In the community

Sign Language Interpreting Professionals (SLIP) is active in the Deaf and interpreting communities! We strive to be current on trends in the interpreting field and can often be found at conferences and workshops. We like to hear from our clients and are out in the Deaf community as well at social gatherings and the Deaf Club (PAD).

Please check back here often as we will be updating information on public events in the area where we will be providing interpreters. We will also be using this space to update the interpreting community on events taking place (near and far) that can enhance their professional development.

FEATURED NEWS & MEDIA

Students Learn the Power of American Sign Language

Danielle Filip, who serves as secretary for the ALC Advocacy and Standards Committee, visited West Hills Primary in November to speak to third-graders about sign language and being a sign language interpreter.

“In our conversations, we touched on the fact that Deaf people can do everything except hear,” she said.

Filip said she hoped her visit gave students an awareness and interest in learning ASL as a language so that the district might offer it in high school.

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Local company working to close gap in communication for deaf community

You may have seen sign language interpreters at big events, but there’s still a gap in communication for the deaf community. The local company Sign Language Interpreting Professionals is working to fix that.

KDKA’s Heather Abraham sat down with Danielle Filip on December 22nd, 2023 to learn more about her and SLIP’s work to address the shortage of ASL interpreters in Pennsylvania.

Watch the Interview

Local Organizations Making it Easier for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People to Participate

“It’s important for folks to realize that if you offer a service to the public, you need a sign language interpreter because you could have a Deaf person as a customer,” said Filip. “Sometimes I hear from businesses that they’ve never had anybody ask for interpretation services. If you knew you couldn’t access something, would you try? Probably not.”

She encouraged businesses to make interpreters available and to freely advertise their willingness to be accessible to the Deaf community.

SLIP selected as 2022 Going to Bat for Small Business Awardee

The Pirates are excited to partner with PNC in support of local small businesses in the Pittsburgh region. Going to Bat for Small Business Presented by PNC represents the fourth straight season that the Pirates and PNC teamed up to pledge their support for local small businesses in order to help create a stronger Pittsburgh community. Each month, the program will highlight one of six small businesses that have helped make a positive impact on their communities. The Pirates and PNC will award the six small businesses a marketing package valued up to $100,000 and a $5,000 grant.

Disability Matters: The COVID Crisis for Sign Language Interpretive Services and Teleworking

Joyce welcomes Danielle Filip, vice president of operations, at Sign Language Interpreting Professionals (SLIP) to the show. Founded in 2003, SLIP provides reliable, consistent and professional communication and consultation services thereby connecting the deaf and hearing communities of Pittsburgh. During the show, Danielle will discuss the services provided by SLIP and ways that businesses and hospitals can assure members of the deaf community that clear communication is provided for them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Danielle Filip, Honored as 2021 40 Under 40 Honoree by Pittsburgh Magazine

During the Allegheny County Health Department’s COVID-19 briefings, Filip served as an American Sign Language interpreter; she also worked on services specific to senior citizens who are Deaf, arranging vaccine appointments for more than 100 individuals and developing a senior yoga and mindfulness program, to help cope with the loss of friends and family members as a result of COVID-19.

PNRC announces Community Champion for the 2021-2022 Program Season

SLIP has been steadfast in its commitment to meeting the needs of the Deaf community in Pittsburgh since its inception in 2003 but most notably during the last 2 years as we’ve all combated COVID19. SLIP is run by 3 amazing women who pour their heart and soul into their work. SLIP’s VP reminds us that “Communication access is a basic human right” and can be found in the community volunteering her time to ensure access is provided across the spectrum of life’s experiences.

Demanding to be heard: PSA features deaf community and inclusivity within the BLM movement

“Unspeakable” is a one-minute video public service announcement charged with bringing awareness to the voices of the Deaf community and their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Glass SLIP’r Award

SLIP values community. Every year the Glass SLIP’r Award is presented to a company to recognize their dedication to the Deaf community. To be awarded the Glass SLIP’r Award the business must “GET IT” – they must value communication access and do it because it is the right thing to do, not because the law says they have to. The recipient is chosen by our interpreters and is presented with their very own glass slipper at a recognition ceremony.

We are proud to announce Sarah Stewart is the 2021 Glass SLIP’r Award recipient. Sarah works at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and goes above and beyond for the Deaf community there. Thank you, Sarah, for all that you do. A $250 donation will be made in her name to the GPCCD Kids.