AAA Deaf

Oral transliterators, also called oral interpreters, facilitate spoken communication between individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and individuals who are not. Individuals who are “oralists” use speech and speechreading as their primary mode of communication and may or may not know or use manual communication modes or sign language. Each oral deaf/hard of hearing consumer has specific preferences for successful communication, thereby requiring transliterators to work within a continuum of service provision.

In the strictest sense, oral transliteration does not usually include the use of formal sign language. However, transliterators respond to requests by consumers to add natural gesture; fingerspell particular words; write numbers or the beginning letter of a word that is easily misread in the air; and/or use signs to support words on the mouth. Oral transliterators may also “voice” for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing as these individuals may not use their own voices or their voices are difficult for listeners to understand. Oral transliterators at AAA Deaf, are qualified, trained professionals.