Deaf Rights

Legal Rights

There are several federal laws that protect the rights of people who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing, prevent discrimination and ensure effective communication. State and local government services and public services are generally required to provide auxiliary aids to Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing people. A qualified interpreter is considered an auxiliary aid. It is important to understand federal laws about who is responsible for paying for services, and make sure YOU the Deaf person are not being forced to pay for access.

A Guide to Disability Rights Laws (https://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm): This guide provides an overview of federal civil rights laws that ensure equal opportunity for people with disabilities.

NAD has created a resource card to help in situations when VRI is not appropriate.

Learn about Language Rights and the Law

Advocacy Card

To support self-advocacy for communication access. We have created an Advocacy Card for members of the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community to share with hearing people, informing them of federal laws requiring communication access and accommodations.

Can you contact a hearing person for me?

We do our best to advocate for equal access. It is important that you speak up and advocate for your right to have an interpreter. Sometimes the hearing person has questions or is confused about how to get an interpreter, how to work with an interpreter, and why an interpreter is needed. We are happy to assist and explain interpreting services to them.

Partners Interpreting Resources

PI has created resources. We also provide training.

Tax Info

Businesses and organizations can sometimes qualify for tax credits and other benefits for providing accommodations. PI shares this information with all our clients. However, YOU as a Deaf, Deaf-Blind, or Hard of Hearing person may also qualify for tax deductions. See the links below and check with your tax specialist.

Request a Consultation

Email:

Phone:

  • 508-699-1477 (voice); answering service supports non-business hours sending messages to on call staff
  • 508-809-4894 (videophone) for ASL users