Maria MacDonald remembers coming across the word “responsible” and wondering exactly what it meant for her at work.

“I’m like, ‘Responsible for what?’” she recalled.

A peer through People Inc. Deaf Access Services sat down with MacDonald and broke down the meaning in American Sign Language (ASL), explaining, for example, that she might be responsible for communicating with her boss when something was wrong.

For MacDonald, it’s an example of why having information available in a person’s primary language matters.

“Sometimes I really struggle reading English, what it’s meant,” she said. “So, someone will help me sit down and explain it to me in sign language. They’re able to expand it and really clarify it.”

ASL and English are distinct languages, with their own grammar and sentence structures. For some Deaf people whose primary language is ASL, navigating written English can present challenges. Foreign-born Deaf people may encounter additional language barriers.

Helping bridge those gaps is one part of what People Inc.’s Deaf Access Services program does. Through peer-to-peer support, Deaf people and their families can receive assistance navigating barriers to mainstream services. That can mean something as everyday as understanding a piece of mail or as consequential as applying for Social Security benefits or looking for a job.

“Deaf Access Services is about making sure communication is never a barrier to getting help, understanding your choices or reaching your goals,” said Jodie Chibi, Director of Language Services at People Inc. “Peer support is especially powerful because people are connecting with someone who understands their experiences and can help them navigate challenges in an accessible way.”

But peer support is only one piece of Deaf Access Services. People Inc. provides qualified ASL interpreters for appointments, meetings and events across Western New York, Greater Rochester and into Central New York, along with Video Remote Interpreting and Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) services.

Career Pathways helps Deaf and hard-of-hearing people pursue steady, long-term employment through career exploration, job preparation, coaching, job placement and retention support. Deaf Access Services also works to make the broader community more accessible through ASL classes, Deaf culture education, workshops and training.

MacDonald has experienced both sides of that mission. After finding connection and support through Deaf Access Services, she now helps others communicate as an ASL instructor at People Inc.

“It’s really important for this work to continue,” she said. “I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Learn more about Deaf Access Services at People Inc.