Caption Consulting

There isn't just one way to think for everyone in the deaf community. First off, did you know that there are over 300 different sign languages around the world? There’s no single sign language that all deaf individuals use, which means that their internal thoughts and processes can be just as varied. The article mentions that a person’s thought process can vary greatly depending on when they became deaf. For example, individuals who were born deaf typically think in the languages and modalities they’ve learned, such as sign language. Sign language linguist Professor Bencie Woll pointed out in an interview that young deaf children often "sign to themselves," akin to how hearing kids talk to themselves. Another interesting point the article touches upon is that some profoundly deaf individuals—those who have very little or no hearing—may picture their thoughts in images rather than sounds. They may visualize their thoughts in the form of sign language signs, written words, or even purely through pictures. This shows that thought processes don’t have to rely on spoken language to be rich and thorough. It’s a reminder that every individual, regardless of hearing ability, has a unique internal world. In our work at Caption Consulting, where we provide services backed by our understanding of Deaf culture, it’s essential for us to recognize how different people think and communicate. Understanding these nuances allows us to provide better captioning and interpreting services tailored to individual needs. https://lnkd.in/gNeDvHpE #DeafCulture #SignLanguage #InnerThoughts #DiversityInCommunication #Communication #Inclusion #Interpreting #CaptionConsulting

We're thrilled to announce our partnership with the Chicago International Film Festival, alongside Periscope Post & Audio, to provide open captioning for select screenings and events! At Caption Consulting, we believe in the importance of accessibility in all forms of media, and this collaboration allows us to make cinema accessible to a wider audience in our vibrant community. Be sure to check out the full list of accessible screenings here: https://lnkd.in/gDuwNn3T. Join us in celebrating film! https://lnkd.in/gTeSjDFn

Meet Eowyn, the corgi who has taken communication to the next level by learning to understand sign language! When Derek and Emily first met six years ago, it was a long-distance relationship for the first two and a half years. But through that distance, Eowyn began to read the situation and recognize that Emily couldn't hear. Derek, who studied ASL in college, helped bridge the gap for Eowyn during their long-distance relationship. As the couple moved in together, Eowyn’s intelligence shone through; she began to nudge Emily for attention and even learned keywords in sign language, including “dinner,” “ball,” and “bone.” At Caption Consulting, we appreciate the importance of effective communication in every context. Whether in education, business, or even at home. We support accessibility and aim to create inclusive environments through our professional captioning and interpreting services. https://lnkd.in/gy7DHRww #DeafCommunity #ASL #CleverCorgi #SignLanguage #DeafCulture #InclusionMatters #EowynTheCorgi #CaptionConsulting

You’ve probably seen the headlines recently about the bill that’s working its way through the New Jersey Senate that would add a “deaf” designation to car registrations. This bill is more than just a piece of legislation; it’s a step towards making our roads safer for deaf individuals and fostering a better understanding between law enforcement and the deaf community. For a little background, this initiative was sparked by a tragic incident back in 2018 when the Paterson police miscommunicated with Raasean Adams, a deaf man. The outcome of that episode was deeply concerning and raised serious questions about communication barriers in high-stress situations. Bystanders and community members rallied for change after witnessing the unnecessary escalation. The bill, known as S1000, requires that the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission add a special note to car registrations. Then if someone gets pulled over the officer looking at the license plate will immediately know they need to approach the situation differently because the driver might not hear them. At Caption Consulting, we stand behind initiatives that promote inclusivity and understanding. https://lnkd.in/gvPPtaEq #DeafAwareness #InclusionMatters #SafeRoads #CommunicationAccess #ADACompliance #AccessibilityMatters #DeafCommunity #CaptionConsulting

We're inspired by the incredible journey of Zahria Ruper, a fourth-year ASL-English Interpretation major at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Her journey to communication with her Deaf brother is not only heartwarming but also speaks volumes about the transformative power of language and understanding. Zahria's passion shines through when she shares her favorite events to interpret, whether it’s panel discussions or musical performances. Zahria’s story starts in Ethiopia, where she faced the devastating challenge of being unable to communicate with her Deaf brother due to a lack of resources and knowledge about sign language. But her life took a turn when she and her siblings were adopted in the United States. Thanks to her adoptive mother, a certified interpreter and National Technical Institute for the Deaf graduate she was introduced to American Sign Language (ASL). And that’s where her journey began, as she finally began to converse with her brother! I hope Zahria's journey inspires you as much as it inspires us! At Caption Consulting we pride ourselves on being a bridge between individuals and information, ensuring every voice is heard and every message communicated—just like Zahria did for her brother 🤟 https://lnkd.in/g5tgbtqZ #DeafCulture #NationalTechnicalInstitutefortheDeaf #NTID #SignLanguage #Inspiration #AccessibilityMatters #Empowerment #Inclusion #CaptionConsulting

The Indigenous Interpreter Organization (IIO) is on a journey to promote accessibility in Native spaces through exceptional interpreters. They started their journey in the Twin Cities, working hard to expand their reach to other states and tribal areas. They’re not just providing interpreters; they’re building bridges to Indigenous languages and cultures, which is such a critical need. The co-founders shared a powerful sentiment that struck me: “We recognize that the Indigenous Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities have had limited access to connect with their tribal languages, ceremonies, and traditions.” They are striving to make those sacred spaces accessible to everyone. Just imagine how empowering it must feel to participate in community events like powwows, theater performances, and ceremonies with understanding and authenticity. We at Caption Consulting share in their vision and commitment to accessibility in education and community events. Our team of trained professionals is proud to support initiatives that foster inclusivity. Together, let's empower diverse communities and respect their rich cultural heritage. https://lnkd.in/gTW2nNNs #InclusionMatters #AccessForAll #IndigenousSignLanguage #DeafCulture #CulturalAccessibility #Empowerment #CaptionConsulting

At Caption Consulting we’re all about fostering communication and ensuring that everyone has access to education. So it’s really exciting to see research that highlights the incredible complexities of sign languages. Recent studies by linguists Philippe Schlenker and Jonathan Lamberton reveal the visual advantages sign languages hold. 
It turns out sign languages use a concept called “iconicity” much more than spoken languages do. This means that signs can visually represent what they are referring to. Think of it like how the word “bang” sounds a bit like the noise it makes. In ASL, there's often a dual way of conveying the same message. For example, if a teacher wanted to express that a student left during a break, they could use standard signs or opt for something more visual like “classifiers.” These classifiers act like animated characters in a story, so instead of just saying “left,” the signer could show where the student went and how they moved (quickly, slowly, etc.). This whole visual aspect of sign language can really change how we think about communication. Schlenker even mentions that understanding sign language can give us fresh insights into how we view gestures in spoken language too! https://lnkd.in/gn93S3q7 #SignLanguage #ASL #DeafCulture #AccessibilityMatters #InclusionForAll #CaptionConsulting

Exciting news from the Texas School for the Deaf! They've recently unveiled state-of-the-art culinary program facilities designed to equip their students with the skills necessary for a successful career in the food industry. Superintendent Peter Bailey said, “This new culinary facility and Grab & Go café is the culmination of many hours of planning and hard work, and is a testament to the collaborative spirit of our community.” And check this out: TSD is gearing up to host the next Deaf Culinary Bowl, a competition where teams from various deaf schools across the nation will battle it out in the kitchen! TSD has already made its mark in this competition, taking home fourth place in 2024 and a first-place win in 2019. The opening of these culinary facilities is a perfect example of how the right resources can elevate the learning experience for all students. We believe that every skill and opportunity should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their hearing ability. https://lnkd.in/gWTAEuaJ #CulinaryArts #DeafEducation #AccessForAll #EmpoweringStudents #InclusionMatters #TexasSchoolForTheDeaf #CaptionConsulting

Going to the zoo is a quintessential childhood experience for many of us. It’s filled with wonder, excitement, and countless memories! I just wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts about a beautiful experience that took place recently at the Fort Worth Zoo. The Fort Worth Zoo hosted a special event that put inclusivity into action. This one wasn’t just any zoo day; it was a day dedicated to the Deaf community. Dozens of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters were on-site, helping to create an environment where everyone could enjoy and I couldn't help but connect this to what we do at Caption Consulting. For families in the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, trips to places like the zoo can sometimes feel isolating. Events like these also create opportunities for connection. Jason Suhr, a proud Deaf dad, summed it up perfectly: "It's small things. Little tidbits of trivial information that really make a big difference." Imagine being in a place filled with fascinating animals but not having full access to the information about them. Inclusion matters. Every person should feel like they belong, should have a voice, and be heard—especially in spaces meant for joy and exploration. At Caption Consulting, supporting such initiatives aligns perfectly with our mission. We believe in creating spaces where communication thrives for everyone, regardless of hearing ability. https://lnkd.in/ebYbfvMK #DeafAwareness #InclusionMatters #CommunityConnections #AccessForAll #FortWorthZoo #CaptionConsulting

NASA has really outdone themselves by hosting some amazing student workshops at their Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility. Recently, students from the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) got to experience a hands-on day of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with activities like rocket launches, robot-building, and drone-flying! Under the guidance of educators like John Holbrook, who’s a graduate of the ERC program, students are getting an opportunity to gain critical skills that could lead them to future employment in STEM fields. What really stands out to me is how the ERC team is dedicated to ensuring the workshop is inclusive for everyone. Todd Ensign, the ERC program manager, spoke about providing tactile resources and a supportive environment for students with hearing and visual disabilities. At Caption Consulting, we're all about empowering individuals and advocating for inclusive learning environments. We're thrilled to see organizations like NASA leading the way by inspiring the next generation. It’s incredible to witness such commitment to education, especially for students with different abilities. The programs being introduced at WVSDB—a rocket team, a robotics team, and a drone team—are clear proofs of this! https://lnkd.in/gTHAr7u5 #STEMEducation #Inclusivity #NASA #Accessibility #DeafCulture #Education #Teamwork #Inspiration #CommunityEngagement #CaptionConsulting