Hiring & Onboarding
- Difficulty or inability to conduct employment interviews
- Confusion during orientation and training
Federal Contractors
Maintain federal compliance with Deaf access
The federal government is ground zero for ADA legislation. Failure to provide Deaf access services will result in poor CPARS and potential loss of contract opportunities and even credentials. Further, providing services for internal employees and customers improves perception, performance, and productivity.
Why Birnbaum Interpreting Services for Federal Contractors
In 1990, the federal government passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, requiring organizations to provide reasonable accommodation for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing employees, customers, and stakeholders. Federal contractors are therefore held to the highest standard in adhering to ADA requirements. Providing deaf-access services gives your company access into a large, often untapped pool of Deaf talent.
BIS has contracted with the federal government for over three decades. Our direct contracts as a Deaf access provider for nearly every agency and department offers us unique insight into meeting ADA standards. Most importantly, in providing Deaf access services, we prioritize above all your organization’s contract performance.
Deep experience with Deaf access inside and adjacent to the federal government
Scalable ASL interpreting and Deaf access services across all agencies and departments
Compliance-ready support for all service lines
Supporting clear communication for employees, customers, and federal stakeholders
Strong track record in safety-critical operations–from top secret SCIFs to dam engineering sites
All signed dialects supported by industry-specialized interpreters and regulatory-aware teams
Frictions for Federal Contractors
As the federal budget continues to expand, so do the points where communication and accessibility can break down. Small gaps in language, documentation, or digital content often create barriers for Deaf stakeholders.
Daily Participation
- Meaning and nuance lost during meetings, development, and events
- Confused or mixed dialects for given employee
Employee Services & Support
- Trainings and meetings left inaccessible
- Lack of ASL Localization or Captioning for content and media
Staff Training & Preparedness
- Limited access for ongoing training and development
- Inconsistent accessibility practices agency-wide
Contracting Officers & Federal Stakeholders
- Deaf KOs and stakeholders without access
- Wasted time and resources
Contract Performance
- Low-rated CPARS due to compliance failure
- Poor performance due to communication breakdowns
Digital Media & Content
- Interfaces not accessible to federal or public stakeholders
- Lack of ASL Localization or Captioning across tools
Public-Facing Events & Conferences
- Failure to provide live interpretation or captioning
- Inaccessible media provided at or after events
Our Services
Impact on Federal Contractors
01
Consistent communication & equitable access
Clear, accessible information for employees, contracting officers, and stakeholders—reducing misunderstandings, supporting engagement, and strengthening equity over the lifespan of the contract.
02
Improved learning outcomes for Deaf stakeholders
03
Reduced administrative burden
04
Stronger agency and KO relationships
05
Future-ready communication systems
Frequently Asked Questions
BIS provides Deaf, digital, and spoken language access services for federal contractors nationwide, of all kinds. We deliver services that support Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing contract participants. Services include:
- American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting
- Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)
- CART captioning
- ASL Localization & Postproduction
- Spoken Language Interpreting
- Document Translation & Transcription
These Deaf access solutions help schools ensure equal access across all contract functions.
Video remote interpreting (VRI), also known as video interpreting services or VRI interpreting services, connects users to a qualified ASL interpreter through secure video technology in real time. Federal contractors and agency stakeholders use VRI for virtual meetings,whether prescheduled or last-minute, and hybrid environments, in which some participants are present but others not. BIS also provides VRI when an agency has not been able to secure an in-person interpreter.
VRI is a flexible, cost-effective way to provide sign language access without needing an onsite interpreter, while still meeting ADA requirements. In terms of availability and flexibility, VRI is the best option.
Yes. BIS can provide experienced ASL interpreters, deaf interpreters, and ASL translators who understand the nuances of any environment. Whether supporting trainings, meetings, or general workplace communication, BIS ensures effective communication tailored to the environment, subject matter, and culture of your agency and team. Our interpreters are trained to support a wide range of learning and communication styles.
ASL refers to American Sign Language, a complete, visual language with its own grammar and structure. BIS provides professional ASL interpreting services and ASL translators to support employees, stakeholders, and any public engagement who rely on sign language for communication. As a Deaf-founded interpreting agency, BIS brings lived experience and cultural understanding to every request for services, helping agencies and departments deliver authentic and effective accessibility.
In addition to sign language and video remote interpreting services, BIS offers CART captioning services, sign language postproduction, consultation, and tailored Deaf access solutions that enhance inclusion across service lines, internal administration, and agency-customer engagement. These services help agencies go beyond basic compliance and create environments where Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can fully participate, professionally and socially.
Ready to create a more inclusive, accessible space?
We're here to help. Contact BIS to support your Deaf access needs, ensure compliance, and build community.
By submitting this form, you agree to receive marketing emails from BIS. You also agree to BIS's Privacy Policy.
