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Home > Do businesses need to have a qualified interpreter on hand in order to communicate with a person who is deaf?

Do businesses need to have a qualified interpreter on hand in order to communicate with a person who is deaf? [1]

Generally no, not if employees are able to communicate by using pen and notepad and it is effective.  However, in situations where the exchange of information is over a long duration or the information being exchanged is complex it may be necessary for the business to provide a qualified interpreter. A business should discuss with the person with the disability to determine which auxiliary aid or service will result in effective communication.


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

FAQ: What kinds of auxiliary aids and services are required by the ADA to ensure effective communication with individuals with hearing or vision impairments? [2]

Fact Sheet: Effective Communication [3]


Source URL: https://adata.org/faq/do-businesses-need-have-qualified-interpreter-hand-order-communicate-person-who-deaf

Links
[1] https://adata.org/faq/do-businesses-need-have-qualified-interpreter-hand-order-communicate-person-who-deaf
[2] https://adata.org/faq/what-kinds-auxiliary-aids-and-services-are-required-ada-ensure-effective-communication
[3] https://adata.org/factsheet/communication