Free sign language interpretation available for rural residents

The Colorado Department of Human Services has announced the Rural Auxiliary Services, formerly the Rural Interpreting Services Project, has been made permanent following a highly successful pilot program.

Through Senate Bill 21-216, the former pilot is now an established program and will continue to provide and expand sign language interpreting services at no cost to rural communities for medical, legal and employment-related services and more.

The RAS is run by the Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind, which is housed within CDHS. Many clients use interpreters for mental health appointments or parent-teacher conferences at school.

“These services are vital for the deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind communities who often struggle to find culturally relevant providers, or any sign language services at all, especially in rural areas,” said Cliff Moers, director of CCDHHBD. “We are proud of the work that went into the pilot and look forward to this continued program benefiting Coloradans across the state.”

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