American Sign Language Training and Support Service – 12201

SERVICE POLICY

Service Code 644

Purpose of Service
Functional communication skills, including expressive and receptive communication using American Sign Language (ASL), are skills that are important for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind. The ability to effectively communicate with others enhances individuals’ ability to meet wants and needs, access the community, and develop relationships, among other important life functions.

The ASL Training and Support Service must be provided by qualified staff (defined as achieving a “Superior” level of fluency in the ASL Proficiency examination). The service is designed to enhance individuals’ functional communication skills while reducing reliance on home signs through the use of formal ASL.

Provision of Service
ASL Training and Support Service is available for children and adults. In addition to training and support for individuals, this service can be used to train direct support professionals and family members while the individual is present, to promote more cultural and linguistic understanding in the natural environment. These services also may work with individuals and providers to incorporate use of and learning through Alternative Augmentative Communication devices, ASL online resources and online ASL content to increase engagement, all when learning ASL.

ASL Training and Support services are not designed to replace any other services, including care and supervision. They should be used to improve communication between service providers or family members and the person receiving services. This service shall not supplant or replace the need for formal interpretation services.
The Individual Program Plan/Individualized Family Services Plan process will determine on an individual basis the level of need for the ASL Training and Support Service.

Exception Policy
Tri-Counties Regional Center recognizes that some individual needs are so unique that they may not be addressed in this Service Policy and may require an exception. Such requests for an exception to a Service Policy will be made through the Planning Team Process.

Approvals:

• 2026 05 08: TCADD Board