Rural Communication Access Services (RCAS) provides sign language interpreting and CART captioning (Communication Access Realtime Translation) services to rural areas of the state at no charge to those communities. RCAS also provides training opportunities and certification testing support for auxiliary services providers who are willing to accept jobs in rural areas of the state.
NEW!
We have completed the rulemaking process, and are updating our resources to reflect our new Rural Communication Access Services program!
Review new rules, policies, and guidelines
Rural Communication Access Services Program 27.300 Final Rule
(PDF version available here)
Rural Communication Access Services Program Policy and Guidelines
(PDF version available here)
Visit our Rural Services Proposed Rule webpage for more rulemaking information.
Requesting an Interpreter or Captioner
Sign Language Interpreting and CART Captioning Services
- Services provided at no charge to rural communities.
- Make requests at least two weeks in advance if possible.
- Requests submitted with less notice may not be filled.
- Emergencies are the exception.
About Rural Communication Access Services
All files are hosted in Google Drive. Please select “Download” or “Make a Copy” to obtain a version you can edit.
- List of Communication Access Services Vendors
The Rural Communication Access Services Provider List is available to help people find sign language interpreters and CART Captioning (Communication Access Realtime Translation) providers. The list shows which providers are certified/qualified for interpreting and captioning in general community settings.
Certified Interpreting and Captioners
NOTE: Under Colorado law, law enforcement and prosecutorial personnel must utilize The Legal Auxiliary Services Referral Resource List to secure Court/Legal qualified providers for situations involving arrest and witness/victim interviews. See C.R.S sections 13-90-202(1), 13-90-204(1)(d) and (f); 13-90-205(3).
Legal Auxiliary Services Referral Resource List
- Become an RCAS vendor
If you want to be a freelance interpreter/independent contractor with RCAS, please visit our vendor webpage.
- RCAS Brochure
- Training and Scholarships
Rural Interpreter Skills Enhancement (RISE) Project
The University of Northern Colorado in collaboration with the Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind is offering a no-cost 16-month online training.
The training is available to hearing ASL-English practitioners who…
Live in or are interested in working in rural communities in Colorado Are seeking to develop their interpreting knowledge and skills Are looking to be credentialed to interpret in community settings
Additional sign language interpreting training and test certification scholarship opportunities are in development.
Feel free to contact RAS with questions: ras.ccdhhdb@state.co.us or 720-457-3679.
Visit the RISE Project WebsiteCONTACT INFORMATION
Susan E. Brown, Project Director
susan.brown@unco.edu or 970-351-3314- Access Needs of Colorado's Rural Communities - Presentation and Materials
In July of 2022, Commission staff presented at the National Association for the Deaf’s 56th Biennial Conference in Orlando, Florida. Below are the presentation and additional materials.
Additional materials for review
- Video 1 – Barriers in Rural Communities | (Video 1 Transcript)
- Video 2 – Training Programs | (Video 2 Transcript)
- Video 3 – Origins | (Video 3 Transcript)
- Rural Auxiliary Services – Infographic (PDF)
- Rational Discrimination and Shared Compliance – Article (PDF)
- Telephone Users with Disabilities Fund – Statutes (DOC)
- CCDHHDB – Statutes (DOC)
- Frequently Asked Questions
Program Contact
Legal Auxiliary Services Program
Trish Leakey, Auxiliary Services Program Manager