Spend money to hire an ASL interpreter
An American Sign Language interpreter allows the deaf and hard of hearing to participate in the lecture period of each event.
An ASL interpreter costs about $126 per event, according to the Interpretation Coordinator at the Chicago Hearing Society. "Event" means 2 hours, which is the minimum time, and includes through the announcement of breakout groups.
The cost would be less if you contact directly with an individual, instead of going through an agency like Chicago Hearing Society.
Karl Fogel Wed 10 Aug 2016 3:50AM
I will follow up about this, find interpreters, figure out tryout dates with them, etc. See the Leadership Council notes from 2016-08-09 for details.
Derek Eder Wed 19 Oct 2016 4:36AM
Update on this - we had our first event with a sign language interpreter! We're going to try and keep it going for the next few presentations, at least.
@karlfogel when you get it, please share what the cost was!
@karlfogel, through Open Tech Strategies will cover the interpreter costs for 10/25
@stevenvance, through Chicago Cityscape will cover the interpreter costs for 11/1
Woo!
Bonnie Fan Wed 7 Dec 2016 2:37AM
Deaf Communication by Innovation?
http://www.deafcomm.net/
Steven Vance Wed 7 Dec 2016 7:38PM
I'm looking into that company now. Thanks Bonnie.
Derek Eder Tue 24 Jan 2017 3:50AM
Update on this: we have committed to providing an ASL interpreter for every hack night in 2017.
We have been able to line up several interpreters at a rate of $150 per night, and thanks to @stevenvance and @karlfogel, we have funding secured through at least April.
Currently fundraising for the rest of the year.
Steve Ediger (ChiCommons) · Thu 2 Jun 2016 11:40PM
Yes, this would be a good thing. I've noticed recently that someone is bringing their own team when they come. If we provided the service, we might attract others.