables them to communicate effectively with individuals who have unique language needs. When a Deaf interpreter is needed they will team with ASL/English interpreters to facilitate communication. Situations where a Deaf interpreter would be beneficial or required include, but are not limited to:

  • Children still acquiring American Sign Language
  • Deaf individuals living with mental health, physical or cognitive disability
  • Immigrants using foreign or international Sign Language
  • DeafBlind individuals
  • Deaf individuals with an additional disability that impacts communication

National Consortium of Interpreter Education Center (NCIEC) studies indicate that in many situations, use of a Deaf Interpreter enables a level of linguistic and cultural bridging that is often not possible when hearing ASL-English interpreters work alone. (Source: This paragraph is currently plural, if only one source it needs to be changed to singular).

The referral staff at A5 Interpreting can help you decide if a Deaf interpreter is needed for a particular assignment. A5 Interpreting contracts with several Deaf interpreters and Certified Deaf Interpreters.

We provide CART (or Real-time captioning) which uses qualified transcriptionists with specialized solutions that provide instantaneous transcription of the spoken language displayed as text and merged with a video signal for virtual meetings, broadcast, livestream, large meeting sites, and convention settings.

How do CART services work?

Onsite CART

  • The captioner is in the room where the event is occurring.
  • Minimal space is required for the CART captioner set up.
  • Onsite CART is projected onto a screen or shown on monitors viewable by all attendees.
  • Onsite CART can be simultaneously streamed online and made available as a remote CART feed.
  • Instant realtime transcript is created and available immediately upon conclusion of your event.

Remote CART

  • Quick and easy set up for you, the client.
  • Instant and easy accessibility for all participants.
  • Firewall-friendly service viewable on multiple devices.
  • Each viewer controls their realtime window.
  • Reliable, economical, and easily accessible.

Benefits of CART

  • Accessibility
  • “What did they just say?”
  • Language comprehension
  • Transcripts
  • Increased target market
  • Inclusion

Legal guide on Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) (link)

If you need CART service, please contact support@a5interpreting.org.

Filing a Complaint About a Sign Language Interpreter in Oregon

Bridges Oregon and A5 Interpreting are committed to high-quality, ethical interpreting. If you had a problem with an interpreter we referred, you have the right to report it — and you have clear, official ways to do that. This page explains your options and how to use them.

Our role — and the limits of our authority

Bridges Oregon and A5 Interpreting coordinate and refer qualified sign language interpreters. The interpreters we work with are independent contractors, not employees we directly oversee.

That means there are limits to what we can do when something goes wrong:

  • We can address concerns about our own scheduling, coordination, and service, and we want to hear from you when those fall short.
  • We can make decisions about our own working relationship with an interpreter.
  • We cannot, by law, formally discipline an interpreter. We are not a certifying body and we are not a state licensing board. The authority to investigate, sanction, suspend, or revoke an interpreter’s national certification or state license rests with two outside organizations — not with a referral agency.

So if you want a formal, independent review of an interpreter’s conduct or qualifications, the two paths below are the right place to start. You are also always welcome to contact us directly about your experience.

PROVIDE FEEDBACK

Two ways to file a complaint

There are two separate systems, run by two different organizations. They have different authority, so the right choice depends on what happened.

  1. RID — Ethical Practices System (EPS). A national process for interpreters who hold RID certification or membership. Covers professional conduct and ethics. Available in ASL and English.
  2. Oregon Health Licensing Office (HLO) — Board of Sign Language Interpreters. A state process for interpreters licensed (or required to be licensed) to work in Oregon. Covers violations of Oregon law and rules. The form and process are in English.

You can use one or both. They are independent of each other.

Option 1 — RID Ethical Practices System (EPS)

Best for: concerns about an interpreter’s professional conduct or ethics — for example, breaking confidentiality, acting outside their skill level, conflicts of interest, or unprofessional behavior.

Who it covers: RID can only act on interpreters who hold RID certification or RID membership. If the interpreter is not affiliated with RID, RID cannot take action — use the Oregon HLO process instead. (Not sure? You can look up an interpreter in RID’s member directory.)

What it’s based on: the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) and RID’s EPS Policy.

ASL access — built in

RID’s complaint process is fully accessible in ASL:

  • You can complete the complaint form in ASL or English.
  • Your intake meeting can be done in the language you prefer — including ASL, ProTactile, written English, or spoken English.
  • All six EPS procedures are explained in ASL video on RID’s website.

Two kinds of submissions

  • Complaint — a formal report where you are named as the person filing. Used for alleged violations of the Code of Professional Conduct or EPS Policy.
  • Report — used to share information that is already public (such as a court judgment or news article). The person filing stays anonymous, and RID decides whether to act.

