Easterseals’ ASL Interpreters Connect Communities

Easterseals and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services provide qualified interpreters for medical appointments and related circumstances; personal situations and communication; and classes, seminars and vocational training.

Shae Asby’s skillset bridges the gaps of understanding between people throughout Central Florida, and it’s a love of language and culture that fuels her work.

An ASL Interpreter and Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida team member, Asby said the decision to pursue a career in sign-language came easy to her.

“Since high school, I have gravitated towards culture and language; both aspects are beautiful and interesting. I wanted to become a part of it,” she said.

Asby graduated from Valencia State College with an AA in ASL/English Interpreting and from the University of North Florida with a B.A. in ASL/English Interpreting.

Today, Asby works in the community on behalf of Easterseals and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. Clients are from all walks of life.

Asby and her ASL teammates are available to support members of the Deaf community who need to connect to a hearing person or group, or by hearing individuals who aim to communicate with those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Easterseals and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services provide qualified interpreters such as Asby and her ASL teammates for such needs as medical appointments and related circumstances; personal situations and communication; and classes, seminars and vocational training.

There’s no typical day in the life of an Interpreter, said Asby. Her team reviews community needs and assignments and allocates Interpreters accordingly. No two days are the same, and Asby loves that about the work.

“I love every aspect of my job,” she said. “The people, the company, the language, the challenges, the cultures and never really knowing what one will walk into. Every assignment is vastly different.”

Even if every assignment on a given day is medical, they still greatly vary and are different and special, said Asby.
She and her fellow Interpreters are called upon to enlist tools that facilitate communication between all parties, no matter the circumstances. “Every customer requires special consideration,” said Asby, adding the need to adapt to each person’s individual needs is the most challenging and best part of the work.

“A primary goal for any and all assignments, no matter the consumer, is accessible communication,” said Asby. “All parties involved need to understand one another in a smooth, fluid fashion. That’s what I am there for. “

To learn more about ASL Interpreter services available through Easterseals or Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, or details about upcoming sign-language classes, email Shae Asby at shaelo92@aol.com or Program Manager Michelle Bucalos at mbucalos@esnecfl.org. 

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