In the wake of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires in early 2025, criticism of an ASL interpreter at a public press conference sparked outrage.
This event highlighted a critical issue: the often-overlooked importance of ASL interpreters during times of crisis, especially for the Deaf community, who are disproportionately vulnerable during emergencies.
The LA wildfires offer a compelling case study for the vital role ASL interpreters play in ensuring equitable access to critical information during crises. This problem is part of a broader pattern observed in other disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where communication barriers put the Deaf community at heightened risk.
The Vital Role of ASL Interpreters in Emergency Situations
Effective communication is critical in any successful crisis response. As we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, how communities prepare, respond, and recover from crises depends heavily on the accessibility and clarity of the information they receive. For the Deaf community, access to this information relies on the availability of sign-language interpreters.
ASL is the primary language for many Deaf individuals, making interpreters necessary for equitable communication. While written information and closed captions may seem like universally accessible alternatives, they fall short of meeting the needs of the Deaf community. As highlighted in a 2021 Italian study on COVID-19, many Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals have documented barriers to reading proficiency.
Additionally, ASL captures nuance and context that captions often miss, as described in a 2025 study from the International Journal of Information Management. Closed captioning is also not always universally available or practical, particularly during live broadcasts, where delays and errors occur, or officials share information via other means than the television.
It is essential to recognize that sign language interpreting, especially at televised press conferences, can reveal tensions about language rights, access, and social inequalities.
These challenges highlight the importance of qualified interpreters and the unique pressures they face in delivering critical information under intense circumstances.
Challenges Faced by ASL Interpreters During Emergency Response
ASL interpreters face unique pressures during emergencies, where live press conferences demand accuracy while processing complex, fast-changing information. A lack of consistent vocabulary for emerging terms forces interpreters to adapt and convey unfamiliar concepts quickly. They also need subject matter expertise to ensure clarity in crises.
Beyond language demands, interpreters face socio-political and emotional pressures. Appearing on live TV adds stress, as does the responsibility of ensuring access for Deaf audiences. Misunderstandings about their role and the intense nature of the content can take a toll, both mentally and emotionally.
Overcoming Barriers with ASL Interpreters in Disasters
A 2022 study from the Studies in Translation Theory and Practice shows how ASL interpreters use creative strategies to ensure effective communication during crises. They address gaps in terminology with techniques like fingerspelling, borrowing, and collaboration to clarify new concepts. While interpreters don’t invent signs, they work with teams and the Deaf community to create and adopt solutions that ensure accuracy and acceptance.
Close collaboration within interpreting teams and with the Deaf community is essential. Interpreters often engage beyond live briefings, sharing specialized vocabulary and monitoring its use. Teamwork also helps distribute the cognitive and emotional demands, ensuring interpreters can provide clear, consistent messaging under pressure.
Why Were Some People Angry at ASL During the LA Fires?
Criticism of ASL interpreters during the LA wildfires exposed misunderstandings about the Deaf community’s needs. Some claimed closed captioning was enough, ignoring its documented limitations. Others dismissed ASL as unnecessary or even a “farce,” failing to recognize it as a legitimate and vital language for Deaf individuals.
A few critics went further, blaming a so-called “disability lobby” for forcing ASL onto the public. These views reflect a lack of awareness about the heightened vulnerability of people with disabilities during emergencies. ASL isn’t “wild gesticulating”—it’s an essential communication tool, as valuable as any spoken language.
The LA Fires: A Case Study of ASL Interpretation in Action
The Los Angeles wildfires of January 2025 highlighted the vital role of ASL interpreters in crisis communication. Interpreters ensured the Deaf community received critical updates during press conferences and emergency briefings. Advocacy from the Deaf community, alongside organizations like the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness (GLAD), played a key role in securing these services.
GLAD provided disaster relief helplines, financial assistance, and help navigating FEMA processes. Video Relay Interpreting (VRI) services supported shelter communication and paperwork. Interpreters shared crucial information on wildfire updates, shelter locations, medical resources, and emotional support. While resources were often available in English and Spanish, lacking ASL-specific materials underscored the need for greater inclusivity.
Lessons from the LA Wildfires: The Necessity of ASL Interpreters
The LA wildfires showcased the importance of ASL interpreters in crisis communication and highlighted areas for improvement. By examining these lessons, we can strengthen future emergency response strategies and advocate for greater inclusivity in disaster preparedness.
Including interpreters in disaster response plans and live broadcasts ensures equal access to vital information. Greater awareness, training, and accessibility are needed, along with specialist crisis interpreters and Deaf community involvement in developing vocabularies and best practices.
We must acknowledge the emotional toll on interpreters and the Deaf community. Their resilience and resourcefulness remain evident, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy.
GLAD CEO Dr. Patricia Hughes says technology like Video Relay Interpreting (VRI) can improve access but is no substitute for comprehensive planning. The LA wildfires highlight the urgency of embedding ASL interpretation in all future emergency strategies.
We believe every voice matters in a crisis. Connect with remote interpreters 24/7 or get an ASL interpreter on-site anywhere in The United States within 24 hours. Contact The Language Doctors to support your ASL and interpreting needs.