ASL Interpreter vs Translator: Key Differences Explained

Understanding the distinction between an ASL interpreter and an ASL translator is crucial for any U.S. organization that serves Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Whether your institution is a public agency, school, healthcare provider, or nonprofit, knowing when to use ASL interpreting services versus ASL translation ensures ADA compliance, effective communication, and true language access.

This article explains the difference clearly — based on current standards from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), National Association of the Deaf (NAD), and NIDCD, supported by current industry research.

Why Do We Say “Interpreting ASL” and Not “Translating ASL”? The Key Distinction

Many people use “translating ASL” to describe live interpreting, but the term is technically incorrect.
In the field of language access:

Interpreting means facilitating real-time communication between two languages (spoken or signed).
Translation means converting written or recorded content from one language into another.

As the American Translators Association explains, “Interpreters deal with spoken or signed communication; translators work with written text.” For sign languages like ASL, interpreting happens live between a Deaf ASL user and a hearing English speaker. Translating ASL, on the other hand, means converting text or recorded materials into ASL video or vice versa.

A 2025 report from Nimdzi Insights confirms this distinction within the interpreting industry — emphasizing that ASL interpreting remains one of the most in-demand services in the U.S. language access market.

What Exactly Is an ASL Interpreter? Definition and Core Responsibilities

An ASL interpreter facilitates real-time communication between users of American Sign Language (ASL) and speakers of English. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), ASL is a fully distinct language with its own grammar, structure, and visual modality.

Core Responsibilities

Interpret live communication between ASL and English in both directions.
Maintain accuracy, tone, and context while adapting cultural meaning.
Work across diverse settings — including classrooms, hospitals, and public meetings.
Follow confidentiality and professional ethics outlined by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II and Title III require organizations to provide “effective communication” with individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing (ADA.gov FAQ).
This often means hiring a qualified ASL interpreter for live interactions.

Example

A Deaf patient attends a doctor’s appointment. The ASL interpreter translates the doctor’s spoken English into ASL for the patient and interprets the patient’s responses back into spoken English. Without this, vital health information could be missed — a violation of ADA communication standards.

If your organization needs live ASL interpreting, learn more about Language Network’s ASL Interpretation Services.

The Role of an ASL Translator in the Context of Sign Language

An ASL translator works with non-live content — converting written text, websites, or recorded audio/video into ASL video (or the reverse: ASL to written English).

According to the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), translation is essential for accessibility in online education and public digital content. Translators ensure information equality by adapting written materials into the visual, spatial grammar of ASL — not simply “word-for-word signing.”

Typical ASL Translation Projects

Government notices or consent forms rendered into ASL video.
University training materials adapted for Deaf students.
Websites or public-facing videos with embedded ASL interpretation.
Recorded webinars requiring post-production ASL video overlay.

This aligns with guidance from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 ASL accessibility report, which emphasizes multimedia translation as key to reaching ASL users effectively in federal programs.

For organizations needing accessible content, explore Language Network’s Translation Services.

Comparing ASL Interpreting vs Translation: Key Differences for U.S. Organizations

ASL Interpreter vs Translator: Key Differences

Aspect	ASL Interpreter	ASL Translator
Timing	Live, real-time communication	Non-live (written or recorded content)
Medium	Spoken English ↔ ASL	Text or video ↔ ASL video
Use Case	Meetings, classrooms, medical visits, public events	Websites, e-learning, digital materials
Primary Output	Live interpretation	ASL video or captioned file
Regulatory Basis	ADA “effective communication” (Title II & III)	Section 508, WCAG, digital accessibility
Professionals	RID-certified interpreters	Bilingual ASL/English translators with video expertise
Example	Live parent-teacher conference	Translating a school’s online orientation video into ASL

Understanding this distinction ensures your organization provides the right access service for the right situation, meeting both legal and ethical obligations.

Why This Distinction Matters for U.S. Agencies, Schools, and Healthcare Providers

1. Legal Compliance and Risk Management

According to the Department of Justice’s Effective Communication FAQ, agencies must ensure communication with Deaf individuals is “as effective as” communication with others.
Using the wrong service (e.g., providing a translated video instead of a live interpreter for a meeting) can lead to non-compliance and civil penalties.

2. Accessibility in Education

Schools and universities that receive federal funds are bound by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to ensure equal access for Deaf students. This may include live ASL interpreters in classrooms and ASL-translated materials for online courses.
For a historical perspective on accessibility, see Language Network’s overview of the history of American Sign Language.

3. Inclusive Healthcare Communication

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders highlights that communication barriers in healthcare can cause misdiagnosis or patient harm. Qualified ASL interpreters bridge that gap, ensuring informed consent and patient safety.

4. Public Sector Transparency

Municipalities and public agencies increasingly use ASL video translations to make online announcements accessible. As digital communication expands, ASL translators play a critical role in ensuring equity in information access.

How to Choose the Right Service

Define the context:
- Live, interactive communication → ASL Interpreter
- Written or recorded content → ASL Translator
Verify qualifications:
- Interpreters should hold RID certification or equivalent.
- Translators should demonstrate ASL fluency and video translation expertise.
Ask for examples:
Review previous projects, especially in education, healthcare, or government.
Ensure compliance knowledge:
Choose providers familiar with ADA, Section 504, and Section 508 standards.
Language Network offers both interpreting and translation services designed to meet these federal accessibility requirements.

The Real Difference Between an ASL Interpreter and a Translator

The difference between an ASL interpreter and a translator is more than semantics — it defines how your organization delivers accessibility and complies with the ADA.
- ASL interpreters = live, two-way communication.
- ASL translators = pre-recorded or written content accessibility.
To support inclusive communication for all, partner with a trusted language-access provider. Learn more about Language Network’s ASL Interpretation Services and Translation Services, or download the ASL Language Access Handbook for Education for practical guidance on ADA-compliant communication.

Frequently Asked Questions About ASL Interpreters and Translators

1. What is an ASL interpreter?

An ASL interpreter facilitates real-time communication between Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals and hearing speakers, converting spoken English into American Sign Language and vice versa during live interactions such as meetings, classes, or healthcare appointments.

2. What is an ASL translator?

An ASL translator works with static or recorded content—such as written policies, websites, or videos—converting English materials into ASL video or written English into visual sign language content for accessibility and ADA compliance.

3. Why do we say “interpreting ASL” and not “translating ASL”?

“Interpreting” refers to real-time communication between two languages, while “translation” refers to converting fixed or recorded content. Since ASL interpreting happens live, professionals in the field use the term “ASL interpreter,” not “translator.”

4. When should an organization hire each service?

Use an ASL interpreter for live meetings, classrooms, court hearings, or medical consultations. Hire an ASL translator when you need written or recorded English materials converted into accessible ASL content.

5. Are ASL interpreters certified in the U.S.?

Yes. Most ASL interpreters hold certifications from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or state-level credentials. Certification ensures proficiency in language, ethics, and cultural competency for effective communication.

6. How do these services support ADA compliance?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires effective communication for individuals with hearing disabilities. Providing qualified ASL interpreters or accurate translations helps organizations meet these legal requirements and ensure accessibility.

7. Where can I learn more about ASL and language access?

You can explore our ASL Interpreter vs Translator guide or download the ASL Language Access Handbook for Education for more insights into effective communication in schools and public agencies.

ASL Interpreter vs Translator: What’s the Difference?