Frequently Asked Questions

What is EBDAAC?

EBDAAC is the East Bay AA Deaf Access Committee. We coordinate and fund ASL interpretation so Deaf AA members can access in-person meetings and participate in service.

When was EBDAAC established?

EBDAAC was established in 2023. 

Why was EBDAAC created?

EBDAAC was created because Deaf people in the East Bay often cannot access AA meetings without ASL interpretation. AA’s message is carried through communication. When communication access is inconsistent or unavailable, Deaf members are effectively excluded from meetings, fellowship, and service.

Why do Deaf people need ASL interpretation?

Many Deaf people use ASL as their primary language. ASL is a complete language with its own grammar and structure. Even Deaf people who read and write English well often process information differently in English than in ASL, especially in fast-moving group settings. Recovery depends on connection, nuance, and real-time participation. For many Deaf AA members, that access requires ASL interpretation.

Why don’t captions “solve it”?

Captions can be helpful in some settings, but they are not equivalent to ASL access. Many Deaf people do not experience English as a fully accessible language in real time, especially when people speak quickly, talk over each other, use slang, or share emotionally layered stories. Captions are also often inaccurate, delayed, incomplete, or unavailable in person. AA meetings also include group conscience, informal fellowship, and side conversations where captions typically do not exist. Captions can support access, but for many Deaf members they do not replace ASL interpretation. Additionally, captions do not allow for Deaf members who do not use spoken language to express themselves or “share” in meetings, which is a crucial part of recovery.

Why not use volunteer interpreters?

Interpreting is a skilled profession with ethics, training, and accountability. AA meetings involve confidentiality and sensitive, personal sharing. Interpreters need strong bilingual fluency (ASL and English), appropriate boundaries, and the ability to interpret accurately in real time. Volunteers may be well-intentioned but may not have the skill level or ethical framework required for safe and reliable access. Consistent access also requires consistent scheduling, and volunteer availability is often unpredictable.

Why are interpreters expensive?

Interpreting is specialized labor that requires years of training and professional standards. For in-person meetings, interpreters also factor in travel time and the reality that a short meeting can still take a significant portion of an interpreter’s evening. Many interpreters have minimums (commonly two hours) to make the work feasible. Rates also reflect the responsibility of providing accurate communication access in high-trust, confidential settings.

We prioritize interpreters who understand AA norms, confidentiality, and the culture of meetings. Not every interpreter has AA familiarity, and that is one reason EBDAAC works toward consistent, community-accountable access rather than last-minute or agency-assigned interpretation.

What meetings does EBDAAC currently support?

EBDAAC is currently funding ASL interpretation for Adeline Group on the 1st and 3rd Mondays. 

Is EBDAAC tied to a specific AA group?

No. EBDAAC is not tied to any single homegroup. We currently use available funding to support interpretation at Adeline Group because, after reviewing multiple meetings, it appears to be the most diverse, most well-lit, and most accessible to the visual language access needs of the Deaf community.

How is interpretation funded?

Interpretation is funded through a mix of sources, including Intergroup support, District support (when available), and Gold Can contributions from AA groups and members.

What is the Gold Can?

The Gold Can is a way AA groups can contribute directly to Deaf access. Some groups pass a physical Gold Can. Others contribute electronically through our virtual Gold Can.

How do we donate?

Donations can be made through homegroup.online/asl. If your group collects cash, we ask that the group use its internal process to convert the cash into an electronic payment.

How long will the Gold Can be needed?
Deaf access is not a short-term need. The Gold Can helps create stable, predictable funding so ASL interpretation can be provided consistently and expanded when possible.

Are there other resources for Deaf AA access?

Yes. AA has Deaf-focused resources at multiple levels (local, area, and GSO). EBDAAC also tracks announcements and materials that come out of GSO Deaf member forums and other AA service resources related to accessibility. We recommend starting with DeafAA.org. 

How do I request interpreters for a meeting? 

EBDAAC’s interpreter request policy is available here: https://sites.google.com/view/ebdacaa/interpreter-requests . Requests are reviewed based on availability of interpreters, scheduling lead time, cost, and current funding.

How can my group help right now?

The most direct help is consistent financial support through Gold Can giving, and helping share accurate information about why ASL access matters. If your group wants to pass a Gold Can, contact us at DeafEastBayAA@gmail.com.