Rural Auxiliary Services (RAS) provides sign language interpreting and captioning (Communication Access Realtime Translation, or CART) services to rural areas of the state at no charge to those communities. RAS also provides training opportunities and certification testing support for auxiliary services providers who are willing to take work in rural areas of the state.
NEW!
We are hosting virtual town-hall sessions to discuss a brand-new proposed rule regarding Rural Auxiliary Services.
Visit our Rural Services Proposed Rule webpage for more information.
Requesting an Interpreter or Captioner
Sign Language Interpreting and CART Services
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Services provided at no charge to rural communities.
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Make requests at least two weeks in advance if possible.
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Requests submitted with less notice may not be filled.
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Emergencies are the exception.
About Rural Auxiliary Services
All files are hosted in Google Drive. Please select “Download” or “Make a Copy” to obtain a version you can edit.
- List of Auxiliary Services Vendors
The Rural Auxiliary Services Provider List is available to help people find sign language interpreters and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) 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
- To become an RAS vendor
If you would like to become a freelance interpreter/independent contractor with RAS, please complete and submit the following paperwork to ras.ccdhhdb@state.co.us:
CCDHHDB data sheet for independent contractors
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) form (for direct deposit of payments)
Colorado Secretary of state website (for business/trade names)
- RAS 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