jordansangalang.com

Tag: deaf

  • Making Accessibility Real

    How Asign Inc. Connects Organizations with Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and DeafBlind Canadians

    Hi, I’m Jordan Sangalang. I’m a Business Development Specialist at Asign Inc.—a Canadian-owned, Canadian-led company that helps organizations make their services accessible through sign language. If you’re a decision-maker, an accessibility lead, or you’re just starting to explore what inclusion looks like for your organization, this is for you.

    I’m Deaf. I’m based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. And I’ve spent my career in the space where accessibility meets business. What drives me is simple: every time an organization becomes more accessible, real people get better access to healthcare, education, government services, and opportunities they didn’t have before. That’s not just a mission statement—it’s something I’ve seen happen.

    What Asign Inc. Actually Does

    So what does Asign Inc. do? We provide two core services across Canada. Let me start with the one that changes how organizations think about accessibility.

    Asign On is our video remote interpreting platform. This is on-demand VRI. If a client needs an ASL or LSQ interpreter right now—not tomorrow, not next week—Asign On makes that happen in seconds. No scheduling. No waiting. No barriers. You open the platform, you connect, and you’re communicating. It’s the fastest way to connect with Deaf or hard-of-hearing customers, employees, or clients.

    We also offer scheduled interpreting—both in-person and remote—when you know exactly when and where you need support. And for organizations with written or pre-recorded content, we provide translation services from English into ASL and from French into LSQ.

    Bottom line: whether it’s on-demand, scheduled, in-person, remote, or translation, we build a communication solution that fits how you actually work.

    Who We Work With

    Our clients come from across sectors—financial services, government, transportation, corporate, and beyond. If your organization needs to communicate with Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or DeafBlind Canadians, we’ll build a solution that fits your specific context.

    Every sector has its own terminology, its own regulatory environment, and its own communication challenges. Our interpreters become subject matter experts on your business—so when they show up, they already understand your world.

    Who This Actually Reaches

    Let’s talk about who this work reaches: the Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and DeafBlind communities across Canada, in both ASL and LSQ. Whether someone is accessing a service, sitting in a meeting, or watching your content, our interpreting and translation work is what makes that experience equitable.

    Accessibility isn’t a checkbox. It’s about dignity. It’s about making sure no one gets left out because the information wasn’t available in their language.

    Why Organizations Choose Asign Inc.

    So why do organizations choose Asign Inc.?

    First, we’ve been doing this since 1997. That’s nearly three decades of interpreting and translation expertise. We’re certified with the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the Canadian Language Industry Association (CLIA). We’re also certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise with WBE Canada and WeConnect International.

    Second, our interpreters are professionals at the highest level. They carry security clearances ranging from Reliability to Top Secret. They receive ongoing professional development and mentorship. When you work with us, you’re getting interpreters who are continuously learning and improving.

    And third, we’re Canadian-owned and Canadian-led. We understand the Canadian landscape: the bilingual English-French context, the regulatory environment, and the unique needs of organizations operating across provinces. But more than that—we’re community-driven. We’re deeply connected to the Deaf community. Its language. Its culture. Its diversity. That connection isn’t an afterthought—it’s the foundation of everything we do.

    Trust Matters

    This introduction exists so that when someone looks me up, they know exactly who they’re dealing with before they even reach out. Trust matters in this space. When you’re hiring someone to make your organization accessible, you need to know they understand the stakes.

    You need to know they have the certifications, the experience, and the track record. Asign Inc. does. And I’m here to make sure you get the right solution—not a one-size-fits-all package, but something built around your actual needs.

    Where Do We Start?

    If you’re thinking, “Okay, where do we start?”—here’s what I’d suggest: reach out. Let’s have a conversation about what your organization needs. No pressure. We’ll talk about your goals, your audience, and whether Asign Inc. is the right fit.

    You can contact me directly, or visit asign.ca to learn more.

    Need accessible, on-demand sign language solutions for your organization? Let’s talk.

    Thanks for reading. I’m Jordan Sangalang, Business Development Specialist at Asign Inc. Looking forward to connecting.

  • Bridging the Gap: Effective Communication Between Hearing and Deaf Individuals

    In our connected world, communication builds relationships, fosters understanding, and promotes inclusivity. For Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, communicating with hearing people who may not know sign language can be challenging. Fortunately, various tools, technologies, and methods exist to bridge this gap and enable meaningful interactions.

