Question 1

How do I get an ASL interpreter for an event in Las Vegas?

Accepted Answer

Start on our Request page and tell us the date, location, schedule, type of event, and anything you know about the communication needs. We review the assignment, recommend the right staffing, confirm availability, and send one clear, all-in proposal. For Nevada assignments where registration is required, we staff registered interpreters, and we handle the coordination so your Deaf and hard of hearing guests are fully part of the moment.

Question 2

Do you provide sign language interpreting services in Las Vegas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lagundo ASL Services provides professional ASL interpreting and communication-access services in Las Vegas and nationwide. Our work includes live events and festivals, performance interpreting, conferences and corporate programs, virtual access, Deaf interpreters, CART coordination, and accessibility planning. LAS is Deaf-led, CODA-founded, veteran-owned, and born in Las Vegas.

Question 3

Do you provide ASL interpreters nationwide?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Las Vegas is home, and we coordinate assignments nationwide. Depending on the location and assignment, that may mean staffing qualified professionals in the destination market, traveling an LAS team, or building a blended team. Any travel or lodging required is made clear in the proposal before the assignment is confirmed.

Question 4

Are you the first Deaf-led ASL interpreting agency in Nevada?

Accepted Answer

Lagundo ASL Services is the first and only Deaf-led ASL interpreting agency born and raised in Las Vegas. We use that distinction carefully, because it means something: Deaf leadership is part of the company's actual decision-making and operating structure, not an advisory label, with roots in the Las Vegas Deaf community.

Question 5

Why choose a Deaf-led ASL interpreting agency?

Accepted Answer

Deaf leadership brings lived knowledge into the decisions that shape access. At LAS, our Deaf co-founder helps guide standards, guest experience, and how we think about communication access, and professional interpreting expertise and Deaf lived experience work together here. This is not to say a hearing-led organization cannot provide quality access; the difference is that Deaf perspective is built into our leadership from the start.

Question 6

How much does an ASL interpreter cost for an event in Las Vegas?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the assignment: duration, staffing needs, preparation, specialization, urgency, location, and any travel. We weigh those and send one clear, all-in proposal before you commit. Eligible small businesses may also qualify for the federal Disabled Access Credit for certain access expenses, including qualified interpreters (IRS Form 8826, 50% of qualifying spending above $250, up to a $5,000 credit per year), so confirm the details with your tax professional. This is general guidance, not legal or tax advice.

Question 7

How does payment work?

Accepted Answer

Payment terms are stated clearly in your proposal and service agreement before you confirm. Depending on the assignment, travel or other hard costs may need an advance, and you will know the amount, due dates, and cancellation terms before services are booked. Invoices are paid by card or bank through our payment processor.

Question 8

What is a Preferred Partner?

Accepted Answer

A Preferred Partner is an organization that works with us on a recurring basis under a signed agreement. Preferred Partners receive a preferred rate and a team that already knows their events, their spaces, and their guests. If you expect to need interpreters more than once, ask us about it.

Question 9

Does working with LAS cover our ADA and access obligations?

Accepted Answer

Not automatically. Hiring qualified interpreters is often an important part of meeting an organization's effective-communication responsibilities, but ADA compliance depends on the organization, the setting, the person's communication needs, and the whole accessibility picture. We can help you plan communication access and provide professional services, and our founder is a Certified ADA Coordinator (ACTCP), but we do not represent that hiring LAS by itself satisfies every legal obligation your organization may have. For legal advice about your specific obligations, consult qualified counsel.

Question 10

Do you actually know the ADA, or just interpret it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our founder is a Certified ADA Coordinator (ACTCP), and communication-access planning is part of what we do alongside interpreting. That helps us ask better questions, spot common barriers, and work with you on practical access planning. We provide general accessibility guidance, not legal representation or legal opinions.

