TradeWinds Deaf Services
A vital link between people who are Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and hearing in Northwest Indiana.
- Interpreters on call 24/7
- Videophone (219) 576-7100
- (219) 945-0100 ext. 204
TradeWinds Deaf Services bridges communications between the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and hearing communities across Northwest Indiana.
Breaking down everyday communication barriers
Deaf Services provides case management and advocacy for individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing living within Northwest Indiana. We help break down communication barriers that impact everyday life.
Deaf Services has provided support, education, advocacy, and access to technology for individuals and families faced with issues related to hearing loss since 1978. It became a department of TradeWinds Services in 2014.
- On-site sign language interpreting
- Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)
- Case management
- Community education and in-service training
- Sign language classes
- Ongoing information and referral
- Public Videophone (VP)
Who Deaf Services is for
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, and the hearing family and friends who want to sign with them.
Deaf Services is here for anyone who is Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and needs case management and advocacy, or a qualified ASL interpreter for an appointment, meeting, or event.
We help with the barriers of everyday life, including but not limited to:
- Housing
- Medical
- Employment
- Insurance
- Education
Our classes welcome hearing people who want to build sign language skill, from complete beginners to those continuing on more advanced classes:
- Family members
- Friends
- Coworkers
- Community members
Booking for a business, school or medical office? Interpreters for organizations and Deaf Sensitivity Training for staff are on our Sign Language and Interpreting page.
Case management and advocacy
American Sign Language, not English, is the first language for many people who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing.
Understand documents
Case managers can help you understand what is said or printed in a document.
Solve problems
They help build problem-solving skills for legal, medical, financial or employment issues, including at a time of crisis.
Speak up for yourself
They show you how to self-advocate, and they advocate for you when you need it.
Find community resources
They share information on the community resources available to you, with ongoing information and referral.
Interpreters for your appointments
TradeWinds Interpreters are available on call 24/7 for a wide range of settings.
- Medical appointments and hospital visits
- Dental, optical and therapy visits
- Legal proceedings and attorney meetings
- School and IEP meetings
- Workplace meetings, trainings, and onboarding
- Community events, weddings, and public gatherings
- Video relay and videophone-based interpreting, videophone (219) 576-7100
Interpreters are matched to the setting and, where needed, to specialized vocabulary (medical, legal, technical), so your appointment or event runs smoothly and accurately.
Relay Indiana: phone relay services across Indiana, at relayindiana.com.
How to request an interpreter
Call or email Deaf Services. We do our best to accommodate short-notice and emergency needs.
Send us the details
Call (219) 945-0100 ext. 204 (or 212) or email deafservices@tradewindsnwi.org with your name and date, time, location and nature of your interpreter request.
We confirm availability
Our scheduling coordinator will confirm interpreter availability.
Book early when you can
We recommend booking at least one week in advance for non-urgent requests, so an interpreter is free when you need one.
American Sign Language classes
Our ASL classes are designed for hearing adults with little to no prior sign language experience, taught by fluent, experienced instructors.
Beginning ASL
Foundational vocabulary, fingerspelling, basic conversation, and an introduction to Deaf culture.
ASL II
Building sentence structure, expanding vocabulary, and practicing more natural conversational flow.
Deaf Sensitivity Training
A shorter, workplace-focused session covering communication etiquette, common misconceptions, and practical tips for interacting with Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing customers and coworkers.
Class schedule and registration
The class will focus on learning American Sign Language (ASL), learning about Deaf culture, and increasing your ability to communicate.
- Next class
- Beginning ASL, Class 1: Mondays, October 5 to November 9, 2026
- Time
- 6 to 7:30 pm
- Where
- TradeWinds East Building, 3201 E 83rd Place, Merrillville, IN
- Ages
- 15 and up
- Cost
- $85
- To run a class
- 10 registrations are required to offer the class
- Refunds
- Up to 24 hours before the first class
- Special needs
- Call (219) 945-0100 ext. 204
Class size is limited. Call (219) 945-0100 ext. 204 or email deafservices@tradewindsnwi.org to reserve your spot, or to ask about later sessions.
Deaf Services questions
Call (219) 945-0100 ext. 204 or 212, or email deafservices@tradewindsnwi.org.
What can a Deaf Services case manager help with?
Case managers help break down communication barriers that impact everyday life, including housing, medical, employment, insurance and education. They can help you understand what is said or printed in a document and find community resources.
How far ahead should I book an interpreter?
We recommend booking at least one week in advance for non-urgent requests. We do our best to accommodate short-notice and emergency needs.
Can I get an interpreter at night or on a weekend?
Yes. TradeWinds Interpreters are available on call 24/7.
Is there a videophone I can use?
Yes. Deaf Services offers a Public Videophone (VP). To learn more about using the videophone, call (219) 945-0100 ext. 204. You can also reach Deaf Services by videophone at (219) 576-7100.
Who can take an ASL class?
Classes are open to ages 15 and up. They are designed for hearing adults with little to no prior sign language experience, and ASL II is there for those continuing on.
When does the next ASL class start?
The next Beginning ASL class runs on Mondays, October 5 to November 9, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 pm. Call (219) 945-0100 ext. 204 or email deafservices@tradewindsnwi.org to reserve your spot. A class runs once 10 people register.
Talk to Deaf Services
Questions? Call (219) 945-0100 ext. 204 or 212, or email deafservices@tradewindsnwi.org. Videophone users can reach us at (219) 576-7100.