HB 5487, An Act Establishing A Career Pipeline For American Sign Language Interpreting And Increasing State Assistance For Persons Who Are Blind Or Visually Impaired And Deaf

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 5487, An Act Establishing A Career Pipeline For American Sign Language Interpreting And Increasing State Assistance For Persons Who Are Blind Or Visually Impaired And Deaf.  CHA supports the bill.

Connecticut hospitals make our state stronger by delivering nationally recognized, world-class care, supporting jobs and economic growth, and serving communities across Connecticut.  Every day, hospitals improve access, affordability, and health equity — providing care to all patients regardless of ability to pay.  At the same time, hospitals invest in their workforce and local communities, even as they navigate significant financial and federal challenges.

Sections 1 and 2 of HB 5487 establish and fund a pilot program within the Department of Education to promote a career pipeline for American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting.  CHA champions all efforts to promote ASL interpreting as a viable career path to address the significant ASL interpreter shortage in Connecticut and across the country.  We applaud the committee for bringing forward this proposal.

CHA and its member hospitals value access to qualified and reliable interpreters and interpreting services.  There is currently a very limited interpreter pool in Connecticut and an even smaller number of interpreters who are willing or able to provide their services in-person in healthcare settings due to the unpredictable hours and demands that come with serving in these settings. 

Becoming trained as a certified ASL interpreter requires years of training.  Many interpreter education programs struggle with applicants who lack foundational fluency in ASL.  CHA supports the pilot program proposed in HB 5487 as it aims to develop proficiency in ASL, knowledge of the deaf community, and communication skills that are aligned with professional standards.  Educating ASL interpreters in Connecticut also enables learners to become familiar with local dialect and customs that are critical when communicating with deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals. 

CHA has been working closely for years with the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing community and stakeholders on training and other ways to improve interpreting services and we appreciate the much needed support of the state to help address the limited pool of interpreters.  HB 5487 is a step in the right direction.

Thank you for your consideration of our position.  For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.