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A Guide to Understanding American Sign Language

April 9, 2025
American Sign Language

Why American Sign Language Matters 

It’s easy to assume spoken languages are all you need when localizing content or reaching diverse markets.
But here’s the Pain: if you’re ignoring the Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing community, you might be shutting out potential employees, customers, and partners.
Feeling the Agitation? You should—no one likes to be left behind or feel excluded.
The Solution?

American Sign Language (ASL). By integrating ASL into your communication strategies, you capture attention, spark interest, and build a more equitable workplace and brand presence.

ASL-friendly content stands out in a sea of purely text-based communication. This openness can boost your brand’s reputation for inclusivity, making you the employer or service provider of choice. Everyone wants to feel valued.

Offering ASL interpretation or resources taps into that powerful emotional need.

Let’s dive into the actionable steps you can start taking today with MoniSa Enterprise’s expert guidance.

What is American Sign Language ?

American Sign Language is a full-fledged language distinct from English, complete with its own grammar, syntax, and cultural context. ASL isn’t “universal” sign language (yup, that’s a myth!). It’s primarily used in the United States and parts of Canada, though there are many unique sign languages worldwide.

Think of ASL as an essential piece of the puzzle if you’re aiming for total accessibility in North America.

Role of Technology in ASL Accessibility

Surprised to see technology in a blog about a visual language? Here’s where the real magic happens:

A) Video Conferencing Tools

  • Platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams often have built-in features enabling sign language interpreters to appear simultaneously.
  • Perfect for remote team meetings, interviews, or training sessions.

B) Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)

  • On-demand VRI services let you tap into a live ASL interpreter via webcam or smartphone.
  • Ideal for last-minute needs—no more scrambling to find an in-person interpreter.

C) AI & Real-Time Captioning

Though these aren’t perfect for sign language (captions serve the Hard-of-Hearing more than Deaf signers), improvements in AI-driven sign language recognition are on the horizon.

Watch this space; your future product demos might have real-time ASL avatars translating your every word.
Insider Tip

Partner with a TMS (Translation Management System) that accommodates sign language video content in your localization workflow. Yes, you can store sign language resources alongside your textual translations, ensuring consistent quality and brand voice—visually!

 

Why It Matters for Managers

A) Project Managers: Ensure smooth collaboration by making internal communications accessible. Deaf team members shouldn’t miss crucial project updates.
B) Talent Acquisition Managers: An inclusive hiring process means you don’t accidentally overlook stellar candidates who use ASL. Video interviews with interpreters can set you apart from competitors.
C) Localization Managers: You’re probably used to localizing in French, Spanish, or German. But providing sign language resources (like an ASL walkthrough video of your product) can be that next-level differentiator.

If your competitor is adding ASL interpreters to their webinars and you’re not, guess where Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing consumers will go? Don’t miss out on that loyalty.

Key Benefits

A) Broadened Talent Pool

Roughly 15% of adults worldwide live with some degree of hearing loss (WHO estimate). Not all use ASL, but many do—especially in the U.S. Hiring from this pool means gaining diverse perspectives and specialized skill sets.

B) Enhanced Brand Reputation

Inclusivity is more than a buzzword; it’s a trust factor. Show that you value all potential customers and employees, and watch your brand favorability soar.

C) Increased Customer Engagement

By incorporating ASL in tutorials or product launches, you invite a whole new audience to engage with your brand. Happy customers spread the word.

D) Legal Compliance

Depending on your region, laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may require you to accommodate Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing employees and clients. Being proactive saves headaches (and potential lawsuits) later.
1) 500,000 to 2 million Americans consider ASL their primary language.
2) ASL is the third most studied language in U.S. colleges (after Spanish and French).
3) Companies with diverse and inclusive workforces see a 35% increase in performance compared to non-diverse organizations (McKinsey & Company).

Answer the WHY: Deeper Explanation

You might wonder, “Why invest time and resources into something that only a segment of people use?” Because that “segment” represents real humans who can become loyal employees or customers. By stepping into the world of ASL, you’re not just checking an inclusivity box; you’re forging authentic relationships rooted in respect for cultural and linguistic identity.

Emotional Appeal

Imagine being Deaf and logging onto a website for an important product or service, only to see zero accommodations for your communication needs. That’s alienating—and it’s a feeling we can fix by simply offering ASL content where relevant.

Think of a Deaf candidate named Alex applying for a project manager role. Before your company integrated ASL interpretation in interviews, Alex would skip your listing—assuming it wasn’t Deaf-friendly. But now, with MoniSa Enterprise’s on-demand video interpreting solution, Alex breezes through the interview feeling confident and respected. Alex then accepts your offer, bringing fresh perspectives and unique problem-solving skills to the table. That’s what bridging gaps looks like in real life—and it can be your success story next.

 

Case Study: MoniSa Enterprise’s ASL Integration Strategy

Client: A multinational tech startup.

They wanted to onboard Deaf software engineers but had no sign language support for training modules.
Key hires were dropping out mid-onboarding because they felt excluded.

Solution:

  • Created ASL video tutorials for core platforms and product overviews.
  • Established a monthly “ASL hour” for cross-team knowledge sharing.
  • Integrated VRI support in all-hands meetings.

Results:

  • Onboarding completion jumped by 25% among Deaf hires.
  • Overall employee satisfaction rose by 15%, with specific praise for inclusivity efforts.
  • Talent Acquisition managers saw an increase in Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing applicants, impressed by the brand’s commitment to accessible work environments.

 

Steps to Embrace ASL at Work

A) Assess Your Current Gaps

  • Look at your interview processes, training modules, and meeting setups.
  • Are Deaf individuals able to follow everything from start to finish?

B) Implement Basic Training

  • Offer short ASL workshops or lunch-and-learns for hearing staff.
  • Familiarize them with common signs like “Hello,” “Thank you,” “Meeting,” and “Deadline.”

C) Use Professional ASL Interpreters

Whether in-person or via video remote interpreting, ensure qualified professionals handle critical communications.
Don’t rely on untrained staff to “wing it.”

D) Leverage Technology

  • Integrate platforms that allow “picture-in-picture” video interpretation for webinars.
  • Provide multiple contact methods (email, video calls, text) for Deaf clients and employees.

E) Create an Ongoing Feedback Loop

  • Ask Deaf employees and customers for regular input on what’s working or not.
  • Revise and improve. Language accessibility is never a one-and-done project.

Insider Tip: Build a brand glossary for sign language equivalents of your specific product or service terminology. MoniSa Enterprise can help set one up so your interpreters consistently convey your brand message in ASL—no confusion, no brand dilution.

Technical Edge: Integrating ASL into Localization Strategies

You already localize your content for different languages and markets. Why not treat ASL as you would any linguistic variant?A) Align Terminology: Maintain consistent terminology across spoken and sign languages.

B) Caption + Sign: Some Deaf individuals rely on both, so always pair ASL videos with quality captions.
C) Platform Compatibility: Make sure your CMS can host or embed video interpretation easily.

Measurable Wins

A) Employee Retention: Deaf hires feel heard (pun intended) and stay longer.
B) Customer Loyalty: Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing customers aren’t an afterthought but a core part of your audience.
C) Brand Differentiation: Inclusivity sets you apart in a competitive market—numbers show consumers prefer businesses championing diversity.

Factors Influencing Success

A) Budget: Investing in interpreters and video production can be costly, but the ROI on inclusivity is massive.
B) Time & Training: Rushed efforts without staff buy-in can backfire. Give employees enough time to learn and adapt.
Ongoing Support: Keep an open channel with Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing stakeholders to refine your approach.

Try setting up a “silent meeting” once a month where all hearing staff communicate via basic signs and notes. It’s a fun (and humbling) way to build empathy and skills. We’ve seen this ignite stronger teamwork and understanding.

 

Conclusion 

 

Making your organization ASL-friendly isn’t just a “nice gesture”—it’s a powerhouse move that can expand your talent pool, boost brand reputation, and foster a culture of genuine inclusivity.So, over to you: Ready to embrace ASL as part of your localization strategy?

Drop a comment below or reach out to MoniSa Enterprise for a customized roadmap. We’re here to help you create an environment where no one feels excluded—in any language.

Question: Which area do you think would benefit most from ASL integration—recruitment, training, or customer support? Share your thoughts!

Need more insights? Reach out to MoniSa Enterprise for tailored ASL integration strategies from initial audits to full-scale implementation.