Community Isn’t Just Where We Serve. It’s How We Lead.
A2Z Interpreting began with a simple idea: communication is a human right. This concept has had a ripple effect felt throughout Washington State, from rural classrooms and emergency rooms to Spokane Pride events and boardroom meetings.
When people ask what sets A2Z apart, we don’t simply highlight our tailored interpreter matching or efficient scheduling. We take pride in our strong connections to the communities we serve. For us, community is not an afterthought; it is our foundation.
1. We Show Up When It Matters Most
Community leadership often begins in times of crisis. One rural school district reached out to us urgently: a Deaf student had been sitting in class without language access for weeks, as no interpreters were available locally. The student was becoming withdrawn and frustrated.
We acted quickly, connecting a qualified interpreter virtually using the district’s existing video platform. Although it was not a perfect solution, it marked the beginning of something better. The student started participating more, making friends, and re-engaging with learning. What began as a temporary fix evolved into a catalyst for long-term support until an on-site interpreter could be secured.
We have also responded to requests from hospitals during labor and delivery, mental health facilities struggling to serve Deaf patients, and emergency rooms where the only Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) machine was occupied with spoken language services. Recently, we provided a qualified in-person interpreter on-site within an hour, allowing the patient to focus on their care rather than their access. This is what advocacy in action looks like.
2. We Partner With Organizations That Care
Access doesn’t occur in isolation; it is built through collaboration. That’s why we have established trusted partnerships with:
- Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho hospitals and clinics that are struggling to find qualified ASL interpreters
- School districts across Eastern Washington that are seeking consistent, culturally competent support
- Local agencies and nonprofits dedicated to disability justice and inclusion
A spoken language agency reached out to us after hearing positive feedback from the Deaf community. They were struggling to fulfill ASL requests due to a limited pool of qualified interpreters. After open conversations and alignment of values, we partnered to help fill that gap. Since then, our collaboration has flourished—requests have doubled, and Deaf patients are receiving reliable, high-quality language access at their medical appointments. It’s a powerful example of what’s possible when agencies listen, adapt, and work together to put the community first.
Whether it’s providing pro bono services for community events or consulting on accessibility for conferences, we engage with organizations at their level, working together to raise the standard of care and inclusion.
3. We Educate and Advocate for Long-Term Change
Our community work is not just reactive; it is proactive.
We regularly participate in events, support awareness campaigns, and educate business leaders about what true accessibility looks like. From sponsoring Spokane Pride to consulting with organizations about inclusive event planning, we aim to change the public perception of interpreting from a tool for compliance to one of connection.
We maintain ongoing partnerships with local businesses, educators, and healthcare systems to train staff, review ADA responsibilities, and ensure that individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind are not just present but truly included.
Lasting change does not come from a single request; it occurs when inclusion is integrated into the way we work, plan, and lead.
Every Story Is a Reminder of Why This Matters
We have observed students’ vocabularies increase threefold with consistent interpreting. Deaf patients have returned to therapy because they now feel understood. LGBTQ+ Deaf clients have finally felt respected when greeted with their correct names and pronouns from day one.
These are not just “nice-to-haves.” They are human rights. Such changes only occur when community partners collaborate effectively.
Want to Join the Movement? Here’s How You Can Help
✅ Work with us on your next event or accessibility initiative.
We’ll guide you every step of the way.
✅ Request interpreting services with intention.
We hand-match interpreters who fit your setting and values.
✅ Download our free guide.
Whether you’re planning an event, meeting with a Deaf client, or just learning, make it easy to do the right thing.
Connection Builds Equity. And Equity Builds Community.
At A2Z, we don’t just interpret words; we build bridges between languages, cultures, identities, and people. When everyone is included, respected, and able to be their true selves, that’s when a genuine community is formed.
Let’s prioritize connection. Together, let’s create access for all.