Question 11

Is there a tax credit for providing ASL access?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Eligible small businesses may claim the federal Disabled Access Credit using IRS Form 8826. A business generally qualifies if it had $1 million or less in gross receipts, or 30 or fewer full-time employees, in the prior tax year. The credit is 50% of eligible spending above $250, up to a $5,000 credit per year, and the IRS lists qualified interpreters among eligible access expenses. We can document the services you purchased, but confirm eligibility and tax treatment with your tax professional. This is general guidance, not legal or tax advice.

Question 12

Whose responsibility is the access, and who pays for it?

Accepted Answer

When the ADA requires a covered organization to provide an auxiliary aid or service, that organization generally may not pass the cost to the person with a disability as a surcharge. Which organization is responsible depends on the setting and the relationship involved, so we avoid pretending every venue, promoter, employer, school, or provider has exactly the same duties. This is general guidance, not legal advice.

Question 13

We are having an ASL performer. Do we still need interpreters?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. ASL performance and communication-access interpreting serve different functions. If a performer presents an artistic ASL interpretation of selected content, you should still plan how Deaf guests will access emcees, announcements, other acts, audience interaction, emergency information, and any spoken content the performance does not cover. We can help you separate the artistic layer from the access plan so neither is mistaken for the other.

Question 14

How many interpreters do I need? Do I need a Deaf interpreter?

Accepted Answer

You do not have to work that out alone. We staff based on duration, pace, complexity, language needs, preparation, setting, and the individual communication needs, which may mean one interpreter, a team, a Deaf interpreter, or another access professional. We explain the reasoning so you know what you are paying for and why.

Question 15

What is a Deaf interpreter (DI)?

Accepted Answer

A Deaf interpreter is a Deaf professional with specialized interpreting and communication expertise. Depending on the setting and the person's language needs, a Deaf interpreter may work directly with a Deaf guest or as part of a team with another interpreter, bringing added linguistic and cultural expertise where it improves communication. We include one when the assignment supports it.

Question 16

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

Earlier is better, especially for specialized, large, multi-day, or performance assignments, because preparation and interpreter matching matter. If your request is short notice, contact us anyway. We move quickly and tell you clearly what qualified coverage is available.

Question 17

Do you travel? Where do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Las Vegas is home, and we coordinate services nationwide. When travel is required, airfare, lodging, ground transportation, per diem, or other costs are stated clearly in the proposal before you approve the assignment. Where qualified local staffing makes more sense, we can build the team that way instead. No surprise travel charges after the fact.

Question 18

Can you do virtual or remote events?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We support webinars, livestreams, town halls, virtual appointments, and hybrid events through remote interpreting when that method is effective for the communication and setting. We can integrate interpreters into platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and webinar systems and coordinate visual placement with your production or meeting team.

Question 19

In person or video (VRI), which is right for our event?

Accepted Answer

Neither format is automatically right for every assignment. The best approach depends on the guest's communication method and preference, the length and complexity of the interaction, the physical space, movement, technical reliability, and what is being communicated. VRI is a legitimate form of interpreting and can be highly effective when the setup supports it; on-site interpreting is often more effective in other environments. We recommend the approach based on effectiveness, not simply convenience or price, and we lean toward in-person for anything high-stakes. This is general guidance, not legal advice.

Question 20

Do you provide CART or captioning, not just ASL?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can incorporate CART and captioning alongside ASL interpreting when appropriate. Deaf and hard of hearing people do not all use the same methods: some use ASL, some rely mainly on captions, and some benefit from both. We help you plan for the audience you actually have rather than assuming one solution fits everyone.

Question 21

What about DeafBlind, low-vision, or other access needs at my event?

Accepted Answer

Tell us early about the individual communication and visual-access needs involved. DeafBlind people use a wide range of methods, so access may involve close-vision interpreting, tactile or ProTactile communication, specialized positioning, captioning, mobility considerations, or other accommodations. We coordinate what is within our scope and help identify additional qualified resources where needed.

