ASL Communication

05/28/2026

Last week we wrapped up our CDI Panel: Building Collaborative Interpreter Teams with over 75 attendees and a conversation that felt long overdue. Thank you to Carmela Roybal, Adam Janisieski, and Shelly Freed for bringing such candor and depth to the room. The field is better for it.

And as you can tell, we got so involved in the discussion we forgot to pause for a picture, so enjoy the candid moment!

05/22/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Monica Dietz, a cherished member of the ASL Communication family for four years.

Monica wore many hats during her time with us — she served as a scheduler and head of operations, and played a meaningful role in training some of the team members we work alongside today. Her impact is still felt in our work every day.

She leaves behind her husband and three young children. If you feel moved to honor her memory, please consider supporting her family through the GoFundMe link below. Every contribution goes directly to the loved ones she left behind.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-mom-baby-facing-cancer

05/19/2026

Don’t miss it - our CDI Panel Workshop is tomorrow night! A few spots are still available. Grab yours before they’re gone.

Link in bio.





Promotional graphic for ASL Communication’s CDI Panel Workshop. Text reads: “Building Collaborative Interpreter Teams — A Certified Deaf Interpreter Panel. Wednesday, May 20, 6:00–8:00 PM PST. Virtual via Zoom. RID Accredited CEUs. Registration required.

05/17/2026

Over the past two years, we have been nurturing a vibrant culture rooted in LOVE- Leadership, Open Communication, Values, and Empathy, where every individual - be it employees or customers - feels seen, heard, and valued, so you can imagine my excitement finding this book at the airport today!!

05/06/2026

To every interpreter out there. The ones showing up for early morning assignments, navigating complex and high-stakes settings, and advocating for equality every step of the way.

Today we celebrate you!

Your work creates access, connection, and equity in ways that are often unseen, and that deserves to be recognized. We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re proud to work alongside this community every day.

Happy National Interpreter Day!

04/28/2026

April 15 isn’t just the deadline to file last year’s return — it’s also when your first quarterly estimated tax payment for 2026 is due.

Many independent contractors don’t realize the
IRS expects you to pay taxes throughout the year, not just at filing. Missing your estimated payments could result in penalties next April - even if you pay everything you owe at that time.

How to get started:
Search “IRS Form 1040-ES” at irs.gov to calculate your estimated amount. A common rule of thumb is to set aside 25-30% of your earnings each quarter. Payments take about five minutes through IRS Direct Pay at irs.gov/payments — no account needed.

Any other tips you would add? Comment below!





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Image 1 alt text: “Partners Edge graphic with red background and bold ‘TAX DAY’ text. Illustrated figure with tax form, hourglass, and coins. Callouts read: ‘Avoid Penalties’ and ‘Taxes are due every Quarter.’”

Image 2 alt text: “ASL Communication 2026 quarterly tax deadlines: Q1 – April 15, Q2 – June 15, Q3 – Sept 15, Q4 – Jan 15. Advises independent contractors to set aside 25–30% of earnings and pay via IRS Direct Pay at irs.gov/payments.“

04/27/2026

From
ADARA:
We are excited to share a preview video of a new ASL workshop for the ADARA 2026 Conference, featuring Alex Wilkins and Melissa Anderson from DeafYES! Center for Deaf Empowerment and Recovery (cc’d here).

Their session addresses meaningful and authentic community engagement in Deaf mental health research. It includes strategies for involving diverse Deaf community members throughout the research process and a panel discussion featuring real experiences from the DeafYES team.

Conference Information and Registration:
https://www.adara.org/2026_conference.html

Video here:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXeRT9Yiqja/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

2026 ADARA Conference - Salt Lake City, Utah

04/22/2026

I’m in Lehi, Utah doing outreach for American Sign Language Communication, and I’m staying in a home that means a lot to my family. My grandfather built this house with his own hands back in 1956 using block from Lehi Block Company, our family business at the time.

Right here on this same property, my grandparents ran a chicken farm alongside my mom, aunt, and uncle. They fed and watered the chickens, washed the eggs, and hauled them to Draper to sell. It was hard work, but it built something lasting in our family.

Being here reminds me that what we’re building at ASL Communications is part of something bigger. I’m grateful to continue that tradition of entrepreneurship in Utah and proud to serve communities by providing access and connection through ASL interpreting.

If you’re in Utah and need interpreting services, I’d love to connect.

04/20/2026

Our CDI Collaboration Workshop is happening May 20th and we want YOU there. Gain practical tools for working alongside CDIs - straight from the CDIs themselves

Virtual
6–8 PM PST
0.2 CEUs for eligible participants
Register at the link in bio to receive your access link!

https://forms.gle/22kX38aqnK5JF3Gi7

[Image description: A red and white flyer for the CDI Collaboration Workshop on May 20th, 6–8 PM PST. Three circular photos show people signing. Text includes panelist names Shelley Freed, Adam Janisieski-Chacon, and Carmela Roybal, CEU information, and the ASL Communications logo.]

04/17/2026

Spending the day at SLxAI Summit in Boston!

We focused on learning how AI can be developed and used responsibly in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing space. This is exciting to see how this will impact the lives of others in a positive way.

Grateful to be surrounded by experts and leaders pushing this work forward.

This is great information that I will be bringing back to ASL Comm for education and learning!