Toni Terp was founded by Antoinette “Toni” Aiken, one of Jamaica’s most distinguished and beloved sign language interpreters. Her story is rooted in a lifetime of natural immersion in the deaf community. Born to deaf parents, Toni learned Jamaican Sign Language long before she learned to speak, making JSL her first language and shaping her identity from the earliest stages of her life. At age eleven, her stepmother further formalized her training, deepening her understanding of deaf culture and the intricacies of communication. This early exposure laid the foundation for what would later become a powerful career dedicated to service, advocacy, and inclusion.
Although Toni once imagined a future as a pilot, life redirected her in a way that allowed her to serve a larger purpose. After returning to Jamaica from studies abroad, she saw the ongoing need for qualified interpreters in the country. Determined to make a difference, she joined the Jamaica Association for the Deaf, where she gained invaluable experience interpreting in educational, corporate, and community settings. Over time, her skill, passion, and commitment led her to begin working independently, giving rise to the brand now known as Toni Terp.
Toni quickly became a national figure, recognized for her presence at major government briefings, parliamentary proceedings, national news broadcasts, public health announcements, and large-scale public events. Her calm professionalism, expressive clarity, and cultural authenticity established her as a trusted interpreter whose work positively impacts thousands across the island. In 2020, her dedication and contribution to the deaf community earned her one of Jamaica’s highest honors—the Order of Distinction (Officer Class).
Today, Toni Terp continues to expand this legacy by offering a comprehensive range of accessibility services. Our core philosophy is rooted in the belief that communication is a basic human right. We are committed to ensuring that deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals have equal access to information, services, and opportunities. Our work is guided by strong ethics, cultural respect, and a genuine desire to bridge communication gaps and build a more inclusive Jamaica.