Question 22

Who handles communication access during an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Safety and emergency information should be part of the access plan, not assumed to be covered by the entertainment setup. When we plan an event with your team, we identify how Deaf and hard of hearing guests will receive time-sensitive announcements, evacuation information, weather notices, and security instructions. Raise it early so no guest is left without critical information when it matters most.

Question 23

Do you serve medical, legal, school, or workplace settings?

Accepted Answer

Our strongest specialization is live entertainment, events, hospitality, corporate programs, and conferences. We also evaluate requests in other settings. Medical, legal, educational, and employment assignments can involve specialized credentials, experience, laws, or institutional requirements, so we confirm fit before accepting the work. If an assignment belongs with a different specialist, we would rather tell you that than overpromise.

Question 24

Are your interpreters registered in Nevada, and what makes an interpreter qualified?

Accepted Answer

Nevada regulates sign language interpreting under NRS Chapter 656A, with different registration categories and certain statutory exceptions. For Nevada assignments where registration is required, we staff interpreters who meet the applicable requirements. Under federal ADA guidance, a qualified interpreter is one who can interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any specialized vocabulary needed. Certification can be one important indicator, but qualification also depends on whether the interpreter can perform effectively in the actual setting, which is why we say qualified rather than certified. This is general guidance, not legal advice.

Question 25

We run a venue or festival. How do we make room for Deaf performers?

Accepted Answer

We would love to explore that with you. Booking Deaf artists and designing communication access are related but distinct decisions, and we can help you think through both: how Deaf performers are welcomed and supported as artists, and how your Deaf and hard of hearing audience receives effective access throughout the event.

Question 26

What makes LAS different from other agencies?

Accepted Answer

Deaf leadership is built into the company. LAS is Deaf-led, CODA-founded, veteran-owned, born in Las Vegas, fully insured, and led by a Certified ADA Coordinator (ACTCP). We combine professional interpreting with preparation, production awareness, Deaf cultural perspective, and hospitality. Teams are selected around the assignment rather than filled at random, and access is treated as part of the guest experience rather than a box at the end of a checklist. Accessibility is art.

Question 27

What is The LAS Standard?

Accepted Answer

The LAS Standard is the operating promise behind our work: the right team, intentionally staffed; thoughtful preparation; clear placement and sightlines; qualified and appropriately credentialed professionals; communication-access planning informed by Deaf leadership; and care for the guest experience from arrival through the finish. It is how we turn “an interpreter has been booked” into an access plan.

Question 28

How do you handle our information and confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

With care, on a need-to-know basis. Our interpreters and contractors follow applicable professional confidentiality obligations, and assignment information is limited to authorized LAS personnel, assigned professionals, and the service providers who need it to coordinate or deliver the work. Sensitive settings may call for additional privacy, security, contractual, or legal safeguards, which we address with you as appropriate. See our Privacy Policy and service agreement for details.

Question 29

How do we get started?

Accepted Answer

Submit the Request form with whatever you know: date, location, schedule, type of event, and audience or communication needs. A real person reviews every request. We confirm what we need, evaluate staffing, and send a written proposal as quickly as possible, often the same business day for straightforward requests.

Question 30

I am Deaf or hard of hearing. Can I request interpreters for an event I want to attend?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you use ASL and need an interpreter to communicate effectively or take part in an event, you can request one. The right communication aid depends on the setting, the communication involved, and what works for you, and for people who use ASL that often means qualified interpreters. Send the request as early as you can, and if you want us involved, copy us and we will help with the next step.

Question 31

What does “Nothing About Us Without Us” mean, and why does lived experience matter for ASL access?

Accepted Answer

“Nothing About Us Without Us” is a disability-rights principle: decisions that affect a community should include the people who live that experience. At LAS, that means Deaf perspectives are not added after an access plan is finished. Deaf leadership helps shape the plan itself. Lived experience does not replace professional expertise; it is an important form of expertise alongside it, and it is one reason Deaf leadership matters here.

Question 32

Who pays for the interpreters?

