ADA

The short answer is yes. This is covered under the Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The provider is expected to handle the cost of interpreter as a normal business expense or as part of the overhead costs of operating a business. It is inappropriate for a signing family member or a friend to perform access to communication as a way to "save costs." Family members and friends cannot be expected to be neutral and sign everything they hear. They may be emotionally or personally involved with the situation and this may affect their interpreting. Using them as interpreters can also cause problems in maintaining confidentiality.

ADA Questions and Answers for Specific Situations

MEDICAL SETTINGS

Doctors - Medical Visits and Other Medical-Related Situations

Hospitals and Nursing Homes

LEGAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT SETTINGS

Police and Law Enforcement Agency Responsibilities

Attorneys with Deaf Clients

State and Local Courts

South Carolina Court Interpreting Laws

The Rights of Deaf Inmates

EDUCATION

State and Local Colleges and Universities

Private Colleges and Other Post-secondary Institutions

Private Educational Classes or Institutions

Public Schools

PUBLIC MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES

Auxiliary Aids at Events, Conferences or Meetings Held in Places of Public Accommodation

OTHER

ADA Title I --Reasonable Accommodations for Deaf Employees

ADA Title II -- Responsibilities of State and Local Government Agencies

Title III of the ADA: Provision of Auxiliary Aids

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The SCIRT Project is funded by the South Carolina Department of Education and administered by the South Carolina Association of the Deaf.