At Bridge Interpreting Partners (BIP), we are an ASL interpreting agency dedicated to supporting both sides in order to understand each other clearly and respectfully. From everyday, medical, legal and beyond, our interpreter-focused model empowers our interpreters to offer the best services for our clients ensuring everyone has equal access to being understood.
BIP is an ASL interpreting agency based in the Twin Cities with one goal in mind: to be a bridge between the hearing and deaf community.
Our purpose is to address and solve real problems in the industry by building a transparent, intuitive platform that gives interpreters greater autonomy, while giving clients clarity and confidence in the quality of services they receive, no matter the event or occasion.
“BIP has been a fantastic agency to work with. Finding an interpreter for youth sports is challenging enough, but to find interpreters who not only jump in with my youngest in her Gymnastics class but also keep her engaged and provide FULL access to class instruction and peers has made a world of difference both in her motivation and skill development. My daughter used to dread being the only Deaf gymnast in her class and now she is thriving! BIP really considers the needs of individual clients and provides interpreters who can not only provide access but get a pre-teen’s sass. CHAMP!”
– Laura W., Client
“Bridge Interpreting Partners offers a unique and professional approach to interpreting services. As an interpreter, I feel supported, fairly compensated, and genuinely valued as part of the team. Knowing that logistics are managed seamlessly behind the scenes allows me to focus on building stronger connections with my clients and delivering high-quality service. I highly recommend Bridge Interpreting Partners to anyone seeking skilled, reliable interpreters.”
– DN, Interpreter
“At Bridge Interpreting Partners, interpreters feel welcomed, valued and supported. Micahjane and her team are professional, responsive and genuinely committed to interpreter development. BIP holds me accountable to my goals and provides clear feedback I can put into action immediately.
“As 1099 contractors I feel supported as an interpreter. At BIP, they partner with us to make sure that magic happens in every meeting, event, or appointment.“
– Micah, Interpreter Since 2020
Bridge Interpreting Partners (BIP) was founded to create a more respectful, transparent, and human-centered approach to interpreting services. By supporting skilled interpreters and focusing on thoughtful communication access, we help Deaf and hearing individuals connect clearly across medical, educational, business, and community settings throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding Minnesota communities.
Founder & CEO Micahjane Draeger is a nationally credentialed ASL interpreter, U.S. Army veteran, and former combat medic who has spent years working in high-pressure communication environments where accuracy, trust, and human connection matter deeply.
After earning her degree in American Sign Language Interpreting and entering the field professionally, she saw a recurring problem throughout the industry: interpreters were often treated like interchangeable numbers instead of skilled professionals, and clients were viewed as scheduling blocks instead of whole people with unique communication needs. That experience became the foundation for BIP.
At BIP, we believe better communication starts with better support systems. When interpreters are respected, heard and empowered to do their best work, the quality of communication improves for everyone involved.
That means clients receive more thoughtful, engaged and effective interpreting experiences, while interpreters maintain greater autonomy over their schedules, specialties and professional growth.
We believe access to communication should feel respectful, collaborative and personal, never transactional.
From medical appointments and educational settings to performances and workshops, we work across a wide range of interpreting environments.
Clear expectations, thoughtful matching and honest communication help create smoother experiences for clients and interpreters alike.
We hire, train and verify independently contracted interpreters who maintain control over their rates, schedules and specialties, ensuring the best interpreting experience for everyone.
Whether you are apart of the hearing or deaf community, finding an agency and interpreter can be stressful. Which is why at BIP we answer some common interpreting questions to ensure you have the knowledge and confidence to make a decision that is best for you. Have a specific question that we didn’t answer? Reach out to us directly for more information.
Rates vary depending on the interpreter’s experience, certifications and specialty.
Medical appointments, theater productions, legal matters, educational environments, business meetings, community events or even Grandma’s birthday party. We cover a wide range of events or settings across the Twin Cities and Minnesota.
We always encourage you to request an interpreter as soon as possible, preferably 72+ hours in advance, to ensure the best interpreter for the event, however we understand life happens and can work with you for emergency or immediate interpreter needs.
It will depend on the deaf consumer’s specific communication needs and the type of event an interpreter is needed. We do not expect our client’s to know what certifications or needs are required when booking. Just tell us about the deaf individual, what type of event or setting it is and we will assist in matching you with the properly qualified interpreter.
As long as you are a certified ASL-interpreter, you are eligible to work with us. Certifications like EIPA, NIC, NAD and BEI are beneficial as they allow you to increase your rate.
At BIP, we believe interpreters should have autonomy over their own schedule, rates and specialties which is why every interpreter we work with is an independent 1099 contractor.
Yes! We always are looking for motivated interns to join our team and help strengthen the next generation of interpreters.
When an interpreter works with BIP, they have complete autonomy over their schedule. This means that when a client is searching for an interpreter for their event, a request will go out based on specific requirements and the interpreter has the opportunity to accept the event invite – thus allowing the interpreter to work as much or as little as they desire.
