SIGNING AIDES · AGES 2–22 & ADULT PROGRAMS
From the classroom to community programs, RISE Signing Aides work alongside your team to model ASL, reinforce learning, and support communication, social connection, and individual goals.
Request a Signing Aide Call (951) 565-4422
LANGUAGE + HANDS-ON SUPPORT
Signing Aides work under the direction of on-site staff. They provide direct language modeling and hands-on assistance, helping Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals participate more fully in learning, daily activities, and social interaction.
Duties are tailored to the assignment. A Signing Aide does not replace a qualified interpreter when interpreting services are needed.
Provides consistent opportunities to communicate using ASL in everyday settings.
Supports lessons and activities under the direction of the teacher or program staff.
Encourages communication, interaction, and participation with peers and staff.
Helps reinforce communication, learning, and applicable IEP or program goals.
FIND THE RIGHT SUPPORT
From school settings through adulthood. Explore each option and share the downloadable one-page flyer with your team.
SCHOOL-AGE SERVICES · AGES 2–22
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
Dedicated support for one Deaf or hard-of-hearing student, on-site or online where appropriate.
CLASSROOM SUPPORT
General classroom support for multiple Deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT
Communication assistance and supportive supervision during the school commute.
BEYOND K–12
COLLEGE & VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Language and academic support for Deaf+ college and vocational students, often alongside an interpreter or tutor.
ADULT & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Individualized support for Deaf adults with intellectual disabilities in day programs, group homes, assisted living, and respite settings.
WHICH SERVICE FITS?
Each role provides a different kind of support. This comparison can help you choose; our team can also help determine what is appropriate for your setting.
| Signing Aide | ASL Interpreter | Deaf Interpreter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Hands-on support, direct communication, and ASL language modeling. | Interprets between ASL and spoken English to support communication. | A Deaf professional who may work in a team with a hearing ASL interpreter. |
| Often requested for | Classroom or program activities, transitions, social skills, and individualized daily support. | Classroom instruction, meetings, assessments, appointments, and other interpreting needs. | Complex communication needs, including atypical or emerging language. |
| Important distinction | May provide limited interpreting but is not a substitute for a qualified interpreter when one is needed. | Focuses on interpreting; does not act as a classroom or behavioral aide. | Works as part of an interpreting approach suited to the individual’s communication needs. |
On smaller screens, swipe across the comparison table to see all three roles.
Request interpreting services → Tips on working with an interpreter →
READY FOR THE SETTING
Signing Aides bring a passion for serving the Deaf community, with training and support relevant to their assignments.
Assignment-specific duties and qualifications are reviewed based on the support requested.
SIMPLE NEXT STEPS
Share the age, program, location, schedule, and support goals through our request form or by phone.
Our team works to identify an appropriate service provider and can help clarify when interpreting is a better fit.
From morning drop-off to the final bell, your aide works alongside your team wherever the student needs support. For students who ride the bus, a bus companion can ride with them to and from home.
HELPFUL ANSWERS
Deaf+ is commonly used for Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals who also have one or more additional disabilities.
No. An aide provides hands-on support and language modeling with limited interpreting. For intakes, IEP meetings, continuous interpreting and other formal settings, we recommend an ASL interpreter.
RISE provides school-age Signing Aide services for students ages 2–22, as well as support for college and vocational students and eligible Deaf+ adults in community and adult programs.
Some services, including 1:1 and post-secondary support, may be available remotely depending on the assignment and the individual’s needs. Contact us to review the options.
Yes. Share the anticipated schedule, duration, and program needs in the request form, and our team can review coverage and next steps.
Some specialized services may be available through appropriately matched 1:1 assignments. Responsibilities and limits differ by service; please discuss the specific needs with RISE before scheduling.
RISE Signing Aides are available in Southern California: Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, and LA County.
We’ll help identify an appropriate service and review the next steps with your team.
Interested in becoming a Signing Aide with RISE? Explore career opportunities →
Are you ready to communicate more clearly through professional, engaging ASL interpreting? Call us today to request an interpreter.
CALL (951) 565-4422 Request an Interpreter