Accepted Answer

Not you. When a covered organization is required to provide an auxiliary aid or service under the ADA, it generally may not charge you for that required access. The organization providing the service, program, or event typically arranges and pays for it. This is general information, not legal advice.

Question 33

What are my rights under the ADA?

Accepted Answer

State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofits covered by the ADA must communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities. When needed, that can call for auxiliary aids and services such as qualified interpreters, real-time captioning, assistive listening, or other effective methods. What is appropriate depends on the person and the communication involved, and required access may not be charged to you as an extra disability-related fee. This is general information, not legal advice.

Question 34

Is an ASL performer on stage the same as having an interpreter?

Accepted Answer

No. ASL performance and ASL interpreting are different professional and artistic functions. An ASL performer may be part of the creative presentation. A qualified interpreter provides communication access to what is said, for the person receiving it. Depending on the event, you may need interpreting for content beyond the performance itself, including announcements, emcees, safety information, audience interaction, and other spoken portions. Both can belong in the same room. They simply do different jobs, so enjoy the performance and know you can still ask for the interpreter.

Question 35

The venue says they cannot find anyone, or that it is too late.

Accepted Answer

Keep asking. Short notice can make staffing harder, but a late request is still worth making, and covered organizations are expected to address late and walk-in requests to the extent they can, not simply ignore them. Send them our information and copy us. We will tell everyone clearly what qualified coverage is available and move quickly if we can help.

Question 36

Can I ask for Lagundo ASL Services by name?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can tell the organization that Lagundo ASL Services is your preferred provider. Whether they must use a specific company is a separate question: under Title II, state and local government entities generally must give primary consideration to the aid or service you request; under Title III, businesses should consult with you but may choose another provider or method if the communication is still effective. Your preference still matters, so state it clearly. This is general information, not legal advice.

Question 37

What if I need access at work, school, or a medical appointment?

Accepted Answer

Tell us the setting and the communication access you need. Different laws and professional requirements can apply in employment, education, healthcare, legal, and public settings, so the answer is not identical everywhere. Where we can appropriately serve, we will help coordinate interpreters. Where a setting needs something outside our scope, we will tell you plainly and help point you to the right resource.

Question 38

Do I have to bring my own interpreter?

Accepted Answer

No. A covered entity generally may not require you to bring someone to interpret for you. When an interpreter or another auxiliary aid is needed for effective communication, arranging that access is the covered entity's responsibility, not yours. This is general information, not legal advice.

Question 39

Can a family member or my child interpret for me?

Accepted Answer

Generally, you should not be required to rely on family or friends to interpret. The ADA allows an accompanying adult to interpret only in limited situations, such as when you ask for it, the adult agrees, and relying on that person is appropriate. A minor child generally may be relied on only in an emergency with an imminent threat when no qualified interpreter is available. For important, private, or complex communication, a qualified professional protects accuracy, independence, and privacy. This is general information, not legal advice.

Question 40

Can they charge me extra for the interpreter?

Accepted Answer

No. A covered entity may not add a surcharge to a person with a disability to cover the cost of auxiliary aids or services that the ADA requires. This is general information, not legal advice.

Question 41

How early should I ask for an interpreter?

Accepted Answer

As early as you reasonably can. More notice gives everyone time to secure the right team and prepare well. But late and walk-in requests still matter. An organization may ask for reasonable advance notice based on what is needed to arrange the service, and it should still address last-minute requests to the extent it can.

Question 42

What does “effective communication” actually mean?

Accepted Answer

It means a person with a communication disability can receive information from, communicate with, and convey information to an organization about as effectively as people without disabilities. What works depends on the nature, length, complexity, and context of the communication and the person's usual way of communicating. That is the standard we hold every event to.

Question 43

Do I get a say in how my access is provided?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and your preference matters. For state and local government programs under Title II, the entity generally must give primary consideration to the aid or service you request, with limited exceptions. Businesses and nonprofits under Title III should consult with you whenever possible; they may choose another effective method, but the communication still has to actually work for you. If ASL is your language, say so. This is general information, not legal advice.

