Centralized Interpreter Referral Service (CIRS)

About Centralized Interpreter Referral Service (CIRS)

For more than 30 years, HASA has been connecting individuals by scheduling reliable, high-quality interpreting services. HASA’s Centralized Interpreter Referral Service (CIRS) is the only nonprofit provider of sign language interpreting services in Maryland. We serve businesses, public institutions, medical institutions, individuals, and families. To support communication access and equity, we also offer a robust catalog of American Sign Language (ASL) classes, and Interpreter Mentoring Program, and educational workshops both at our headquarters and in the community. CIRS has been serving the community since 1986- before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) required institutions to provide interpreters- demonstrating our long commitment to service.

CIRS schedulers work hard to complete every interpreter request and in doing so, they curate a list of potential interpreters appropriate for the request based on interpreters’ skill levels, type of sign language needed (ASL, signed English, etc.), gender preference, and other special considerations. Then CIRS schedulers contact that curated list to identify and confirm CIRS independent contractors who would be the best fit and are available to work requests.

CIRS interpreters commit to abide by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of Ethics to effectively work in the role of an interpreter. It is imperative that they avoid taking on roles of a consultant, advocate, sign-language instructor, or expert on Deaf culture (if those services are required, please contact a member of the CIRS team).

CIRS clients appreciate our nonprofit status and reasonable rates. We recognize that each interpreter request is unique and strive to tailor our services to fit your needs. Our network of interpreters is available to individuals, organizations, and corporations around the clock, every day of the year by calling 410.318.6780 x200 or emailing cirs@hasa.org.