Interpreting Services, Accessibility, and Budget Constraints

As organizations across British Columbia continue to navigate budget pressures, a recent article by Leah Riddell at SignAble Vi5ion raises an important question: What happens to accessibility when resources become limited?

With permission, we're sharing excerpts from Leah's article because we believe it highlights a conversation that every organization should be having.

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that access is often supported right up until it becomes inconvenient.

Most organizations agree that inclusion is important.

Most people agree that communication access matters.

Most employers, service providers, museums, community groups, and organizations genuinely want to do the right thing.

Leah goes on to explore how communication access can become vulnerable when organizations face financial pressures, limited capacity, or the loss of dedicated funding for sign language interpreting. As she writes:

The reality is that access isn’t really being tested when it’s easy.

It’s being tested when it requires commitment.

When a workplace chooses to provide communication access even when budgets are tight.

We couldn't agree more.

Accessibility is most meaningful when organizations remain committed to it, even when budgets are under pressure. At the same time, there is a practical side to this conversation: how interpreting services are purchased can have a significant impact on affordability.

While American Sign Language interpreting is a professional service that carries real costs, rates and service models are not standardized across the industry. Comparing quotes from multiple interpreting agencies can help organizations identify options that prioritize quality, reliability, and cost savings. In many cases, taking the time to explore available providers can result in meaningful savings while preserving access for employees, students, clients, and community members.

For more than 35 years, Still Interpreting Inc. has focused on improving operational efficiency so we can offer competitive, affordable rates without compromising the quality of our services. We believe organizations shouldn't have to choose between balancing the budget and meaningful accessibility. With thoughtful planning and the right service partner, both are possible.

Leah's article is an important reminder that accessibility reflects an organization's values. We'd add one practical consideration: the way interpreting services are sourced can also make a meaningful difference. Reviewing service providers and understanding available options may help organizations continue providing access when resources are limited.

Accessibility shouldn't become unattainable simply because budgets are under pressure. Thoughtful planning, efficient service delivery, and strong partnerships can help organizations continue supporting accessibility for Deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind individuals. If you want to explore options for booking high-quality ASL interpreting services at reasonable rates, submit a booking request to receive a quote for services. We work with clients throughout British Columbia, including the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the Interior, and communities in northern BC.

Reposted in part with permission from Leah Riddell, SignAble Vi5ion. We encourage you to read the full article, Access Is Often Judged by Convenience, on the SignAble Vi5ion website at: https://signablevi5ion.com/access-is-often-judged-by-convenience/