Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters

What Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters does

The Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI), founded in 1979 and headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, is a non-profit professional association that serves as the sole certifying body for ASL-English interpreters in Canada. The organization administers the Canadian Evaluation System (CES), which grants the Certificate of Interpretation (COI), and operates the only national credentialing pathway for sign language interpreters in Canada. CASLI is governed under the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act, with 2 paid staff (Interim Operations Manager and Administrative Assistant) and a volunteer Board of Directors.

CASLI's core products and services comprise (1) the Canadian Evaluation System and COI certification, (2) a Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct available in English, French, and ASL, (3) the Professional Conduct Review Process for member accountability, (4) an online Interpreter Directory searchable by location, experience area, and certification status, (5) Position Papers on VRS, VRI, Deaf Interpreting, Educational Interpreting, and related practice areas, (6) biennial professional development conferences, and (7) an Awards Program. The organization maintains seven Affiliate Chapters across Canada (ASLIA, ASLI-NB, MAPSLI, MAVLI, NAVLI, OASLI, WAVLI) and requires dual membership with the appropriate chapter for members in chaptered provinces.

The business model is membership-fee-based, with annual dues for Active Interpreters (ASL-English, LSQ-French, Deaf Interpreters), Student Members, and Subscribers, plus biennial conference registration fees. The membership year runs April 1 to March 31. CASLI generates revenue through recurring subscriptions and does not sell or book interpreting services directly, instead connecting end-users to its member directory. Customer segments span individual interpreters, interpreter education program students, employers/agencies (as Subscribers), and Deaf community end-users of interpreter services. Distribution is community-led through the website directory, Affiliate Chapter networks, biennial conferences, position papers, and referrals from Canadian Interpreter Education Programs (VCC, Red River College Polytechnic, George Brown College, UQAM, NSCC).

Name

Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters

Legal name

Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters

Website

https://casli.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) is the sole national certifying body for ASL-English interpreters in Canada, administering the Canadian Evaluation System and Certificate of Interpretation. Founded in 1979, it serves practicing interpreters, Deaf interpreters, students, and employers through membership services, ethics enforcement, and an online interpreter directory.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association & Interpreter Certification Services

NAICS

Professional Organizations (813920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPADANAD

Conformity Assessment, Testing, Inspection & Certification Cooperation

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/International Standards, Policy & Regulatory Cooperation

SECONDARYEDADACAF

Continuing Education (CE/CPD) & Provider Accreditation Bodies

Education/Education Administration, Accreditation & Policy/Accreditation Bodies (Institutional & Programmatic)

Keywords

• Sign language interpreting
• Interpreter certification services
• Professional association membership
• Code of professional ethics
• Affiliate chapter network

Headquarters

HQ city

Oshawa

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: CASLI generates revenue primarily through annual membership fees from Active interpreters (ASL-English, LSQ-French, Deaf interpreters), Student members, and Subscribers. Membership fees are set by the Board and vary by member type, Affiliate Chapter affiliation, age (60+ discount), first-time member discount, and lapsed status. Dual membership in CASLI and an Affiliate Chapter is mandatory for members in provinces with chapters.
2. Subscription Services: Non-members (e.g., employers of interpreters, agencies, Deaf community members, IEP coordinators) can subscribe for announcements and current information about the Association and the profession. Subscribers must dual-subscribe to CASLI and at least one Affiliate Chapter.
3. Conference Revenue: CASLI hosts biennial conferences every other summer, organized by Affiliate Chapters. Delegates attend two days of professional development and two days of CASLI business meetings. Revenue is generated through conference registration fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CASLI is the only national certifying body for ASL-English interpreters in Canada, administering the Canadian Evaluation System (CES) that grants the Certificate of Interpretation (COI). It serves as a non-profit professional association delivering membership services, a Code of Ethics, a Professional Conduct Review Process, an online Interpreter Directory, biennial conferences, position papers, and an awards program, supported by 7 Affiliate Chapters across Canada.