Question 44

Is video remote interpreting (VRI) the same as having an interpreter there in person?

Accepted Answer

They are different delivery methods, and either can be effective depending on the circumstances. Good VRI needs high-quality video, a reliable connection, clear visibility, and qualified interpreters. In some settings it works well; in others, the physical space, movement, complexity, visual demands, or medical or production environment make an on-site interpreter more effective. The question is not which is better in the abstract, but which one provides effective communication for you in that setting. Our own preference is in-person for anything that matters, and we help you make that request.

Question 45

Do I have to use video (VRI), or can I ask for an interpreter in the room?

Accepted Answer

You can ask for an on-site interpreter and explain why it works better for you. Whether that exact method must be provided depends on the type of organization and whether another method would still be effective: state and local governments generally must give primary consideration to your requested aid, and businesses should consult with you and must still provide an effective solution. If VRI is offered, it has to meet the ADA's performance standards to count. We recommend in-person for anything that matters, and we make the ask easy. This is general information, not legal advice.

Question 46

What if the venue says it is too expensive, or that access is not required?

Accepted Answer

Cost alone does not automatically end the conversation. The ADA has undue-burden and fundamental-alteration limits, but those are specific legal standards, not simply “we did not budget for it.” For a business, undue burden weighs the nature and cost of the aid against the organization's overall resources, and even when one particular aid would be an undue burden, the organization should still consider whether another effective method can be provided. You are not being difficult by asking. This is general information, not legal advice.

Question 47

They already have captions or an assistive listening system. Can I still ask for an interpreter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Captions, assistive listening systems, and ASL interpreting are different forms of access, and the fact that one exists does not automatically mean it is effective for every Deaf or hard of hearing person. Explain the method you use and why the existing option does not work well for you. If ASL is your language, you can request a qualified interpreter, and you can name us.

Question 48

Can they make me prove I am Deaf or hard of hearing before providing access?

Accepted Answer

You do not need special legal wording just to make an accessibility request. Start by explaining the communication barrier and the aid or service you need. Documentation rules can vary in settings with their own accommodation processes, like employment, education, or testing, but for an ordinary public request the conversation should focus on what communication will be effective, not on making the process harder than it needs to be.

Question 49

Where else can I turn to learn my rights?

Accepted Answer

The ADA National Network offers free information and technical assistance at adata.org and 800-949-4232. The U.S. Department of Justice's ADA site, ada.gov, explains federal rights and how to file an ADA complaint. We are also glad to help you think through the communication-access side of a specific situation, while recognizing that we are not your attorney.

Question 50

How do I join your network?

Accepted Answer

Start on the Join page and tell us about your experience, credentials, specialties, location, and the work you want to grow into. We work with qualified hearing interpreters and Deaf interpreters who prepare seriously, communicate professionally, and care about the whole guest experience. Deaf interpreters are especially encouraged to apply.

Question 51

Are these paid opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. LAS assignments are paid professional work. Compensation, paid preparation where applicable, travel terms, and the expected payment timeline are discussed before you accept an assignment, so you can make an informed decision. We believe interpreters should know the scope, expectations, and pay before saying yes.

Question 52

Do I need to be certified to join?

Accepted Answer

Not for every opportunity. Credential requirements vary by jurisdiction and assignment, and some settings require state registration, certification, or other qualifications. We also look at interpreting skill, language fluency, professional judgment, preparation, cultural competence, experience, and fit for the setting. If an assignment requires a credential you do not hold, we simply will not place you in it.

Question 53

Are freelance interpreters welcome?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with independent interpreters and Deaf interpreters as respected professionals. Each accepted assignment is governed by the applicable agreement and assignment terms, and you remain free to maintain your own professional practice.

Question 54

Do you offer mentorship?