    Exploring Communication Options

    Several approaches facilitate communication between Deaf and hearing individuals:

    In-Person Sign Language Interpreters

    In-person interpreters provide face-to-face support, enabling natural and nuanced communication. They often specialize in fields like medical or legal interpreting, ensuring accuracy. For instance, in healthcare settings, interpreters help Deaf patients and providers communicate effectively.

    Video/Virtual Remote Interpreting (VRI)

    VRI offers remote access to interpreters anytime, anywhere, making it ideal for social gatherings, business meetings, or casual chats. Whether it’s a formal discussion or a spontaneous conversation, VRI ensures accessible and convenient communication.

    The Value of Small Talk

    Casual conversations—about the weather or weekend plans—build trust and strengthen social bonds. For Deaf and hearing individuals, interpreters or communication tools make these interactions more engaging and meaningful.

    Video Conferencing Platforms

    Platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams offer live captions, video chat, and screen-sharing, enabling remote communication for virtual meetings, classes, or social events.

    Messaging Apps

    Apps with video call features, such as WhatsApp or FaceTime, provide free or low-cost ways to communicate in real time, perfect for quick questions or in-depth discussions.

    Sign Language Dictionaries and Resources

    Online sign language dictionaries and tutorials help both Deaf and hearing individuals learn and refine their signing skills. These resources offer lessons, new signs, and answers to common questions.

    Additional Tools

    Real-time transcription apps, voice assistance tools, and sign language translation apps enhance communication by providing captions or translating signs during conversations.

    Best Practices for Effective Communication

    To communicate successfully, follow these guidelines:

    1. Clarity: Ensure everyone understands the communication method, tools, and expectations.
    2. Respect and Patience: Allow time for processing and clarification, maintaining a respectful tone.
    3. Cultural Awareness: Be sensitive to cultural differences to ensure inclusive communication.
    4. Adaptability: Use different tools or methods as needed to suit the situation.

    Real-World Applications

    These tools shine in various scenarios:

    • Healthcare: In-person interpreters or VRI help Deaf patients communicate with doctors.
    • Workplace: Video conferencing or VRI supports collaboration between Deaf and hearing colleagues.
    • Social Settings: Messaging apps or VRI connect Deaf and hearing friends or family.

    Conclusion

    Effective communication between Deaf and hearing individuals relies on understanding, respect, and the right tools. By leveraging interpreters, VRI, video platforms, messaging apps, and other technologies, we can break down barriers and create inclusive conversations. Every interaction—big or small—matters, and accessible communication ensures everyone’s voice is heard.

  • Deaf and Burned by MLM? It Might’ve Been a Pyramid Scheme — Here’s the Truth

    Recently, a video went viral in the Deaf community. A Deaf person shared their personal story about being involved in an MLM (multi-level marketing) business and strongly discouraged others from joining one.

    I want to offer a different perspective — not to dismiss anyone’s experience, but to clarify what many people are actually talking about when they say “MLM.” Because here’s the truth: what most people are calling MLM is really a pyramid scheme in disguise.

    And that difference matters. A lot.

    Let’s Start With the Basics: What’s the Difference?

    A pyramid scheme is an illegal and unethical business model. It focuses solely (or mostly) on recruiting others, with little to no real product being sold. These kinds of schemes are built like a house of cards — as soon as people stop recruiting, the entire structure collapses.

    On the other hand, a legitimate MLM or network marketing company is product-driven. The income comes from selling products, and while recruiting is an option, it is not required to make money. A true MLM allows someone to earn commissions purely from product sales.

    What Went Wrong for Many People

    The truth is, many people feel burned not because of MLM itself, but because of how they were introduced to it. Some common issues:

    • They joined something that was unsustainable from the start
    • They were pressured with hype and emotional manipulation
    • They didn’t receive proper support, mentorship, or training
    • They were promised “easy money” with no real effort or skill building

    That’s not ethical. And I don’t support that kind of approach.

    In fact, one of the worst things I’ve seen is people pressuring others to join — especially when they know the person is already in a financially stressful situation. That’s not only unethical, it’s predatory.

    But Let’s Also Be Honest About This…

    Yes, there are people out there who know how to press all the right buttons to make you sign up.

    But at the end of the day, we all have to own our decisions.

