Frequently Asked Questions

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Are colleges/universities responsible for providing interpreting services for individuals other than students, such as parents or people from the community who are deaf?

Yes, colleges/universities are responsible for providing communication access for sponsored programs, activities and meetings with campus representatives. If a parent who is deaf wants to attend an event that is open to all parents, then the college/university is responsible for providing communication access. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) a "public entity" is required to take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with members of the public with disabilities are as effective as communications with others with an equal opportunity to participate. Providing an interpreter takes time. It is reasonable to expect requests for accommodations in advance. Keep in mind, requests by parents or community members may not be limited to only sign language interpreting services. People may request services such as speech-to-text services, assistive listening devices, or even reserved seating at events.

Policies regarding who locates and pays for interpreting services vary. At some institutions, the disability support office handles the requests and payments. At other institutions, individual departments or divisions find and fund interpreters. The individual who is deaf or hard of hearing is never responsible for the costs of accommodations.

Resources:
U.S Department of Justice, A Guide to Disability Rights Laws
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, As Amended
National Association of the Deaf
Americans with Disabilities Act: Responsibilities for Postsecondary Institutions Serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students - Questions and Answers; Jeanne M Kincaid, Esq. & Sharaine J. Rawlinson, M.S.W., 1999