What to expect

  • You’ll receive confirmation within about 5 business days.
  • If your complaint has merit and falls within RID’s scope, RID asks the interpreter to respond. The interpreter has 30 days to reply.
  • RID investigates, makes a decision, and notifies you. The interpreter may appeal.

What RID can do

Depending on the findings, outcomes can range from a private warning up to public reprimand, required (re)education or supervision, and suspension or revocation of the interpreter’s certification or RID membership.

How to file

Option 2 — Oregon Health Licensing Office (HLO)

Best for: concerns about an interpreter who is licensed (or required to be licensed) in Oregon and may have violated state law or rules.

Who it covers: Under House Bill 2696 (2023), most people providing sign language interpreting services in Oregon must be licensed through the HLO Board of Sign Language Interpreters. HLO regulates these licenses.

What it’s based on: Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) and Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR). HLO can investigate and take disciplinary action only when a violation of state law or rule is proven.

Good to know: HLO has no authority to order an interpreter or business to refund money. It also does not handle billing or contract disputes. Its role is to enforce licensing law and protect the public.

Please note: Oregon’s interpreter licensing rules are still being finalized, and how they are enforced is being phased in. For the most current status, check HLO’s Board of Sign Language Interpreters page (link below).

ASL access — what to know

The HLO Consumer Complaint Form and the state process are in English. HLO is a state agency, so you have the right to request communication accommodations. If you need support understanding the form, gathering your information, or communicating with HLO in ASL, Bridges Oregon can help — see “Need help?” below.

Your privacy

Under Oregon law (ORS 676.175), HLO complaints and investigations are generally kept confidential.

How to file

  1. Download the HLO Consumer Complaint Form (PDF): https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HLO/Forms/HLO-Consumer_Complaint_Form.pdf (Using an Apple device? Download and open the form in Adobe Reader first so it works correctly.)
  2. On the form, select “Sign Language Interpreters” as the profession.
  3. Fill in details about the interpreter, the date of the incident, and a clear description of what happened. Attach extra pages or documents if you need to.
  4. Keep a copy for yourself, then submit by email, fax, or mail:
    • Email: hlo.regulatory@odhsoha.oregon.gov
    • Fax: (503) 370-9216
    • Mail: Health Licensing Office, 1430 Tandem Ave. NE, Suite 180, Salem, OR 97301-2192
    • Phone: (503) 378-8667

Which one is right for me?

Your situation Where to file
The interpreter behaved unethically or unprofessionally, and holds RID certification/membership RID EPS
The interpreter is licensed in Oregon and may have broken state law or rules Oregon HLO
The interpreter is both RID-certified and Oregon-licensed Either or both — they are separate systems
You need to file fully in ASL RID EPS (ASL or English). For HLO, Bridges Oregon can help with the English process
You want your money back Neither system orders refunds — contact the agency you worked with about billing
Your concern is about how Bridges Oregon or A5 handled a booking Contact us directly

You don’t have to choose perfectly. If you’re unsure, reach out to us and we’ll help you figure out the right path.

ASL access, at a glance

  • RID EPS: Fully bilingual. File in ASL or English, do your intake in ASL or ProTactile, and watch the process explained in ASL video.
  • Oregon HLO: The form and process are in English. You can request accommodations from HLO, and Bridges Oregon can help you understand and complete the process.

We believe access to the complaint process is part of access itself. If language is a barrier at any step, tell us.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between RID and Oregon HLO?
RID is a national organization that handles ethics and certification for its members. Oregon HLO is a state agency that handles licensing for interpreters working in Oregon. RID can affect an interpreter’s certification or membership; HLO can affect their Oregon license.

The interpreter isn’t RID-certified. Can I still file with RID?
No. RID can only act on its own members and certified interpreters. If the interpreter is licensed in Oregon, file with HLO instead.

Can I file in ASL?
With RID, yes — the form and intake are available in ASL. With HLO, the form is in English, but you can request accommodations and Bridges Oregon can help you through it.

Can I file with both?
Yes. The two systems are separate and have different authority. Filing with one does not file with the other.

Do I have to give my name?
For a RID complaint, yes — you are named. A RID report (for already-public information) can be anonymous.
For HLO, you provide your information on the form, and the process is generally kept confidential under Oregon law.

Will I get a refund?
No. Neither RID nor HLO can order refunds. Billing or payment questions should go to the agency you booked through.

What can actually happen to the interpreter?
RID outcomes range from a private warning up to suspension or revocation of certification or membership. HLO can investigate and discipline an Oregon license if a violation of state law or rule is proven.

How long does it take?
It varies. RID sends confirmation within about 5 business days and gives the interpreter 30 days to respond before continuing. HLO timelines depend on the investigation.

