World Languages and Cultures

CWU Leads with Language: Advancing ASL Access in Washington

CWU’s Dr. Taralynn Petrites drives statewide efforts to grow ASL access, training, and equity in Washington.

At Central Washington University (CWU), we believe that language is more than communication—it is access, belonging, and opportunity. Few people embody this truth more than Dr. Taralynn Petrites whose tireless work is shaping the future of American Sign Language (ASL) education and Interpreter Training across the state of Washington.  

Although House Bill 2221 did not advance in the legislature, its vision to expand training opportunities in sign language, trilingual, and protactile interpreting continues to guide statewide efforts. Working with partners across education and the community, Dr. Petrites is advocating for the establishment of four-year quality interpreter education in Washington to better serve the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing communities. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to advancing language access and equity, ensuring that individuals are met not with barriers, but with bridges. 

“This work is not only about building classes or programs; it is about creating pathways that begin with learning ASL and lead to careers in interpreting and language access, advancing HB 2221’s vision to establish and expand quality interpreter education,” Dr. Petrites explains. 

Her vision is clear: To build pathways that connect students to careers, professionals to communities, and Washington to a future where accessibility is a given, not an afterthought. 

Through partnerships with educators, state leaders, and community organizations, Dr. Petrites has been designing innovative training models that meet the growing demand for qualified ASL interpreters. She understands that effective training must begin in higher education, where students are not only learning a language but also cultivating cultural competence and ethical responsibility. With members of the Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard-of-Hearing community becoming increasingly well-educated and empowered as self-advocates, the demand for highly skilled interpreters continues to expand, particularly in education, legal, and medical settings. To meet this growing need, establishing four-year interpreter education programs in Washington is essential to enhance the statewide pool of qualified sign language, trilingual, and protactile interpreters through robust training and sustained support from state legislation and community partnerships. 

This is where CWU shines. With Taralynn’s leadership and the dedication of our faculty, CWU is poised to become the statewide hub for ASL education and interpreter training. By developing a new ASL interpreter training curriculum this year, CWU is preparing to launch programs that we hope will be ready for students in the next year or two depending on funding allocation and timeline. 

“CWU has the faculty expertise, the community connections, and the vision to lead this work at the state level,” Dr. Petrites affirms. “We are ready to step up and serve as the hub for ASL education, interpreting training and offering via CWU’s main and satellite campuses.” 

The impact of this work will ripple far beyond our campus. For students, it means access to cutting-edge training and career pathways in a high-demand field. For communities, it means greater access to interpreters, breaking down communication barriers in schools, hospitals, and courtrooms. For Washington, it means progress toward a more inclusive and equitable state. 

“When I think about the future, I imagine classrooms where ASL is celebrated, interpreters are fully supported, and Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals are never left behind,” Dr. Petrites reflects. “That’s the Washington we’re working to build—one student, one course, one program at a time.” 

Dr. Petrites’ story is one of perseverance, vision, and hope. It is also a reminder of what makes CWU special: The people who dream boldly, act courageously, and lead with purpose. Together, we are not just teaching a language—we are transforming lives.