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RKA Signs

Favorite Apps I use as a Freelance ASL Interpreter

We talked about bookkeeping apps last week, so this week we move on to apps I use in general.


  1. Google Apps


This one is a package deal, I use Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Calendar, Maps, and Keep Notes the most. I like how they sync across my laptop, phone, and tablet seamlessly over Wifi.


  1. Calculator


I have dyscalculia (It's like dyslexia but for math) so I have my Google Sheet set up to automatically figure my mileage, billing, etc. However, sometimes you need to be able to calculate something you don't expect.


  1. Adobe Acrobat


This one is a new one for me and I'm delighted. Some jobs require me to have a form signed onsite when I arrive. I used to physically print it, bring it with me, have it signed and filled, and then come home and scan it, then finally email it to the appropriate parties. This was awkward for me, trying to keep up with a physical paper. So I recently bought a tablet that has a pen to sign the form electronically and then just email it. Adobe Acrobat allows you to draw a signature and fill out the form electronically for free. I also use it to sign contracts.


  1. Foxit PDF Editor


If I'm interpreting a presentation and I'm lucky enough to have electronic slides to keep up with during the presentation. I usually download them as a PDF and view them on my tablet during the presentation. This app is just my favorite PDF viewer. I also use it to read ebooks.


  1. Zoom


Covid completely changed how we meet. Even though Zoom was a thing before Covid, it really wasn't very common. In my experience, Zoom is the most accessible for signers, so I definitely prefer it to Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangout, etc. It also has the best features as far as spotlighting and pinning a user, private chats, breakout rooms, etc.


  1. Marco Polo


This is one of my favorite apps. Rather than video calling in real time, or making a video and uploading it on another platform, Marco Polo streams the video over Wifi without saving the video to your phone. It's kind of like Snapchat, except it doesn't delete the video after watching it twice. I use it to chat with Deaf clients prior to appointments, and to keep up with both Deaf and signing friends. It's a good way to keep some signing practice in my life without having to set appointments to call people. Although, I will say, some conversations require an actual meeting, like a video call.


What apps do you like to use and why?

 
 
 

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