I have two friends, one is going deaf, the other is about 97% deaf. How should I accommodate them at our wedding? Should I hire an interpreter or have a friend do it? Any ideas? -AprilShowers

To answer this question, I’m bringing in my dear friend Echo Greenlee, a who teaches American Sign Language here in Seattle. Echo was a guest at my wedding, and I accommodated her by providing a printed out copy of our vows beforehand … but now I really wish I’d gotten a Sign Language interpreter. Because ‘terps are rad. Anyway, read on for Echo’s tips for accommodating deaf wedding guests…

All Deaf and hard of hearing people have different needs. If your Deaf guests are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), most likely they would like to have an ASL Interpreter at the wedding. You’ve invited them, so it would make sense that you want them to participate equally in your awesome day.

The Deaf person will always best know their needs. The single most important thing you can do is ask your Deaf guest what kind of assistance they need in making sure they are equally included. Here are a few ideas of items you may want to discuss or bring up with your Deaf guest:

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