Disability Laws
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…
Read MoreVRI 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…
Read MoreBeginning August 1, 2016, SLRS has new office hours
The office is now open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, closed daily for lunch from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.
Read MoreDepartment 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…
Read MorePaperwork Reduction Act collecting information “Assessing the Potential Monetized Benefits of Captioning Web Content for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Today the Department of Justice published a Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Notice in the Federal Register indicating that the Department will submit an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The proposed information collection is titled Assessing the Potential Monetized Benefits of Captioning Web Content for Individuals Who…
Read MoreSouth Carolina Police Department (CPD) to ensure effective communication to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing
The Justice Department today announced an agreement with the Columbia, South Carolina Police Department (CPD), to ensure effective communication to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Under the agreement, CPD will provide auxiliary aids and services, including sign language interpreters to people who are deaf or hard of hearing free of charge, within proscribed time…
Read MoreYear of ADA’s 25th Anniversary Continues with Settlement with San Juan County, New Mexico
The Justice Department today announced a Project Civic Access (PCA) agreement with San Juan County, New Mexico (County), to improve access to all aspects of civic life for people with disabilities. Under the PCA agreement, the County will improve access for people with disabilities using the County’s programs, activities, and services such as: providing auxiliary aids and…
Read MoreProject Civic Access (DOJ) settlements to improve communication with the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
The Justice Department today announced three Project Civic Access settlement agreements with Champaign County, Illinois; Merced County, California; and Yakima County, Washington (Counties), to improve access to all aspects of civic life for people with disabilities. Under the agreements, the Counties will take important steps to improve access for people with disabilities, such as: providing auxiliary aids and services…
Read MoreJustice Department vs Fairfax Nursing Center to pay $97,500 for not providing a Sign Language interpreter
The Justice Department announced that the Fairfax Nursing Center (FNC) has agreed to pay $97,500.00 to resolve allegations that it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide effective communication services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in the provision of medical services. The investigation, conducted by the U.…
Read MoreHow do you self-advocate?
I had the pleasure recently of seeing a Deaf person beautifully self-advocate. She quoted the law, respectfully, and listed some consequences of non-compliance. I’m curious. What are ways you (as a Deaf or hard of hearing person) have successfully advocated and turned a “bring your own interpreter” to compliance?
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