Fingers Crossed Interpreting
OUR MISSION:
WITH OVER 2,000,000
DEAF PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES,
NOW IS THE TIME
TO REVOLUTIONIZE THE REVOLUTION
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
Inspired by the countless Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals who fight for equality and justice every day, Fingers Crossed Interpreting looks to bridge the gaps of communication in social justice, politics, and activism. American Sign Language users come from every walk of life, so the need for access exists everywhere. And interpreters are not just for the Deaf community; accessibility is something that EVERYONE can benefit from.
From political campaigns, social justice events, Drag shows, speaker forums, community dialogues, protests, film screenings, concerts, street movements, and everything in between, Fingers Crossed Interpreting hopes to not only provide American Sign Language Interpretation but also connect groups of organizers locally and nationally. The hope is these groups can align their goals and continue moving forward as an accessible, interconnected powerhouse.
Fingers Crossed Interpreting was founded in 2018 by Hearing Interpreter Andrew Tolman, and is comprised of Hearing and Deaf Interpreters and activists who are experienced in all the different realms of politics and advocacy, and are ready to put their work on the front lines so stories can be shared unbiasedly, empowering the public with the knowledge they have a right to. Fingers Crossed Interpreting will always strive to center the perspectives and experiences of both Deaf and Hearing activists, organizers, leaders, and change-makers that came before and still work today. We are an extension of their work and are eternally thankful to community members that continue to work and fight together to create a better future.
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FACTS ARE FACTS
INTERPRETING ISN'T JUST A BONUS...
IT'S A RIGHT.
YOUR VIDEOS ARE CAPTIONED...
BUT IT ISN'T ENOUGH.
WE'RE ALREADY STRONG...
BUT WE'RE BETTER TOGETHER
Historically, Deaf people have been the bottom of the pyramid of oppression. Deafness intersects with every race, creed, religion, gender, sex, and disability. This means Deaf people face the oppressions of Deafness compounded with the oppressions of their complex and intersectional identities. When we think about resistance, we must think about ways of leveling the playing field. If Deaf and Hard of Hearing people being left out is part of the problem, they cannot also be left out during the implementation of real change and solutions.
Fingers Crossed Interpreting is always looking to expand our knowledge and scope of service. Members of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities, including Deaf Interpreters, as well as CODAs, Hearing Interpreters, and ASL students are encouraged to reach out to collaborate, learn, mentor, provide feedback, or even join the team.
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Image Descriptions: (Left) Andrew has a shaved head and a white face mask with black clothing. They are interpreting in front of a crowd of people all dressed in black who are facing the opposite direction. In the background are buildings and an explosion. (Right) Andrew has a shaved head and moustache with black jacket and blue jeans. They are standing next to a speaker with a black beanie and clothing who is holding a large white megaphone in their left hand addressing a crowd. The two of them stand in front of a statue whose arm is stretched out in a park in front of a large building in Portland.