>>Hi, my name is Lindsey and I am a helper.

I'm very proud of my job because I relay information between people who are hearing and peopl who are deaf or hard of hearing.

I am an American Sign Language interpreter also called an ASL interpreter.

ASL interpreters are trained professionals who translate spoken messages into visual messages using their hand, face, arm and body motions, called signing.

Signing is a way to communicate words and feelings without speaking or hearing.

Sign language is a visual language that is seen with our eyes.

Interpreters can also translate sign language into spoken language.

In a conversation we can go back and forth between signing and speaking, depending on who we are communicating with.

♪♪♪ Sign language can be helpful for many people who experience different levels of hearing loss.

The word deaf can mean a person cannot hear at all, but other people can be hard of hearing, which means they can hear some sound, but not all levels of sound.

ASL interpreters translate many kinds of messages, so everyone has access to the same information An educational or classroo interpreter signs the teachers lessons for students who are deaf.

Our work ensures that students, caregivers and school workers can communicate with each other.

♪♪♪ Community interpreters relay information at events and art performances.

When government leaders have information to share, they host a presentation called a press conference.

ASL interpreters and deaf interpreters translate the spoken news into visual messages.

Deaf interpreters are trained interpreters who are deaf or hard of hearing themselves.

Deaf interpreters and ASL interpreters work together to rela important news and information.

You may see me on television, at an event, in your school or other buildings in your community.

♪♪♪ The most important tool at my job is my body.

I use my hands, arms, face and body to make signs that communicate words, sentences and ideas.

Would you like to practice sign language together?

To say "Hello" in American Sign Language hold your four fingers together.

Cross your thumb over your palm and motion from your head outward.

Can you do it with me?

Excellent.

Let's try a few more.

To say "Yes," make a fist and move it up and down.

Great job.

To say "No," take two fingers and touch your thumb.

All right.

One more.

I think you might already know this last one.

To say "Goodbye," give a wave.

Thank you for signing with me.

ASL interpreters are important helpers in our community because we help people communicate with each other and learn about the world around us.

>>To learn more about Meet The Helpers, visit MeetTheHelpers.org