    That person said what you wanted to hear. They gave you hope, desire, possibility — and maybe, in that moment, you didn’t stop to ask the hard questions. You didn’t let yourself be skeptical.

    And I get it. You were looking for a way out. A way forward. But blaming “MLM” as a whole might be the wrong target.

    There Is a Right Way to Do This

    I’ve been in the world of high-ticket sales and network marketing for a while. And when done right, there’s so much value that can come from it — especially if you’re Deaf and want more control over your time and income.

    Through a legitimate MLM or sales mentorship program, you can learn:

    • How to persuade and influence ethically
    • How to sell with confidence
    • How to speak clearly and communicate value
    • How to build an online business from anywhere

    These aren’t just business skills — these are life skills. Whether you stay in MLM or move on to something else, those skills stay with you.

    So What Should You Do Next?

    Be smart. Be cautious. Do your research. Ask questions before jumping in. Make sure it’s product-based. Make sure there’s mentorship and training. And make sure you’re not being pressured into something that doesn’t feel right.

    But don’t let one bad experience (yours or someone else’s) block you from building a better future on your terms.

    Ready to Build an Online Business Your Way?

    If you’re Deaf and want to build an online business your way — with the right guidance, without pressure, and based on real skills — I’d love to connect.

    Fill out the form below to book a call with me:

  • Are Caption Glasses Truly Accessible for Deaf Individuals?

    There’s been recent buzz about caption glasses, with some in the Deaf community feeling they exploit rather than empower. As a Deaf individual who communicates in ASL, I wanted to share my perspective.

    What Caption Glasses Offer

    Caption glasses can provide one-way access to information—primarily converting spoken language into English captions. While this may be useful in some contexts, it doesn’t create an inclusive environment for ASL users like me. Conversations require two-way communication, and captions don’t allow me to contribute equally.

    Free or Affordable Alternatives

    Many free apps offer similar or even better voice-to-text capabilities:

    • Otter AI
    • Microsoft Translator
    • Google Transcribe
    • Apple Live Caption

    Other tools include:

    • Apple Notes
    • Google Docs
    • Cardzilla

    These apps are either free or far more affordable than the steep price of caption glasses.

    What’s Missing? Sign Language Access

    Relying solely on captions ignores the importance of sign language for full inclusivity. Tools like VRI On-Demand (Video Remote Interpreting) can bridge this gap, allowing real-time conversations in ASL.

    What’s Your Experience?

    Have you tried caption glasses or other tools? Do you know of accessible solutions that prioritize sign language? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

  • What is a creative outlet? (And how do I leverage it to make an impact?)

    I asked Chat GPT this question and this is the response I received:

    A creative outlet is a means of expressing oneself and channeling creativity. It can be any activity or medium that allows individuals to explore their imagination, emotions, and ideas. Examples of creative outlets include painting, writing, playing an instrument, dancing, crafting, and photography. Engaging in a creative outlet can bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of personal expression. It can also serve as a way to relieve stress and explore new possibilities.

    It’s pretty accurate in what I do. I love what I do because it is an outlet where I can manifest my creativity. With the ability to connect and converse with people sparks my creativity whether they’re roadblocks, barriers, or conflicts. Like diamonds, they are a result of being under pressure. Creativity is like that under some kind of restriction and results into something beautiful out of it.

    As a Deaf person, the problem isn’t me being Deaf or even Deafness itself. It’s the systemic barriers being imposed. In my case, I’m referring to audism. It’s always been there long before it even had a name. Like death, it’s inevitable. So, we just need to learn to manage it with tools and resources with a community. It’s a team effort and requires a community to make it through.

    However, it’s deeper than that. It’s all from within. Our drive, perseverance and more importantly, our mindset. What drives our mindset though is finding and understanding our why. By focusing on audism, we’re just simply banging ourselves against a wall. Like I mentioned, death is inevitable. So, what do families do in preparation for death? They get life insurance, critical illness, wills, estates and a funeral plan.

    With audism, we create inclusion and access by raising awareness about Deaf Culture, teach ASL, provide ASL interpreting services, and so on. There are many ways Deaf people and allies with entrepreneurial spirits pushing through to create solutions getting over the hurdle.

    This goes back to what I love I’m doing. Creating stories, creating solutions that matter and creating impact. My creative outlet is an opportunity to transform Deaf lives and the community through meaningful conversations.