My concern is really about Bridges Oregon or A5 — not the interpreter’s conduct.
Please contact us directly. We can address our own scheduling, coordination, and service, even though we can’t discipline an interpreter’s certification or license.

Need help?

You don’t have to navigate this alone. If you have questions, need help deciding where to file, or need support communicating with HLO in ASL, contact Bridges Oregon:

  • Email: support@a5interpreting.org
  • Phone / VP: (971) 600-6631 (phone) / (971) 202-1500 (VP)
  • Website: a5interpreting.org

This page is for general information and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consider speaking with an attorney.

Interpreting is a practice profession, so practitioners must continually hone their skills, knowledge, and awareness throughout their career to ensure they are providing the best services possible. Below you will find a growing list of resources where interpreters can find opportunities for formal professional development. 

If you have resources to share or feedback about any on our list, please reach out to us at: support@a5interpreting.org.

Check out these resources for on-going opportunities!

Note: July 2025 Updates from CASLI — https://www.casli.org/2025/07/01/casli-july-2025-updates/

      • Numerous topics and presenters
      • On-Demand Courses
      • Reflective Practice groups
      • Freelancer Resource List (invoicing, taxes, etc.)
      • Interpreting in AA Resource download (under “Free Resources”)
      • Medical and Mental Health Interpreting
      • Self-Paced Courses, various lengths
      • Self-study resources
      • Foundations of Interpreting Series
      • Trainings for hearing and Deaf interpreters
      • Numerous topics and presenters
      • Self-Paced Workshops
      • Live Workshops (Virtual/Hybrid)
      • Number topics and presenters
      • Live and On-Demand Workshops
      • Special training for Deaf Interpreters, and those working in Education, Healthcare, Trilingual, and International settings
      • Legal Interpreting Training
      • Interpreting with children
      • Interpreting in Child Protective Services systems
      • Trauma-Informed Interpreting

DO YOU SCREEN YOUR SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS?

“Effective communication” is required in order to meet the federal legal standard for services. According to the National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers (NCIEC), 82% of agencies do not conduct a qualification screening of their interpreters. A5 Interpreting is committed to screening every interpreter that onboards with our agency.

WHO PAYS FOR INTERPRETING AND CART SERVICES?

There are several laws related to interpreting and CART and the requirements to provide it. The situation in which the communication access is required will determine which law would be applicable and who is ultimately responsible for the cost of the service. The laws that deal directly with communication access include: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) amendments of 1997, and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT PROVIDE THE ACCOMMODATION? AM I VIOLATING ANY LAW?

Not providing equal communication access could be a violation of the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and/or IDEA.

IS THERE ANY FEDERAL TAX CREDIT AVAILABLE FOR THE PROVISION OF INTERPRETING SERVICES?

Under Section 44 of the Internal Revenue Service Code, many businesses are able to receive federal tax credits for expenses related to using a sign language interpreter. More about tax credit can be found at https://www.ada.gov/taxcred.htm

ARE THERE ANY GOVERNMENT GRANTS TO COVER THESE EXPENSES?

Under the ADA, Rehabilitation Act, and the IDEA, the cost of the service is to be covered by the entity that is putting on the event where interpreting and/or CART is being provided, unless they can show that the expenses of providing the service would be an undue burden.

I REALLY WANT MY PREFERRED INTERPRETER FOR THIS APPOINTMENT, CAN I REQUEST AN INTERPRETER CHANGE?

Sometimes your preferred interpreter might not be available. Any time you have a question regarding who will be at your appointment, contact us and we can give you more information and possibly switch interpreters.

NO INTERPRETER SHOWED UP TO MY APPOINTMENT!

A few things might have happened:

  • First ask your provider if they scheduled an interpreter.
  • If yes, ask them to call the agency to find out what is happening.
  • If not, you decide if it’s important to wait for interpreter arrival or reschedule.
  • If the problem persists, please contact our Advocate.

WHY IS MY PREFERRED INTERPRETER NOT CONTRACTED WITH A5 INTERPRETING?

Freelance interpreters are able to choose which interpreter agency or agencies they prefer to work with. We encourage interpreters to work for any agency to support Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing client preferences. If A5 Interpreting does not contract with your preferred interpreter, we will contact the interpreter(s) and see if they are available to do your appointment.

FOR DEAF, DEAFBLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING CLIENTS

If you are paying for interpreting services yourself for a funeral, celebration of life, party, wedding, etc., please contact A5 Interpreting and a service agreement will be sent to you to start the process. This will be available in 2022.

If you have questions regarding who is responsible to pay for a sign language interpreter and/or CART services, please contact our Client Advocate.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER INTERPRETER AGENCIES IN OREGON?

Please visit the Bridges Oregon’s resource directory. (link)

  • Quick Tips for Using ASL Interpreters (PDF)
    • Image Description (txt)