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Communication Access
& Resources
Resources for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, businesses, organizations, and community partners.
Learn about communication access, interpreter services, the ADA, advocacy, and additional support.
BUSINESS & ORGANIZATION RESOURCES
Providing Communication Access
Understanding Effective Communication
There is no single communication method that works for every Deaf or Hard of Hearing person or every situation. The appropriate aid or service depends on factors such as the person’s usual method of communication and the nature, length, complexity, and context of the communication.
In-Person
Interpreting
VRI
(Vodeo Remote
Interpreting)
CART
(Real-Time
Captioning)
Written
Communication
Assistive
Listening
Technology
Other Aids
& Services
ADA Requirements: What Businesses Should Know
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires covered businesses and organizations to provide effective communication for individuals with diabilities
QUALIFIED
INTERPRETERS
When an interpreter is needed, the interpreter must be qualified, able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary
FAMILY & FRIENDS
Covered entities cannot require a person with a disability to bring a family member or friend to interpret. The ADA provides only limited circumstances in which an accompanying adult or minor child may be relied upon to interpret.
COST
When an auxiliary aid or service is required under the ADA, the cost cannot be charged to the person with a disability.
CHOOSING AN AID OR SERVICE
For Title III businesses and nonprofits, the entity should consult with the person when possible and may choose the method, as long as it provides effective communication. State and local government entities under Title II must give primary consideration to the person’s requested aid or service.
Working With
an Interpreter
The interpreter helps to facilitate communication—the conversation is still between you and the Deaf or Hard of Hearing individual.
SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE PERSON
Look at and communicate with the Deaf or Hard of Hearing person, rather than speaking to the interpreter.
SPEAK NATURALLY
Use your normal pace and tone. The interpreter can ask for clarification when needed.
ALLOW EVERYTHING TO BE INTERPRETED
Side conversations and relevant conversation may also need to be interpreted
MAINTAIN A CLEAR LINE OF SIGHT
Visual communication requires visibility. Consider lighting, seating, and the positioning of the interpreter.
ASK ABOUT COMMUNICATION NEEDS
If you are unsure what communication method works for the person, ask.
In-Person Interpreting & VRI
IN-PERSON INTERPRETING
A qualified interpreter is physically present at the location. In-person interpreting may be appropriate depending on the individual’s communication needs and the nature, length, complexity, and context of the interaction.
VIDEO REMOTE INTERPRETING (VRI)
A qualified interpreter participates remotely through video technology. VRI must meet specific performance standards, including real-time video and audio, clear images, and adequate image size
Neither option is automatically appropriate for every interaction.
The goal is effective communication.
Before an Appointment or Event
ASK
Ask about the individual's communication needs.
GATHER
Confirm the date, time, location, duration, setting, and other important details.
ARRANGE
Coordinate interpreting or other communication services as early as possible.
PREPARE
Share agendas, presentations, terminology, or other relevant materials if available.
INFORM
Make sure staff know what communication arrangements have been made.
Frequently asked questions
Trusted Resources & Additional Support
Helpful information for businesses and organizations working to provide accessible communication.
ADA.gov – Effective Communication
Understand auxiliary aids, interpreters, VRI and effective communication.
ADA.gov – Small Business Primer
Practical guidance for understanding ADA responsibilities.
ADA.gov – State & Local Governments
ADA information for schools, courts and government entities.
Texas BEI Interpreter Registry
Texas interpreter credential and registry information.
Deaf & Heard of Hearing Resources
ASL VIDEO COMING SOON
We're creating an ASL version of our resource page.
In the meantime, explore information, advocacy tools, and trusted resources to help you understand your options and communicate your needs.
Trusted Resources & Additional Support
Looking for more information about communication access, Deaf and Hard of Hearing services, or the ADA? Explore these trusted organizations and official resources.
ADA.gov – Effective Communication
Official federal guidance on communication access under the ADA.
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
Advocacy, legal information, and resources related to the rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.
Texas HHS — Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services
Texas programs, services, information, and resources for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Texans.
Disability Rights Texas
Texas disability-rights advocacy, legal information, and resources, including guidance on filing ADA complaints.
VISIT DISABILITY RIGHTS TEXAS →
Deaf Services Unlimited — ADA Communication Access Guide
A detailed guide to effective communication, ASL interpreting, VRI, CART, and communication access under the ADA.
Communication Access & the ADA
Explore Resources
Find information and tools to help you explore communication options, prepare for appointments and events, advocate for your needs, and connect with additional support.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the right to effective communication. The communication aid or service that may be appropriate depends on the person and the situation, including the nature, length, complexity, and context of the communication.
COMMUNICATION OPTIONS
MAY INCLUDE:
-
In-person interpreting
-
VRI
-
CART/real-time captioning
-
Written communication
-
Assistive listening technology
-
Other aids and services.
IF AN INTERPRETER IS NEEDED:
A qualified interpreter must be able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, using any necessary specialized vocabulary
GOOD TO KNOW:
-
Required auxiliary aids and services generally cannot be charged to the person with the disability.
-
A Deaf person generally should not be required to bring a family member or friend to interpret.
Communication Access
Requesting Communication Support
TIPS FOR A SMOOTHER EXPERIENCE
When requesting communication support, it can help to explain how you communicate, what support you're requesting, and the date, time, location, and type of appointment or event.
When possible, make your request in advance, put it in writing, keep a copy, and follow up.
NEED HELP MAKING A REQUEST?
The National Association of the Deaf provides advocacy tips and ready-to-use advocacy letters for situations involving healthcare, courts, schools, attorneys, law enforcement, events, businesses and more.
WHEN COMMUNICATION ISNT WORKING
If a communication method is not working for you, let the organization know. If needed, ask to speak with a manager or ADA Coordinator. Explain what is not working and what communication support would work better for you.
For example, you can say:
“The video keeps freezing.”
“I cannot see the interpreter clearly.”
“I do not understand the interpreter.”
“This communication method is not effective for me.”
KEEP A RECORD
When possible, save your requests, emails, responses, names, and dates.
If you believe you have experienced disability discrimination, Disability Rights Texas provides information about filing ADA complaints under Titles II and III.
NEED ADDITIONAL HELP?
Disclaimer: This page is provided for general educational and resource purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance about your specific situation, please contact an appropriate legal or advocacy organization.
Contact Info