What kinds of auxiliary aids and services are required by the ADA to ensure effective communication with individuals with hearing or vision impairments?

Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for individuals with hearing loss may include:

• qualified interpreters on-site or through video remote interpreting (VRI) services;
• notetakers;
• real-time computer-aided transcription services;
• written materials; exchange of written notes;
• telephone handset amplifiers;
• assistive listening devices;
• assistive listening systems;
• telephones compatible with hearing aids;
• closed caption decoders;
• open and closed captioning, including real-time captioning;
• voice, text, and video-based telecommunications products and systems, including text telephones (TTYs), videophones, and captioned telephones, or equally effective telecommunications devices;
• videotext displays;
• accessible electronic and information technology;
• or other effective methods of making aurally delivered information available to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for individuals who are blind or have low vision may include:

• qualified readers;
• taped texts;
• audio recordings;
• Brailed materials and displays;
• screen reader software;
• magnification software;
• optical readers;
• secondary auditory programs (SAP);
• large print materials;
• accessible electronic and information technology;
• or other effective methods of making visually delivered materials available to individuals who are blind or have low vision.

For additional information, take a look at the following resources:

FAQ: What funding assistance is available for individuals with disabilities to purchase assistive devices, ramps, etc.?

Fact Sheet: Effective Communication