Hands On was founded as a sole proprietorship in October of
1990 by Ronald and Denise Obray, providing sign language interpreters to the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. With the increased awareness and
compliance throughout the nation regarding federal and state laws pertaining to
individuals with disabilities, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities' desire
for reliable sign language interpreting and training has escalated
dramatically.
Hands On first began service to the greater San Francisco Bay
Area in 1990. In 1994, Hands On expanded to include the
Sacramento Valley and all of Northern California, sub-contracting out the work
to qualified free-lance interpreters. In January, 1996, Hands On increased its
network capabilities to service clients throughout the nation, utilizing over
200 interpreting agencies nationwide.
Growing up as a child of deaf parents, Ronald Obray knew first-hand the
communication barriers that limited the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing in their
everyday life. He brings extensive knowledge and experience to the company as a
staff member for 15 years at the California School for the Deaf, in Fremont, CA
and currently holds RID CI/CT and CAD IV certificates. Denise also worked as a
staff member at California School for the Deaf in Fremont and holds a degree in
Sign Language Studies.
The Obrays involvement goes far beyond the business aspect, however. Their
business is merely an extension of their lives. They feel they have a strong
social responsibility to ensure that this professional service is available.
Building trust with clients and consumers by using qualified professionals is
essential within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. Ron and Denise Obray
have built a successful business in a demanding market through their commitment
to provide quality services at all times. They are adamant in continuing to
educate the hearing public with a cultural awareness of the Deaf and Hard of
Hearing communities.
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