Deliberate Indifference: New federal ruling on Video Remote Interpreting in healthcare (April 2017)

By admin / August 5, 2017

In late April 2017, a federal court announced a major decision that has implications for health care providers nationwide. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled that several Deaf patients could recover disability discrimination money damages against their hospital because of the hospital’s improper use of Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) to communicate…

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VRI is an option, NOT the only accommodation:

By admin / December 22, 2016

It is a violation of both ADA and TJC to not offer onsite AND/OR online interpreting services. Video Remote Interpreting or VRI, must not be used in lieu of an on-site interpreter, or as the only accommodation available for Deaf or hard of hearing individuals’ communication needs. The preference of the deaf person *must* be honored. Settlement Agreement…

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Beginning August 1, 2016, SLRS has new office hours

By admin / August 5, 2016

The office is now open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, closed daily for lunch from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.

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Department of Justice published “Beyond the Cases: 26 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Lives, Faces, and Stories Behind the ADA”

By admin / July 29, 2016

On July 28, 2016, the Department of Justice published “Beyond the Cases: 26 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Lives, Faces, and Stories Behind the ADA, ” an eight-page publication which provides brief case highlights and anecdotal stories of people with disabilities whose lives were changed by the Department’s ADA enforcement efforts. This…

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Paperwork Reduction Act collecting information “Assessing the Potential Monetized Benefits of Captioning Web Content for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

By admin / May 13, 2016

Today the Department of Justice published a Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Notice in the Federal Register indicating that the Department will submit an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval.  The proposed information collection is titled Assessing the Potential Monetized Benefits of Captioning Web Content for Individuals Who…

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South Carolina Police Department (CPD) to ensure effective communication to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing

By admin / May 3, 2016

The Justice Department today announced an agreement with the Columbia, South Carolina Police Department (CPD), to ensure effective communication to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Under the agreement, CPD will provide auxiliary aids and services, including sign language interpreters to people who are deaf or hard of hearing free of charge, within proscribed time…

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Year of ADA’s 25th Anniversary Continues with Settlement with San Juan County, New Mexico

By admin / September 28, 2015

The Justice Department today announced a Project Civic Access (PCA) agreement with San Juan County, New Mexico (County), to improve access to all aspects of civic life for people with disabilities. Under the PCA agreement, the County will improve access for people with disabilities using the County’s programs, activities, and services such as:  providing auxiliary aids and…

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Project Civic Access (DOJ) settlements to improve communication with the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

By admin / July 20, 2015

The Justice Department today announced three Project Civic Access settlement agreements with Champaign County, Illinois; Merced County, California; and Yakima County, Washington (Counties), to improve access to all aspects of civic life for people with disabilities. Under the agreements, the Counties will take important steps to improve access for people with disabilities, such as: providing auxiliary aids and services…

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Justice Department vs Fairfax Nursing Center to pay $97,500 for not providing a Sign Language interpreter

By admin / July 13, 2015

The Justice Department announced that the Fairfax Nursing Center (FNC) has agreed to pay $97,500.00 to resolve allegations that it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide effective communication services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in the provision of medical services. The investigation, conducted by the U.…

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How do you self-advocate?

By admin / October 24, 2014

I had the pleasure recently of seeing a Deaf person beautifully self-advocate. She quoted the law, respectfully, and listed some consequences of non-compliance. I’m curious. What are ways you (as a Deaf or hard of hearing person) have successfully advocated and turned a “bring your own interpreter” to compliance?

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