Accepted Answer

Mentorship and professional growth are part of what we are building. Depending on the assignment, that can include feedback, observation, shadowing, teaming, preparation support, and connection with more experienced professionals. Tell us what you are working toward when you apply.

Question 55

Are novice interpreters welcome?

Accepted Answer

Emerging interpreters are welcome to apply. Being early in your career does not exclude you, but guest access always comes first, so we do not place anyone into an assignment beyond their demonstrated readiness. Growth happens through mentorship, preparation, observation, shadowing where permitted, and well-matched assignments.

Question 56

How are interpreters matched to jobs?

Accepted Answer

By demonstrated skill, language needs, specialization, credentials where required, preparation demands, location, team compatibility, and the specific assignment. Staffing is intentional, the right professional for the room, not simply the first available name.

Question 57

What kind of work is it?

Accepted Answer

LAS is especially active in live events, music, stage and performance, hospitality, conferences, corporate programs, and community experiences, with additional assignments based on our partners' needs. If you care about preparation, craft, guest experience, and working as part of a professional team, we want to hear from you.

Question 58

What does “Accessibility is art” mean?

Accepted Answer

It is our creed. “Accessibility is art” means access deserves intention. At LAS, communication access is not an administrative box added at the end; it involves language, preparation, placement, timing, culture, technology, production, and hospitality. Like any craft, the details shape the experience. The craft is ours; the experience belongs to the guest.

Question 59

Who is LVGUNDO?

Accepted Answer

LVGUNDO is founder Lagundo Sandoval's creator and ASL performance identity. That performance work explores ASL, music, movement, and live stage presence as an art form, and it is related to, but distinct from, professional interpreting for communication access. Our Gallery labels the roles clearly so you can see the difference between ASL performance and ASL interpreting, and you can follow along at @lvgundo.

Question 60

What is Sesmedia, and how is it connected to LAS?

Accepted Answer

Sesmedia Enterprises is a Deaf-led company founded by Eduardo Sesma, built from Deaf culture and accessibility outward. Sesmedia is a partner to LAS and has contributed technology, creative, and systems support behind the LAS experience; it does not own LAS. Eduardo's work through Sesmedia and his leadership at LAS share a common principle: build with Deaf perspective present from the beginning. You can see their world at sesmediaenterprises.com.

Question 61

What is a CODA?

Accepted Answer

CODA commonly means Child of Deaf Adult(s): a hearing or Deaf person raised by one or more Deaf parents. CODA experiences vary widely; some grow up using ASL as a first language and deeply connected to Deaf culture, others have very different language and family experiences. Our founder, Lagundo, is a CODA who was raised in ASL and Deaf culture, and that lived experience is one part of the perspective he brings to LAS.

Question 62

What is the difference between capital-D “Deaf” and lowercase “deaf”?

Accepted Answer

People use Deaf, deaf, hard of hearing, and other terms in different ways. Traditionally, lowercase deaf has described the audiological condition, while capital-D Deaf has described cultural and linguistic identity: people who share American Sign Language, history, values, and community. Real people do not always follow that neatly, so the respectful choice is to follow the language a person uses for themselves.

Question 63

What does “hard of hearing” mean, and why do you say “Deaf and hard of hearing”?

Accepted Answer

Hard of hearing is a description and identity used by many people whose hearing differs from typical hearing and who do not necessarily identify as Deaf. Communication preferences vary widely: someone may use spoken language, hearing technology, captions, assistive listening, ASL, or a combination. We say “Deaf and hard of hearing” because the communities overlap but their access needs are not identical.

Question 64

What is DeafBlind?

Accepted Answer

DeafBlind describes people who have combined differences in hearing and vision, and for some it is also a cultural identity. Communication may include ASL at close range, tactile signing, ProTactile communication, speech, captioning, assistive technology, or other individualized methods. The person themselves should guide what works best, so if a DeafBlind guest is part of your event, tell us early and we will help design for it.

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