A: No, this is forbidden by the ADA. It’s the business, or organization's responsibility to provide and pay for the service, and they cannot pass the cost back onto the deaf customer. However, you can raise ALL your customer’s fees to create some revenue for interpreting services. In addition, there are tax breaks and rebates available for small businesses that provide accommodations under the ADA.

One instance when you would not be required to provide an accommodation is if you can prove it’s a financial hardship. This is not measured appointment by appointment, but rather by the entity’s annual revenue minus any federal assistance in which the business might qualify. Claims of “financial hardship” rarely win in court.

Here are some resources:

OK Disability Law Center, 800-880-7755 V/TTY
IRS FORM 8826 “Disabled Access Credit”

Q: Can I raise the deaf person's fees, or charge the deaf person for this service?