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Giving Back to Community

ICS C.A.R.E.S.

Our community-driven initiative provides pro bono and affordable accessibility services such as sign language interpretation, captioning, and audio description.

ICS Cares

Creating
Accessible
Resources
Events &
Solutions

Creating Access:

Caring makes a difference

Your support and donations help ensure that nonprofits, arts organizations, community groups, events, and programs are accessible to everyone, no matter their budget. Explore the ICS C.A.R.E.S. program:

  1. How Our C.A.R.E.S. Program Works
  2. Projects Made Possible Photo Gallery
  3. Ways to Donate & Get Involved
  4. How it all Began …
  5. Application & Eligibility
  6. Natural Disasters & Emergencies

How Our C.A.R.E.S. Program Works

Our C.A.R.E.S. program operates through three key components:

  1. Application Process: Organizations looking to make their events and programs accessible can apply for assistance to cover essential services.
  2. ICS’s Contribution: We fund accessibility services by committing a portion of our annual profits, dedicating time and resources, and donating proceeds from our partnerships and merch shop.
  3. Community Support: Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, we’re able to reach even more groups in need. Your donations help make a tangible difference in breaking down access barriers.

Where Your Donations Go

Your support brings accessibility to nonprofits, arts organizations, community groups, and events that often operate on limited budgets. Every dollar goes directly toward providing services like sign language interpretation, captioning, and more. We believe that no group should be denied access due to limited funding.

Projects made Possible Photo Gallery

See how ICS C.A.R.E.S. is making an impact! Here are a few snapshots of our accessibility projects, where we’ve partnered with nonprofits and community organizations to provide sign language interpreters, captioning, and other essential accessibility services. These images highlight our shared mission—creating inclusive spaces and experiences for all. Join us in our efforts to make accessibility a reality in the communities we serve!

Shelby is giving a presentation in a room. On the projection screen is Kaycee signing. In front of the projector is an empty black chair and a woman is facing the screen.
Shelby is giving a presentation in a room. On the projection screen is Kaycee signing. In front of the projector is an empty black chair and a woman is facing the screen.
A group of people at the Bronx Senior Citizen Center holding one hand up with the sign ILY, meaning love.
A group of people at the Bronx Senior Citizen Center holding one hand up with the sign ILY, meaning love.
A group of five people are sitting around a circular table, smiling and enjoying themselves at Comic Con.
A group of five people are sitting around a circular table, smiling and enjoying themselves at Comic Con.
A group of six people are sitting around a circular table, smiling and enjoying themselves at Comic Con.
A group of six people are sitting around a circular table, smiling and enjoying themselves at Comic Con.
Two people are sitting at a table smiling taking a selfie together. The person on the left is wearing a light blue shirt with a large green bow, holding the phone. The person on the right is wearing a red shirt with a denim vest and black gloves.
Two people are sitting at a table smiling taking a selfie together. The person on the left is wearing a light blue shirt with a large green bow, holding the phone. The person on the right is wearing a red shirt with a denim vest and black gloves.
Rebecca is seated at a long table with a black tablecloth. The table has game dice on it. Rebecca is signing in ASL. In the background is a sign that reads "Video Game New York Events.”
Rebecca is seated at a long table with a black tablecloth. The table has game dice on it. Rebecca is signing in ASL. In the background is a sign that reads "Video Game New York Events.”
A woman is smiling and giving a presentation. She is in front of a projection screen with red with white letters that reads “September is Deaf Awareness Month.”
A woman is smiling and giving a presentation. She is in front of a projection screen with red with white letters that reads “September is Deaf Awareness Month.”
A queen sits on stairs in front of a stage with a drum set. To the queen's left is the DSH banner, and to the right is an ASL interpreter.
A queen sits on stairs in front of a stage with a drum set. To the queen's left is the DSH banner, and to the right is an ASL interpreter.
Two people standing in the back of the theatre. A woman is signing ‘story’ while a young man wearing glasses is signing ‘pirate.’
Two people standing in the back of the theatre. A woman is signing ‘story’ while a young man wearing glasses is signing ‘pirate.’
Shelby, an ASL interpreter and ICS co-founder, is interpreting for a drag queen who is reading a book to an audience. At the "Drag Story Hour NYC."
Shelby, an ASL interpreter and ICS co-founder, is interpreting for a drag queen who is reading a book to an audience. At the "Drag Story Hour NYC."
An interpreter signs "thank you" to the seated audience. In the background is a presenter with a microphone and a projected presentation.
An interpreter signs "thank you" to the seated audience. In the background is a presenter with a microphone and a projected presentation.
A Joyful group of people poses at the Poconos Pride Festival, with a drag queen in colorful attire centered in front of the pride banner.
A Joyful group of people poses at the Poconos Pride Festival, with a drag queen in colorful attire centered in front of the pride banner.
Group of four people behind a table with Inclusive promotions, making the ILY ASL sign under a rainbow umbrella, conveying community engagement.
Group of four people behind a table with Inclusive promotions, making the ILY ASL sign under a rainbow umbrella, conveying community engagement.
Two people posing for a picture in a well-lit room. The man is holding the book with his picture on it. The book is called “Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider" by Stacy Spikes. An ICS intern is standing next to him, and both of them are smiling.
Two people posing for a picture in a well-lit room. The man is holding the book with his picture on it. The book is called “Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider" by Stacy Spikes. An ICS intern is standing next to him, and both of them are smiling.
Two women with big smiles posing in front of a black and white banner with the words “Indie Space” on it. At the fundraiser for Indie Space’s theatre event.
Two women with big smiles posing in front of a black and white banner with the words “Indie Space” on it. At the fundraiser for Indie Space’s theatre event.
In a church, a bride in a white wedding gown and veil is seated, holding a bouquet of white and blue flowers, while facing two women. One woman, dressed in a black gown, is signing in ASL, and the other, in a blue sequined dress, smiles warmly.
In a church, a bride in a white wedding gown and veil is seated, holding a bouquet of white and blue flowers, while facing two women. One woman, dressed in a black gown, is signing in ASL, and the other, in a blue sequined dress, smiles warmly.
A calming beach background. Rebecca, in a green dress, and a female ASL interpreter in a black sweater are posing and smiling for a selfie.
A calming beach background. Rebecca, in a green dress, and a female ASL interpreter in a black sweater are posing and smiling for a selfie.
The theatre stage is in a modern church with colorful lights. There is a neon "Open Coin-Op Laundry" sign and an attendee with multilingual headset audio receiver.
The theatre stage is in a modern church with colorful lights. There is a neon "Open Coin-Op Laundry" sign and an attendee with multilingual headset audio receiver.
Outdoor poster for "Lost Sock Laundry" by Ivan Faute, featuring dates and actors' names, on a fence with a church in the background.
Outdoor poster for "Lost Sock Laundry" by Ivan Faute, featuring dates and actors' names, on a fence with a church in the background.
An ASL interpreter is standing in front of a black stage and a large tv screen. The screen has a pink background with yellow and white lettering reading "2023 the Big Give."
An ASL interpreter is standing in front of a black stage and a large tv screen. The screen has a pink background with yellow and white lettering reading "2023 the Big Give."
The co-founders of ICS, Shelby and Tyler, are standing behind a banner that reads “Story Pirates Changemakers.” The banner background is white, and the words are printed in multiple colors. Shelby is signing ‘story’ and Tyler is signing ‘pirate.’
The co-founders of ICS, Shelby and Tyler, are standing behind a banner that reads “Story Pirates Changemakers.” The banner background is white, and the words are printed in multiple colors. Shelby is signing ‘story’ and Tyler is signing ‘pirate.’
Our History & Herstory

How it all Began ...

ICS C.A.R.E.S. unites several earlier ICS initiatives focused on fostering inclusion locally and globally. It began in 2018 with programs like Village Hands, offering pro bono and low-cost accessibility services to nonprofits, and Project: Inclusive Impact, where ICS donated a portion of annual profits to support Deaf schools in developing countries.

The spark for ICS C.A.R.E.S. was ignited by frequent requests from nonprofits and art organizations seeking accessibility services but operating on limited budgets. ICS consistently stepped up, offering services at no cost or a reduced rate, to prevent the exclusion of any community.

As both ICS and the demand for cost-effective services grew, it became clear that a structured approach was essential to maximize impact. ICS C.A.R.E.S. streamlines the application process and expands accessibility services, funded by proceeds from its ASL class partners, the Accessible Events Calendar, and ‘swag’ merchandise sales. Today, ICS C.A.R.E.S. continues to support underserved organizations, ensuring accessibility for all!

Pictured above are the Project: Inclusive Impact recipients including: LAVOSI (Centro Educativo para sordos / Las Voces de Silencio) in Sacatepéquez, Guatemala; Institut Montfort pour enfants sourds in Port-au-Prince, Haiti; and Humble Hearts School for the Deaf in Nairobi, Kenya. Pictured below is the Village Hands program in action.

Application & Eligibility

How to Apply for C.A.R.E.S. Funding

If your organization needs accessibility services but has a limited budget, we encourage you to apply for C.A.R.E.S. funding! By completing our application form, eligible nonprofits, arts organizations, and community groups can request support to make their events and programs more inclusive. Please review the eligibility requirements below to confirm your organization qualifies. Together, we can help create accessible spaces for everyone!

C.A.R.E.S. Eligibility Requirements

  • Types of Organizations: We welcome applications from any organization, regardless of sector, with the exception of government agencies, federally-funded organizations, and private sector corporations that are legally obligated to provide accessibility services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To check whether your organization is required to provide accessibility services under the ADA.
  • Geographic Location: There are no geographic restrictions for applicants; organizations from anywhere in the world are eligible to apply.
  • Financial Requirements: Organizations must have an annual operating budget of $250,000 (USD) or less to qualify for pro bono or low-cost services through ICS C.A.R.E.S.
  • Mission Alignment: The organization’s mission must not promote any form of discrimination. Organizations affiliated with political parties or whose objectives are discriminatory based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, nationality, political affiliation, or place of origin do not qualify for the program.
  • Types of Projects Supported: All types of projects and events are eligible for accessibility services. Events generating revenue through ticket sales or sponsorship must disclose this information, but this will not automatically disqualify the applicant.
  • Previous Recipients: Organizations are eligible to receive C.A.R.E.S. services for up to 3 consecutive years. During this time, ICS will collaborate with the organization to establish a sustainable accessibility budget. After 3 years, the organization is expected to have developed the financial capacity to fund these services independently.
  • Application Frequency: Organizations can apply as often as needed. However, we recommend submitting a single application for all events requiring accessibility services in a given year, rather than multiple individual applications.
  • Commitment to Accessibility Promotion: Recipients must actively promote the accessibility services provided at their event through C.A.R.E.S. and credit Inclusive Communication Services. This includes featuring the services and ICS on event flyers, brochures, playbills, websites, social media posts, banners, or other promotional materials.

Creating Accessible Resources, Events & Solutions

The application will take about 15–20 minutes to complete. While we cannot guarantee approval for every applicant, we’re committed to responding promptly and sharing helpful resources wherever possible.

APPLY NOW

Natural Disasters & Emergency

Translation Assistance & Support

If you’re in urgent need of accessibility services due to a natural disaster or emergency, please skip the application and email ICS C.A.R.E.S. directly at cares@inclusiveASL.com.

In your email, include as many details as possible to help us respond efficiently. We may refer you to one of our trusted partners if we determine they’re better suited to meet your needs.

Catástrofes naturales y emergencias
Asistencia y apoyo de traducción

Si necesita urgentemente servicios de accesibilidad debido a una catástrofe natural o una emergencia, omita la solicitud y envíe un correo electrónico a ICS C.A.R.E.S. directamente a cares@inclusiveASL.com. En su correo electrónico, incluya tantos detalles como sea posible para ayudarnos a responder de manera eficiente. Podemos remitirle a uno de nuestros socios de confianza si determinamos que son más adecuados para satisfacer sus necesidades.

EMAIL NOW

Other Ways to Support

Share, Subscribe & Shop

Even if you can’t donate, you can still make a big impact!

  • Share about ICS C.A.R.E.S. with your network, friends, and family
  • Subscribe to our Inclusive Newsletter to stay connected with community
  • Support ICS on social media to help amplify inclusion
  • Shop swag – every purchase from our merch shop supports ICS C.A.R.E.S.
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