ODHH: Sign Language Interpreters
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals the right to a qualified interpreter.
Sign language interpreter directory
View a list of interpreter agencies and freelance sign language interpreters in Wisconsin.
Service Fund
The service fund pays for interpreting and captioning services when state or federal laws do not apply.
Interpreter certifications
As of December 1, 2020, all sign language interpreters in Wisconsin are required to be licensed by the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
To get a license in Wisconsin, interpreters must hold certification from at least one of the following programs:
- Wisconsin Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (Advanced or Master certification)
- Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (National Interpreter Certification)
Educational interpreters: preschool through 12th grade
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is responsible for licensing interpreters that work in educational settings.
The Wisconsin Education Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WESP-DHH) Outreach program can help with questions related to educational interpreters and the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment.