What ASL Interpreting Services does

ASL Interpreting Services, Inc. (ASLIS) is a privately held interpreting services agency headquartered in Golden Valley, Minnesota, founded in 1995 by Pamela Wellumson. The company contracts with over 300 American Sign Language interpreters to deliver on-site interpreting across Minnesota, North Dakota, and western Wisconsin, and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) nationally through integrations with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WebEx, Google Meet, Skype, Vidyo, Lifesize, Doxy.me, and Google Hangouts. Its core product set spans on-site interpreting, pre-scheduled and on-demand VRI, Computer Assisted Real-Time (CART) captioning, Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) teaming, video production interpreting with on-screen interpreters, and 24/7 emergency on-call interpreting for medical facilities. The company also operates a sizable RID/ACET-approved Continuing Education Unit (CEU) program with 40+ on-demand activities and live virtual workshops priced from $10 to $65, and administers a portfolio of Minnesota Department of Human Services grant-funded programs covering Greater MN interpreter access, Deafblind training, mentoring, certification preparation, apprenticeship, relocation stipends, and 12-step recovery interpreting.

ASLIS monetizes primarily through professional-services fees (hourly on-site rates, per-minute on-demand VRI, and a monthly retainer plus higher hourly rate for 24/7 emergency contracts), supplemented by subscription-style emergency retainers, CEU workshop fees, business training and cultural consulting, and grant-funded program administration. The customer base is hybrid B2B and persona-driven: healthcare facilities, employers requiring ADA-compliant workplace communication, law enforcement and legal settings, educational institutions, conference and event organizers, community and religious organizations, and the Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals who ultimately consume the service. Distribution relies on direct enterprise outreach, a secure online portal (portal.aslis.com) used by interpreters, Deaf clients, and businesses to manage assignments, an email newsletter, community-based partnerships with a Deaf Advisory Board and local Deaf organizations, and CEU/workshop-driven interpreter engagement. In 2025 founder Pamela Wellumson transitioned operational leadership to long-tenured Vice President Jason Nygren Hawkins (BEI-certified since 2018), who now serves as CEO while Wellumson remains President, indicating a continuity-based leadership succession rather than a strategic pivot.

Name

ASL Interpreting Services

Legal name

ASL Interpreting Services, Inc.

Website

https://aslis.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ASL Interpreting Services (ASLIS) is a Golden Valley, Minnesota-based interpreting agency founded in 1995 that contracts with over 300 certified ASL interpreters to deliver on-site, video remote, CART, and CDI services to healthcare facilities, businesses, and the Deaf community across Minnesota, North Dakota, western Wisconsin, and nationally via VRI.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sign Language Interpreting Services

NAICS

Translation and Interpretation Services (541930), Translation and Interpretation Services (54193), Language Schools (61163), Court Reporting and Stenotype Services (561492)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Help Supply Services (7363), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Note-Taking, Interpreting & Communication Access Services (EDALAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Deaf/Hard of Hearing & Vision Services (Audiology, Interpreting, Orientation & Mobility) (EDAJAKAI), Interpretation, Translation & Language Access Training (Community Interpreting) (EDAAADAJ), Sign Language Learning Programs (ASL/BSL, etc.) (EDAMAFAM)

Keywords

• Sign language interpreting
• Video remote interpreting
• Real-time captioning
• Deaf community services
• Interpreter training

Headquarters

HQ city

Minneapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. On-Site Interpreting Services: Hourly-based interpreting services where interpreters are sent to client locations. Rates are competitive with other agencies in the market. 2 hour minimum and 48 business hour cancellation policy.
2. Video Remote Interpreting (VRI): Pre-scheduled VRI at rates equivalent to on-site hiring. On-demand VRI calculated per minute with 24/7 availability. Geographic flexibility allows interpreters to join virtually any meeting.
3. 24/7 Emergency Interpreting: Monthly fee plus higher hourly rate for last-minute emergency interpreter availability. Available to medical facilities providing emergency services after signed agreement.
4. CEU/Workshop Programs: Continuing education units for interpreters with fees ranging from $10 to $65 per activity. ASLIS is an approved RID CMP sponsor for continuing education activities.
5. Business Training & Consulting: Cultural expertise training for businesses on Deaf community awareness and workplace communication, including customized training sessions.
6. Grant-Funded Programs: Various programs funded by Minnesota Department of Human Services grants supporting Greater MN interpreter access, training, certification, and mentoring.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ASL Interpreting Services (ASLIS) provides American Sign Language interpreting and communication access services, primarily through on-site interpreter dispatch and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) using a network of 300+ contracted certified interpreters. The company also delivers Real-Time Captioning (CART), Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) team services, 24/7 emergency on-call interpreting, video recording with on-screen interpreters, RID-approved CEU training, and Deaf cultural training for businesses.

