O-Terps

O-Terps is exclusively for sign language interpreters, or those working to become sign language interpreters. The purpose is to have a place to discuss and announce issues that are related to this profession. ALL discussions are expected to respect the intent of the RID Code of Professional Conduct. Only persons who are interpreters or interpreters…

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Deliberate Indifference: New federal ruling on Video Remote Interpreting in healthcare (April 2017)

In late April 2017, a federal court announced a major decision that has implications for health care providers nationwide. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled that several Deaf patients could recover disability discrimination money damages against their hospital because of the hospital’s improper use of Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) to communicate…

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VRI is an option, NOT the only accommodation:

It is a violation of both ADA and TJC to not offer onsite AND/OR online interpreting services. Video Remote Interpreting or VRI, must not be used in lieu of an on-site interpreter, or as the only accommodation available for Deaf or hard of hearing individuals’ communication needs. The preference of the deaf person *must* be honored. Settlement Agreement…

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Department of Justice published “Beyond the Cases: 26 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Lives, Faces, and Stories Behind the ADA”

On July 28, 2016, the Department of Justice published “Beyond the Cases: 26 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Lives, Faces, and Stories Behind the ADA, ” an eight-page publication which provides brief case highlights and anecdotal stories of people with disabilities whose lives were changed by the Department’s ADA enforcement efforts. This…

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