Robert is a program coordinator for a non-profit youth soccer league. At this year’s sign-ups, Robert was introduced to Kenji, a new participant in the league. Kenji’s parents informed Robert that Kenji is Deaf and speaks American Sign Language (ASL). Kenji would be the first Deaf player in the league’s history, and Robert wanted more information about his next steps. Robert called his regional ADA Center to understand his responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The ADA specialist at the regional ADA Center informed Robert that under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, private entities that serve the public have an obligation to ensure effective communication for people with disabilities. The specialist affirmed that like other non-profit organizations, Robert’s soccer league is considered a private entity under Title III.  Effective communication requires that auxiliary aids and services are present to guarantee that individuals with speech, hearing and vision disabilities can understand what is said or written and can communicate successfully. The ADA specialist also gave Robert contact information for a local ASL interpreter business. 

After calling his regional ADA Center, Robert felt confident that the league now had the knowledge to correctly accommodate Kenji. Robert hired Rita, a qualified ASL interpreter, to be present at all of Kenji’s practices and games. Thanks to the ADA, Kenji scored his first big win in the youth soccer league and signed, “Yay!” with a big smile.