  • Day One

    A couple of weeks ago, I started following some fathers or dads with social media accounts. Since I’m a dad, of course, I was curious to know what others were doing. I was intrigued. What triggered me to look for accounts for ideas and inspiration is that I am Deaf and a dad. Hence, you see me use these together Deaf dad. Just pronouncing this rolls off my tongue well. It’s like music and beats on my tongue. Anyway, yes, as a Deaf dad, I bump into other parents at my toddler’s school. These parents are not Deaf and they don’t know ASL. So, there is usually some barrier imposed between us each time we’re there in person. Kind of like a glass wall between us where we make eye contact, smile and wave. Then give the thumbs-up gesture on how we’re doing then we move on to doing what we have to do with our kids.

    These parents have never met or known Deaf people or the community. Or are aware of what values lie within being Deaf and using ASL as a natural language. There have been times when we say we like to get together to learn ASL. Usually, this doesn’t happen. So, this is where I come in. I’ll be more active and intentional with my presence on social media as a Deaf dad. Of course, the most important thing, I want to do as a Deaf dad is to be there for my kids. As well as be there for my spouse. Be the Deaf dad I want to be for my family. I’m not gonna lie, it’s hard. Hard to do while working a full-time job, doing freelance work, and Deaf dad duties.

    So, this is my Day One post. Or maybe Week One. Originally, I wanted to post weekly blogs and as I started, my fingers just rolled into typing Day One. So, I’ll roll with it.

    Thanks for reading this far! This is the beginning of my blogging about my Deaf dad journey here. Actually, I think I’ll go with Deaf dad diary. Will roll with it as well. Anyway, comment below! So I can get to know you and what you’d like to learn as I go!

  • Wrapping Up 2022

    As we are wrapping up 2022, as a Deaf parent myself, it appears things aligned. It’s as if life is working things out on its own with my inner manifestation. “What was your inner manifestation?” you may wonder. I wanted to create and be in an environment where Deaf people can thrive with hearing people. And, sure enough, here I am!

    A little background in a nutshell (will try!): I was born Deaf but my parents didn’t know till I was 2. I didn’t learn ASL till I was about 8 years old. This was about the same time I started to bloom at the school for the Deaf and then graduated from a Deaf school. After graduating, I:

    • Attended community college and got my A.A. (graduated with honours!)

    • Got my B.A. at UBC (and graduated with an average of 69% which included the courses I failed)

    • Completed my M.A. at Gallaudet University by defending my thesis called “What is Privacy in Deaf Space?”.

    • Also, I got accepted into a Ph.D. program at the University of Manitoba (but I dropped out after a semester and a half).

    Meanwhile, I was already working to pay off my 6-figure student loan racked up. I took up several jobs doing:

    • Contract work teaching in universities

    • Working full-time as a manager at a social services agency. This is where we had Deaf people at the leadership level including Deaf people on the front lines.

    While working the full-time jobs I mentioned, I:

    • started freelancing doing ASL translations

    • co-founded 100 Decibels: A Deaf Mime Troupe

    • was a landlord for a rental property (later sold).

    With all this happening, I was able to pay off my student loans.

    Then something amazing happened, got married and had kids. My spouse is hearing and our kids are… Deaf. Both have the same thing I have – bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. I had the opportunity to take parental leave for a year to bond with them while they were little. Then an opportunity came up. I took a job at a Deaf-owned and Deaf-led startup. Even more so, my spouse and I enrolled our oldest toddler at a school for the Deaf (where they hired a Deaf principal!)

    So, this is where I am today – in an environment where it is Deaf-led and Deaf-owned. It’s very fascinating how this is coming to and I’m grateful for this journey I’m in. So, back to the question, What was my inner manifestation? The drive I had in me was to contribute what I have to offer by showing Deaf people have value in the world. Back then I did it for myself only. Now with a growing family (hearing spouse and Deaf toddlers), the things I do in life are myself AND my family. Most parents of Deaf children, I’m still learning and rolling in with the punches. The journey doesn’t stop here. We’re wrapping up 2022 and entering into the new year 2023. The best is yet to come!

    What’s next for me here is to connect with parents of Deaf children. And share a bit about my journey and some things I’m learning as a Deaf dad to my Deaf kiddos and husband to my non-Deaf wife. Looking forward to connecting with new folks in the new year! See you all next year!