Product overview

ASL Interpreting Services (ASLIS) is an interpreting services agency offering a portfolio of communication access services centered on ASL-English interpreting. The core offerings include On-Site Interpreting (with a network of 350+ certified interpreters across Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and eastern North Dakota) and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) with both on-demand and pre-scheduled delivery across multiple video platforms. Supporting services include CART (real-time captioning), video recordings with on-screen interpreters and captions, Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) team services, and 24/7 emergency on-call interpreting for medical facilities. ASLIS also operates a significant educational division providing CEUs On Demand, virtual workshops, and specialized training programs for interpreters. A major component of the business is its grant-funded community programs — including the New Interpreter Apprenticeship, Springboard, Mentoring to Excellence, VRI Training, Certification Preparation, Specialized Deafblind Training, Case Conferencing, 12 Step Program Services, Relocation Stipends, and Specialized Learning Support — all funded through the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The company is headquartered in Golden Valley, Minnesota, and was founded in 1995.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• On-Site Interpreting An ASL interpreter travels to the client's location (office, clinic, business, church, or other venue) to facilitate direct communication between hearing and Deaf individuals. Service area covers Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and eastern North Dakota using a network of 350+ professional interpreters who are certified and credentialed.
• Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) Remote ASL interpreting delivered via video conferencing platforms. Available on both pre-scheduled and 24/7 on-demand bases with per-minute billing for on-demand. Supports hospitals, mental health care, police stations, schools, financial institutions, and workplaces.
• Real Time Captions (CART) Computer Assisted Real-Time Captioning where a captionist types spoken English in real time, with captions appearing on screen or via a secure StreamText URL. Live captionists average 96% accuracy.
• Video Recordings Adds an on-screen ASL interpreter and/or captions to pre-recorded video material. Includes translating written English materials into ASL videos and translating ASL video submissions into spoken English with transcript.
• Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) Services Provides Certified Deaf Interpreters who specialize in visual language and team with hearing ASL interpreters when a Deaf client has limited ability to understand or produce ASL due to physical or cognitive disability, or because they are a Deaf immigrant.
• 24/7 Emergency On-Call Interpreting Last-minute 24/7 emergency interpreter availability after a signed agreement is in place, supplied by scheduling interpreters to receive a stipend for a specified time frame to guarantee an on-site interpreter arrives. Available to medical facilities providing emergency services. Monthly fee plus higher hourly rate applies.
• Trainings and Workshops In-person and virtual training events including Deaf culture awareness training for business leaders, cultural training workshops on Deaf community topics, and continuing education (CEUs) for professional ASL interpreters.
• Workplace Communication Training Customized training curriculum for businesses with Deaf employees covering how to work with an interpreter, differences between English and ASL, communication tools for Deaf people, and increasing ease in working with Deaf employees.
• Law Enforcement Training and Interpreting Services On-site interpreter retainer, video interpreting, and group training services customized for law enforcement agencies, with customizable training sessions for law enforcement groups.
• CEUs On Demand Self-paced independent study continuing education opportunities for ASL interpreters ranging from 0.1 to 0.7 CEUs. Topics include mental health awareness, VRI in medical settings, ethics, funeral interpreting, Deaf culture, ADA, and more. ASLIS is an RID/ACET approved sponsor.
• Virtual Workshops Live virtual workshops via Zoom for interpreters to earn CEUs. Includes grant-supported free workshops for Greater MN interpreters and standard fee-based workshops. Workshops are not recorded.