Product overview

The Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) is a non-profit professional association that serves as the sole certifying body for ASL-English interpreters in Canada. CASLI offers a unified portfolio of products and services centered on professional standards and member support. The core offerings include the Canadian Evaluation System (CES) for certification, the Professional Conduct Review Process for accountability, an Interpreter Directory for public access to qualified interpreters, and a comprehensive Code of Ethics with Guidelines for Professional Conduct. Supporting offerings include Position Papers & Resources, biennial CASLI Conferences, an Awards Program recognizing excellence in the field, and membership services with multiple tiers (Active, Student, and Subscriber) requiring dual affiliation with regional chapters. The organization was established in 1979 and operates affiliate chapters across Canada.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Canadian Evaluation System (CES) Certification National certification program administered by CASLI for ASL-English interpreters in Canada. Candidates complete a written test, professional development workshops, and a skills test; successful candidates are granted the Certificate of Interpretation (COI), the only credential authorized to use the title "certified interpreter" in Canada.
• Online Interpreter Directory Public online directory of active CASLI members in good standing who have opted to be publicly listed. Enables searches by province, city, membership type, COI certification status, and experience settings (legal, medical, educational, community, etc.). Used by organizations and individuals to find qualified interpreters.
• Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct Ethical framework that guides all CASLI members in their professional practice. Covers professional accountability, competence, non-discrimination, integrity in professional relationships, and integrity in business practices. Available in English, French, and ASL versions.
• Professional Conduct Review Process (PCRP) Accountability mechanism by which CASLI addresses breaches of ethical or professional conduct by individual members. Protects the public by enforcing the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct and providing a formal review path for complaints.
• Membership Services Annual membership program for professional sign language interpreters with tiered categories: Active Members (ASL-English, LSQ-French, Deaf Interpreters), Student Members, and Subscribers (non-members). Membership includes access to the Code of Ethics, Professional Conduct Review Process, biennial conferences, professional development, and the directory. Dual membership with local Affiliate Chapters is mandatory where chapters exist.
• CASLI Biennial Conferences Biennial national conferences hosted by Affiliate Chapters, featuring two days of professional development sessions, two days of CASLI business meetings, and award ceremonies. Generates registration revenue and serves as a major member engagement and recruitment touchpoint.
• CASLI Awards Program Recognition program featuring four primary awards: Edward C. Bealer Award of Merit (biennial, for outstanding contribution to the field), Phyllis Joynt Mentorship Award (biennial, for interpreter mentorship), R.W. Letourneau Service Award (biennial, for sustained service to CASLI), and David Still Memorial IEP Graduating Student Award (annual, $500 to a graduating IEP student). Includes a President's Award.
• Position Papers & Professional Resources Official position papers on key practice areas including Deaf Interpreting, Use of the Term "Certified Interpreter" in Canada, Educational Interpreting, Health and Safety, Team Interpreting, Video Relay Services, and Video Remote Interpreting. Establishes CASLI as the authoritative voice on professional interpreting practice.

Quantifiable outcome

• WAVLI (BC) achieved Occupational Title Protection in July 2011 — a first for sign language interpreter chapters in Canada.

