Even though the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990, Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and hard of hearing people still face discrimination in different situations. To address these critical and important gaps, the NAD developed a series of advocacy letters for people from our community to use as a first step to resolve such situations. Note, these letters are not intended to provide legal advice – these letters are for you to educate yourself and others. The NAD hopes these letters help you avoid long legal battles because at the end of the day, providing no access is wrong and is considered discriminatory. If you use these letters and have success, please let us know!
These advocacy letters can help Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened people advocate for their rights. These letters are not a promise of legal representation and using them does not mean that the NAD represents you. We encourage you to download advocacy tips when requesting ASL interpreters (or other accommodations).
Courses and Examinations
Situation: You are a student who has spent a lot of time studying for an exam and now you’re ready to take it. You also contacted the testing center a few weeks ago and asked that they provide a sign language interpreter, but they declined. As you are waiting for the exam to begin, the proctor begins speaking. You don’t know what the proctor is saying and are worried the information is very important.
Results we want instead: When the testing center declines to provide an interpreter, you can share the advocacy letter with the testing center and explain that it is the center’s responsibility to provide and pay for a sign language interpreter for the exam. After reading the letter, the testing center should agree to arrange a qualified interpreter for the exam.
You may want to print and share this letter with places that offer courses and examinations.
Public and Charter Schools
Situation: You are a deaf parent of a hearing child who goes to a public school. Your child will be in a school play that is coming up soon and you’re excited to watch your child perform with their classmates! You asked the school to provide a sign language interpreter, but they declined. Naturally, you’re disappointed because you will still go watch your child, but you won’t understand anything.
Results we want instead: When the school declines to provide an interpreter, you can share the advocacy letter with the school and explain that it’s the school’s responsibility to provide an interpreter for the school play. After reading the letter, the school should agree to provide a qualified interpreter and, as the parent, you are able to enjoy your child’s performance.
This letter is for deaf or hard of hearing students or parents/guardians of a student attending a public or charter school. You may want to print and share this letter with your public or charter school.
Families Seeking Accessible K-12 Remote Education During COVID-19
Due to COVID-19, some schools may have closed their classrooms and switched to teaching students remotely. It is important that deaf and hard of hearing students have full access to their classes and education, even if it is remotely provided. It is also important for deaf and hard of hearing parents or families to have equal access to information from schools. This advocacy letter is to help families advocate for what they need during these times when their deaf or hard of hearing child receives remote K-12 education.
Guided Tours
Situation: You are visiting a town that has historical homes dating back to the Civil War. You learn that there is a company that provides tours by a knowledgeable guide who can take you on a tour, sharing fascinating history about the homes. You contact the company to book your tour and request a sign language interpreter. The company responds that you are responsible to bring your own interpreter.
Results we want instead: You share the advocacy letter with the tour company. After reading the letter, the tour company understands their responsibility and agrees to provide a qualified interpreter.
You may want to print and share this letter with places that offer guided tours.
Courts
Situation: You filed a lawsuit and need to go to court. You contacted the court a few weeks ago and requested an ASL interpreter. The court responded that they would look into it. When you show up in court, there’s no ASL interpreter.
Results we want instead: You or your lawyer should share the advocacy letter with the court and the court should agree to provide qualified sign language interpreters. The court proceedings may have to be postponed so that an interpreter can be there. It is important that you have access to all the information exchanged during court.
You may want to print and share this letter with state, county, municipal, administrative, and other courts. [ASL Translation available]
Attorneys or Lawyers
Situation: You were just denied accommodations by your employer, and you want to consult with an employment discrimination attorney about what happened. You find an attorney that you feel comfortable with and schedule a consultation. You also ask the attorney to provide a sign language interpreter and the attorney agrees but tells you that you have to pay for the interpreter.
Results we want instead: Once you share the advocacy letter with the attorney, the attorney agrees to cover the cost of interpreter services for all meetings with you.
You may want to print and share this letter with your lawyers or attorneys. You may have your lawyers or attorneys contact the NAD for more information about the rights of deaf and hard of hearing people.
Police
Situation: You have been the victim of a crime and need to go to the police station to file a report. You call the station and ask the police to provide an interpreter. The police agree, but when you arrive at the station you learn that the “interpreter” is really a police officer who only knows a few signs.
Results we want instead: You share the advocacy letter with the police, and they understand that they must provide a qualified professional sign language interpreter when it is necessary for effective communication. The police schedule a qualified professional sign language interpreter, and you are able to effectively communicate with the police to file the report.
You may want to print and share this letter with your local police department.
Parole and Probation Offices
Situation: You need to meet with your parole officer about your curfew. You make an appointment and request a sign language interpreter. The officer responds that they don’t provide interpreters, but that you may bring a family or friend with you to help interpret.
Results we want instead: You share the advocacy letter with the parole officer, and they agree to provide a qualified professional sign language interpreter for the meeting. You are able to understand important information about your curfew and avoid a parole violation.
You may wish to print and share this letter with your parole or probation office.