Settings that Require ASL Interpreters by Law

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting is more than a mere amenity that organizations may offer. On the contrary, it is often an accessibility measure that laws require public and private organizations to provide, ensuring equal access for everyone. Professional ASL interpreters can help Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) individuals grasp crucial information and subtle context in medical, legal, educational, and other settings. Community and organizational leaders need only turn to a reliable provider of such measures.

Loudoun County, VA, schools and service providers can contact HIS Sign Interpreting to schedule a service. Our team has built strong relationships with the Deaf community since we first organized in 2009, often advocating on the community’s behalf. HIS Sign professional interpreters work in several states across the country at schools, private businesses, government agencies, outpatient medical facilities, and more. Call (877) 458-7408 or visit our website to schedule your ASL service or learn more about our work.

Below, we outline the laws around accessibility and the settings that call for interpreters:

The Laws Governing Accessibility

Two significant pieces of legislation are responsible for America’s contemporary accessibility practices:

• The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  A milestone when passed into law, the Rehab Act prohibits discrimination due to disability. In particular, it extends accessibility requirements to programs and activities funded by the federal government, including federally funded medical settings and educational institutions. Moreover, it ensures access to qualified ASL interpreters for such scenarios.
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
  This landmark law established explicit protections for all Americans with disabilities, including those requiring accommodations for hearing, vision, or speech. Its policies apply to employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications.

Circumstances and communication needs will determine the type of interpreting (such as simultaneous or consecutive) required. While written communication or note-taking may suit some situations, complex or crucial information exchange often demands a qualified ASL interpreter. Yet no matter what, these legal requirements ensure equal access and remove communication barriers for Deaf individuals.

Interpreter-Required Settings

• Medical
  Hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities are among the most vital locations for interpreters. Healthcare interpreters ensure clear communication between Deaf patients and staff, which avoids misdiagnoses and achieves the best-quality care. ASL interpreters can sit in for consultations, diagnoses, treatment explanations, and other vital medical information.

• Legal
  Court proceedings, jury trials, witness interviews, and legal consultations fall under the scope of the ADA. Therefore, Deaf individuals must have access to qualified ASL interpreters for full participation in the legal system.

• Educational
  By law, schools and universities must provide equal access to education for Deaf students. Doing so includes qualified ASL interpreters in classrooms, lectures, and other school activities. Moreover, Deaf and HoH students can choose different educational interpreting types to suit their needs.
  
  
• Employment
  Deaf individuals have the right to equal employment opportunities. So, employers must provide qualified ASL interpreters for essential job functions, interviews, training, and meetings. Large organizations may benefit from hiring an ASL interpreter who can focus specifically on employees’ and prospective employees’ needs.

• Government
  Finally, all government agencies and programs must be accessible to Deaf individuals. They must provide qualified ASL interpreters for public meetings, hearings, and other interactions with government officials.

ASL Interpreters and Translators Working in Loudoun County, VA

No matter your organization’s industry or programming, you can benefit from professional ASL interpreters on-site. So, contact HIS Sign Interpreting to request such services. Our certified and experienced interpreters work with private and public institutions throughout Loudoun County, VA, to ensure equal access for all. Learn more about our interpreting and other service options by calling (877) 458-7408 today!