Quantifiable outcome

• Confirmation typically made between 5 minutes to 4 hours for interpreter requests
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Minnesota Department of Human Services: Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing State Services DivisioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrant funding partnership supporting Greater Minnesota interpreter access programs, VRI training, 12-step program services, DeafBlind training, interpreter recruitment, skill development, certification preparation, and mentoring programs. Multiple grant programs administered by ASLIS with DHS funding.
• Dynamic Communications, Inc. (DyCom)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-owned by ASLIS President Pam Wellumson. Offers training opportunities for sign language interpreters, Deaf mentors, businesses, and organizations related to Deaf culture, ASL, and professional development.
• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASLIS is an approved RID CMP (Certification Maintenance Program) Sponsor for continuing education activities. Provides CEU opportunities that are filed with RID for interpreter certification maintenance.
• DHHS (Minnesota Department of Human Services)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to offer community events for the Deaf community. ASLIS has partnered with DHHS to host various Deaf community events.
• Video Conferencing Platforms (Zoom, WebEx, Teams, etc.)coreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology integrations allowing ASL interpreters to join virtual meetings through Zoom, WebEx, Google Hangouts, Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, Vidyo, Lifesize, Doxy.me, Skype, and other platforms.
• Minnesota Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (MRID)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPam Wellumson has served on various positions on MRID board including freelance committee and treasurer.
• St. Paul College Foundation BoardminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPam Wellumson serves on the St. Paul College Foundation board.
• Various Local Deaf OrganizationsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerASLIS donates to many local Deaf organizations including ADARA, ASLBlend, DeafBlind Services MN, Minnesota DeafBlind Association, Metro Deaf School, and others. Invests in community through donations.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Purple Communications: Purple Communications (formerly ZVRS) is a major VRS and VRI provider for Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers, operating nationally with proprietary video technology — a direct competitor to ASLIS in the on-demand and pre-scheduled VRI market for ASL interpreting.
• Deaf Link: Deaf Link is an interpreting agency specializing in ASL and Deaf services, similar in focus to ASLIS with community-centered positioning — a direct comparable in the niche Deaf-specialist interpreting agency space.
• Sign Language Interpreting Associates (SLIA): SLIA is a regional ASL interpreting agency providing on-site and VRI services to healthcare, legal, business, and educational clients — a directly comparable service model and customer mix to ASLIS's core on-site interpreting business.
• Hands On Sign Language Interpreting Services: Hands On is a regional ASL interpreting agency providing on-site and VRI services to businesses, healthcare, and government — directly comparable to ASLIS in service model, customer mix, and Deaf-centered positioning.

Broad incumbents

• CyraCom Language Solutions: CyraCom provides interpretation and translation services with strong healthcare focus, including phone, video, and ASL interpretation — competing with ASLIS in healthcare systems where ASL access is required for ADA compliance.
• Sorenson Communications: Sorenson is the largest U.S. provider of Video Relay Service (VRS) and video remote interpreting for the Deaf community, with national scale, proprietary technology, and embedded contracts with major enterprises and government — directly competing with ASLIS in VRI for the same Deaf customer base.
• CSD (Communication Service for the Deaf): CSD is a large national nonprofit providing interpreting, VRS, advocacy, and Deaf-led programs — comparable to ASLIS in mission (Deaf-centered services) and competing in interpreting services for healthcare, education, and government contracts.
• Stratus Video (AMN Healthcare Language Services): Stratus Video, now part of AMN Healthcare, is one of the largest U.S. video interpretation providers with significant healthcare focus — competing with ASLIS for hospital and healthcare system interpreting contracts and offering broader spoken-language interpretation alongside ASL.
• Language Line Solutions: Language Line Solutions is the largest U.S. interpretation services provider, offering over-the-phone, video, and onsite interpreting across 240+ languages including ASL — competing with ASLIS primarily in healthcare interpreting and large enterprise contracts.

Regional players

• Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre: Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre (DHCC) provides ASL interpreting, Deaf services, and interpreter training in the Delaware Valley region — comparable to ASLIS as a community-anchored, Deaf-centered interpreting agency serving a defined regional market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/aslisterps
• Facebookfacebook.com/ASLISTerps
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/asl-interpreting-services

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ASL Interpreting Services