Provided as a service by Michigan Association For Deaf, Hearing and Speech Services
WHAT IS THE ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that prohibits
discrimination against people with disabilities, including deaf
and hearing impaired people. There are four sections in the law:
employment, government, public accommodations, and
telecommunications. Each section of the ADA lists services that
should be provided for deaf individuals. The ADA enhances the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Hospitals are covered under Section
504 of the 1973 act, and under Titles II and III of the ADA.
This brochure includes basic information on your responsibilities to deaf or hearing impaired persons under these laws. There are five areas covered in this brochure:
- Physicians
- Using Sign Language/Oral Interpreters
- Staff Training
- Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDDs)
- Written Language
In each area, the ADA includes special provisions for different
situations. MADHS can provide more information on specific
situations.
In general, the ADA expects hospitals and medical service providers to eliminate anything that discriminates against a deaf person. Naturally, the foremost source of discrimination against deaf people occurs as some form of communication. The ADA requires communication that is effective and provides aids that are appropriate in communicating with a deaf patient. Deaf patients must be able to communicate with doctors, nurses, admission staff, and other hospital workers. In addition, the deaf person must choose the kind of communication that is needed such as sign language through an interpreter, written notes, lipreading, TDDs, or other assistive devices.
The medical facility must be prepared to honor the deaf patient's request. Further, the deaf patient may NOT be charged for expenses incurred in complying with ADA requirements.
TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES FOR THE DEAF (TDDs)
A TDD should be available in the hospital for making appointments
with deaf patients, giving information, and assisting in emergency
situations. Portable TDDs should be set up in rooms for deaf in-
patients. Telephone amplifiers and TV decoders should be available
for hearing impaired patients as well as hearing impaired family
members of hearing patients.;
STAFF TRAINING
Caring for a deaf patient means changing the way staff
communicates with the patient and often with the family. Hospital
staff should be trained about the special needs of deaf patients
and should know how to help the deaf. MADHS can provide training
sessions for hospital staff at no charge.;
Some specific areas direct care staff should remember:
- Flag the intercom buttons so nurses remember to make a personal
visit rather than respond over the intercom.
- Flag the deaf patient's charts, room, and bed and alert staff to
the appropriate means of communicating with the patient.
- Be sensitive to the visual environment of the deaf patient.
Avoid bright lights that produce glare or make it difficult to
read lips.
- Allow more time for communication. To be sure the patient
understands, repeat some thoughts or phrases using different
words.
- Make cards or posters of frequent questions and responses that
can be pointed to.
- Many deaf people do NOT read lips. Consider other methods of
communication, such as written notes. Keep paper and pen
available.
- Deaf patients may not know their rights, or the availability of
special services. Post signs in the emergency room, admitting
office, and other areas explaining the services that are available
to deaf people such as interpreters and TDDs.
PHYSICIANS
Physicians have the same responsibility to deaf and hearing
impaired patients as the hospitals. Deaf patients have the right
to select their preferred mode of communication: interpreters or
assistive listening devices. Physicians must allow additional
appointments time for explanations of medical terms.;
SIGN/ORAL INTERPRETERS
doccomm generated by an Aldus applicationA sign language
interpreter who is certified by the National Registry of
Interpreters for the Deaf (R.I.D.) is highly skilled and qualified
to interpret in medical situations, and is familiar with medical
terminology. A professional interpreter can understand and express
not only the message, but also convey the emotion of the message.
The interpreter is there to facilitate communication in all
situations where important and effective communication is
essential such as:
- Obtaining medical history or consent for treatment
When working with an interpreter, allow the interpreter to meet with the deaf patient as soon as possible to determine the best method for communication. Speak to the deaf person, not to the interpreter. Do not allow two people to talk at the same time. Speak naturally and not too fast. Avoid using jargon or technical terms the deaf person may not be familiar with.
Sign language, like spoken language, has its own grammar and syntax. Signing is not a literal word-for-word translation, but is an interpretation of ideas and concepts. The interpreter should be well versed in the various modes of signing. Using family members or staff with basic sign language vocabulary is inappropriate since they are not qualified to interpret in medical situations. They may mis-communicate important information which could lead to an improper diagnosis.
A central office should organize services for deaf patients and develop a list of qualified interpreters who can be called upon 24 hours a day.
WRITTEN LANGUAGE
Written notes can be an effective means of communication if
written in clear and simple language. However, writing notes is
frequently time-consuming and cumbersome. Because of this, it is
always advisable to use an interpreter to communicate with the
hearing impaired. ;
Interpreters should also be used to assist patients in completing hospital admission forms, consent forms and pre-operative paperwork.
Whenever possible, use illustrations, drawings, or three- dimensional models to explain information to deaf patients.
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FACTS...
One in every 100 Americans is deaf. One in every 16 is hearing
impaired. Michigan has the seventh largest hearing impaired
population in the United States. Accommodating and including deaf
people benefits not only the deaf person, but you and your
business as well.
--- For more information...
If you need more information about employing deaf and hearing impaired persons contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at (202) 663-4900 (Voice) or (800) 800-3302 (TDD). You can also call the Michigan Department of Labor at (517) 373-0378 (V/TDD).
If you have questions on the rights of deaf and hearing impaired, contact the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice at (202) 514-0301 (Voice) or (202) 514-0381 (TDD).
--- This document provided courtesty MADHS.
MADHS works across the state as an advocate for deaf, hearing impaired, and speech impaired persons. We provide information to any business or organization that works with, or provides services for the deaf and hearing impaired. MADHS also provides services, information, and referrals to families and individuals who need special assistance.;
We can provide:
- Technical expertise
- Assistance in communicating with deaf clients
- Interpreter services, including statewide
interpreter referral
- Speakers, orientation seminars, and workshops
on deaf culture
- Information and training for individuals
and businesses who work with deaf persons
- A statewide network of people who can assist
with deaf issues
- A lending library of reference materials
including videos, audio tapes, books, and
catalogs
- Newsletters and brochures
We are here to assist you in providing services for the deaf and
hearing impaired. Call or write:
Michigan Association for
Deaf, Hearing, and Speech Services
724 Abbott Road
East Lansing, Michigan 48823
(517) 377-1646 V -(800) YOUR EAR V/TDD
(517) 337-1649 TDD-FAX (517) 337-4060
(c) 1992 All Rights Reserved