In 1997, a group of ASL interpreters saw a gap in the quality and availability of interpreting services in the Ottawa area. Determined to give everyone equal access, SLIAO was formed on the notion that working in partnership and pooling resources will bring high quality interpreting services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Removing barriers to communication fosters sharing and understanding. SLIAO’s purpose is to ensure everyone can participate equally in the world we live in. We empower people do this through interpreting services for the Deaf community. When in-person interpreting is not available, we offer SLIAO VRI – a video conferencing service that uses smartphones, laptops and other electronic devices such as videophones to provide interpreting services offsite. SLIAO’s services have benefited the entire community by enabling connections that create opportunities for all.