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Association québécoise des interprètes en langues des signes (AQILS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 July 2016On July 13, 2016, CASLI and AQILS signed a Memorandum of Understanding solidifying their agreement to work in close partnership for the future benefit of sign language interpreters throughout Canada. Representatives meet in person at conferences and schedule annual in-person meetings in non-conference years. Presidents and board designates stay in contact via email or video chat.
• Joint Communication Team (JCT) - Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf (CCSD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 July 2010On July 6, 2010, the presidents of CCSD, CAD-ASC (Canadian Association of the Deaf/Association des Sourds du Canada), and CASLI signed a Joint Statement solidifying their agreement to work in close partnership for the future benefit of Canadian Deaf people who use Sign Languages and professional interpreters. Representatives meet in person at each CASLI conference and schedule annual in-person meetings in non-conference years.
• Joint Communication Team (JCT) - Canadian Association of the Deaf/Association des Sourds du Canada (CAD-ASC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 July 2010On July 6, 2010, the presidents of CCSD, CAD-ASC, and CASLI signed a Joint Statement solidifying their agreement to work in close partnership for the future benefit of Canadian Deaf people who use Sign Languages and professional interpreters. Representatives meet in person at each CASLI conference and schedule annual in-person meetings in non-conference years.
• Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA)minorOthersListed as an external resource link on CASLI's External Resources page. ATIA is a professional association for translators and interpreters in Alberta.
• Association of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters of Manitoba (ATIM)minorOthersListed as an external resource link on CASLI's External Resources page.
• Association of Translators and Interpreters of Nova Scotia (ATINS)minorOthersListed as an external resource link on CASLI's External Resources page.
• Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO)minorOthersListed as an external resource link on CASLI's External Resources page.
• Canadian Association of the Deaf/Association des Sourds du Canada (CAD-ASC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as an external resource link and as a Joint Communication Team partner. CAD-ASC is the national consumer organization representing Deaf Canadians.
• Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC)minorOthersListed as an external resource link on CASLI's External Resources page. CTTIC is the national umbrella organization for translators and interpreters in Canada.
• Corporation of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters of New Brunswick (CTINB)minorOthersListed as an external resource link on CASLI's External Resources page.
• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as an external resource link. RID is the US-based national membership organization for interpreters. CASLI previously accepted RID certification as equivalent for Active membership criteria, but this was removed per Motion OT10G-26.
• World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as an external resource link. WASLI is a global association serving the needs of sign language interpreters worldwide.
• World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as an external resource link. WFD is an international non-governmental organization representing Deaf people worldwide.
• Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT)minorOthersListed as an external resource link on CASLI's External Resources page. CIT supports interpreter education and training.
• Canadian Hearing Services (CHS)minorOthersListed as an external resource link on CASLI's External Resources page. CHS is a leading provider of services, products, and education for Deaf and hard of hearing people in Canada.
• Critical Link InternationalminorOthersListed as an external resource link. Critical Link is the International Council for the Development of Community Interpreting.
• Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ)minorOthersListed as an external resource link. OTTIAQ is the regulatory body for translators, terminologists and interpreters in Quebec.
• The Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia (STIBC)minorOthersListed as an external resource link on CASLI's External Resources page.
• Translation Bureau (Public Works and Government Services Canada)minorOthersListed as an external resource link on CASLI's External Resources page. The Translation Bureau is a government service for translation and interpretation.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC): CTTIC is the Canadian national umbrella organization for translators, terminologists, and spoken-language interpreters, with certification processes for these adjacent professions. It is a peer in professional certification infrastructure, though it does not specialize in sign language.

Regional players

• Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ): OTTIAQ is the regulatory body for translators, terminologists, and interpreters in Quebec, holding statutory authority to grant professional titles in that province. It is a regional peer that overlaps with CASLI's interpretive certification scope, particularly for LSQ-French members practicing in Quebec.

Direct peers

• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID): RID is the U.S. national professional membership organization for sign language interpreters, offering certification (NIC), a Code of Professional Conduct, and an online member directory. It is the closest direct peer to CASLI, with CASLI previously having accepted RID certification as equivalent for Active membership criteria.
• Association québécoise des interprètes en langues des signes (AQILS): AQILS is the Quebec professional association for sign language interpreters, with which CASLI signed an MOU in 2016 to coordinate across Canada. AQILS functions as both a peer and a strategic partner, particularly for LSQ-French interpreters not fully served by CASLI.

Others

• Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT): CIT supports interpreter education and training at the international level. It is an ecosystem peer that overlaps with CASLI's relationships with Interpreter Education Programs (IEPs) and influences interpreter training standards.
• Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters (WAVLI): WAVLI is CASLI's BC Affiliate Chapter, listed separately because it holds Occupational Title Protection from the BC government (since 2011). It operates as both an affiliate and a quasi-independent regional certifying body, providing a relevant comparison point for chapter-level governance.
• Canadian Hearing Services (CHS): CHS is a leading provider of services, products, and education for Deaf and hard of hearing people in Canada. While not a certification body, it is an ecosystem participant that delivers interpreting services and overlaps with CASLI's downstream market.

Broad incumbents

• World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI): WASLI is the global umbrella association serving sign language interpreters worldwide, analogous to CASLI but at the international level. It sets broader professional standards and represents national interpreter associations like CASLI at the global stage.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/canadian-association-of-sign-language-interpreters-casli

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters