ASL Learners’ Resources
NTID’s ASL Dictionary
This service requires a subscription service fee of $2.99 annually.
Local ASL Classes
Many high schools and colleges in Minnesota offer ASL classes. See the listing of colleges offering ASL classes at MRID’s website.
Learn American Sign Language Resources
Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing State Service’s list includes online classes, apps, community classes, and colleges & universities.
Interpreter Professional Development
The CATIE Center at St. Catherine University has received funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration through the Training of Interpreters for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind Program.
Once the grant period ends, courses developed during this and previous grant cycles will be accessible through NCTRM’s library and Canvas Commons.
2021-2026 Grants
Project Level Up
Aimed at developing skills for interpreters wishing to work in healthcare settings, this program offers asynchronous online courses for medical professionals. The courses are free. A list of available courses can be found at Healthcare Interpreting Level Up Self-Directed Track.
Dive In
Designed for novice interpreters, this program provides skill development through resources like Stepping Stones and Dive In, which include videos for interpreting practice. Visit Novice Interpreters for more information and activities, as well as Search for Activities.
Induction Program
A directory of induction programs can be found at St. Catherine University’s CATIE Center. Many of these programs are based in Minnesota and were created to address interpreter burnout and shortages. Explore the directory at Induction Program Resources.
Additional Resources
Mental Health Interpreter Training
In person and supervised program to qualify for a specialty qualification for mental and behavioral health interpreting
Gallaudet University: CASLI Test Prep Courses
This is a series of 3 classes to prepare for the knowledge test (PST170), ethics portion (PST 169), and the performance exam (PST171). The courses are asynchronous and cost $331 each (as of 2024).
BrightWorks
BrightWorks is a non-profit educational cooperative that provides “cost-effective, high quality” services and programs to schools in the metro area. Brightworks also provides professional development opportunities to working educational interpreters.
Interpreter Communities of Practice and Professional Groups
Twin Cities Freelance Group
This group holds monthly meetings where they discuss topics relevant to the private practice interpreters in the Twin Cities.
MRID Educational Interpreters
This is a Community of Practice through MRID that hosts meetings for support and advocacy related to educational interpreting.
Peer Support & Consultation Project for Interpreters (PSCPI)
This Community of Practice holds monthly meetings with the goal of counteracting/minimizing occupational stress. Founder, Arlyn Anderson, also offers individualized personal development sessions for which interpreters can earn CEUs.
Organization Resource Lists
Several organizations already have great resource pages. They are provided below.
Minnesota Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
What you can find at this website:
- MRID membership information
- An events calendar
- CEU opportunities
- Scholarship opportunities
MRID Resource Pages
- Information about interpreting in Minnesota
- Local Interpreter Training Programs
- Colleges with ASL Programs
- Other ASL and Mentoring Programs
- Resources for Educational Interpreters
- Interpreter Referral Agencies
- Minnesota State Agencies
- Deaf organizations and Deaf serving programs
National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
This website has the following information:
- A searchable registry for interpreter referral companies and individual interpreters
- The profession of interpreting
- National certification
- National trends
- CEU opportunities across the country for interpreters
- and other resources
Minnesota Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing
The Commission has information on:
- Civic engagement
- Laws and public policy
- Systemic advocacy
Minnesota Council on Disability
The Minnesota Council on Disability also has an extensive Resource List.
Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing State Services
This division of the Department of Human Services shares information about the following:
- How to find an ASL Interpreter, both interpreter referral companies and individual freelance interpreters
- Learning ASL
- Grants
- Mental health providers
- Many other resources for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing people
State Services for the Blind
State Services for the Blind provides services for DeafBlind Minnesotans.
MN DeafBlind Project
This is a grant funded program under the MN Dept. of Ed that provides free technical assistance to families, educators, and interveners of deafblind youth age birth to 22. More specifically they offer services like mentoring, workshops, family support, resource sharing, intervener training and annual events.
Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens
The resources listed by MADC include a Deaf Business Directory, Partners and Advocacy and Non-Profit Organizations.
Community Activities
Deaf Equity
This is a non-profit organization that “advances equity and access for diverse communities of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of hearing through education, community engagement, empowerment and advocacy.”
They do just about anything that meets their vision and matches their values, fundraise for many causes, host many community events, and partner with many organizations.
You can create a login and connect with members or the organization. Their website is always up to date with what events they have going on.
Minnesota Deaf Queers
This is a local community organization intersecting the deaf and LDBTQ+ communities. They host many community and fundraising type of events. Their biggest annual event is participating in the Twin Cities Pride festival. [Facebook] [Instagram: @mndeafqueers]
Charles Thompson Memorial Hall
Deaf social club and non-profit in Minnesota, one of the oldest ones in the world, owned and operated by the local deaf community. They are a community hub and host many events.
Climb ASL
This is an indoor bouldering club that gets together to rock climb using ASL only. Deaf and hearing people welcome. New ASL users welcome. Their Facebook group is private so you need to request to join but they also have a public Instagram @climbasl
Midwest Ski Council
The MSC Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program was established to offer both private and group lessons in the sport of skiing or snowboarding. Classes are offered in American Sign Language or orally depending on the student’s preference. Registration begins each December, for weekly lessons from early January through mid-February.
ASL Night Out
Deaf social group that holds monthly outings in the Twin Cities. Hearing people welcome, but this is an ASL only space.
Camp ASL
Annual social and educational sleep-away camp for the deaf and interpreting communities hosted by MRID. Provides several different types of workshops, CEUs available for each. Each workshop is facilitated by deaf mentors. They have scholarships available for those who cannot afford the fee.