Helena, a senior college student, wanted her grandmother to attend her public graduation service. Her grandmother is Deaf and only speaks Spanish Sign Language. Helena’s college graduation coordinator told Helena that providing an interpreter is not essential to the graduation service.

Helena decided to call her regional ADA Center for guidance on what to do in this situation. She connected with an ADA Specialist, who informed Helena that every member of the public has a right to effective communication. The ADA Specialist let Helena know that is the college’s responsibility to make sure every attendee of the graduation service has equal access and equal opportunity to participate fully in the graduation service. With this information, Helena emailed the graduation coordinator and shared what she learned about the college’s responsibilities.

After they realized their responsibilities under the ADA, the college graduation coordinator arranged for a qualified Spanish Sign Language interpreter to attend the ceremony.

Thanks to the ADA, Helena’s grandmother was able to experience the graduation like any other attendee. She cried tears of joy when the interpreter signed “Helena” as her granddaughter accepted her diploma.