FAQs

American Sign Language (ASL) is its own language with its own structure, grammar, and syntax. It is NOT English on the hands! Hiring a Certified, Licensed (depending on state laws) ASL Interpreter ensures full communication access between those who use ASL and those who do not. This is often the best way to foster positive, productive interactions and outcomes in a variety of settings, including medical, legal, business, and educational. Interpreters bridge both communication and cultural gaps to ensure equal access for all parties. Consult with the Deaf person utilizing your services to determine what they think is the best way to communicate with them.

While friends or family members of a Deaf individual may have some basic ASL skills, they typically lack the fluency, vocabulary, and impartiality necessary to ensure accurate and effective communication unless they themselves have been trained to interpret. ADA guidance notes that it is “particularly problematic to use people’s children as interpreters” and expands on the “use of accompanying adults or children as interpreters.” The New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing notes that “New Mexico requires all signed language interpreters to be licensed to protect Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind consumers” and adds that “Interpreting is defined as any form of facilitating communication in a visual form, regardless of the individual’s job title or position description.”

For a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing person whose primary language is ASL, writing notes in English is often insufficient for clear communication. As with other individuals with Limited English Proficiency, an interpreter may be needed to avoid miscommunications that may be detrimental or even dangerous. ADA guidance advises that “the key to communicating effectively is to consider the nature, length, complexity, and context of the communication and the person’s normal method(s) of communication.” Except in simple interactions in minimal-risk settings, writing notes back and forth is not likely to result in truly effective communication.

Some Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing individuals depend on lip reading for day-to-day interactions. However, lip reading relies heavily on predicting or assuming much of what is being said based on the situation and the topic at hand. Only about 30% of spoken English sounds can be identified based on lip movement – and that assumes ideal conditions and skilled lip-readers! Relying on the Deaf individual lip reading during an interaction may introduce unnecessary risk for serious miscommunications and unintended consequences.

Federal Disability and Civil Rights laws outline the rights of individuals with disabilities, including the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, and the responsibilities of various entities to provide access and accommodations. ADA guidance expands on when services are required, what those services look like, and who is responsible for providing those services. Communication access can take different forms, depending on the needs of the individual, and may include the use of a qualified sign language interpreter. State laws, accrediting bodies including the Joint Commission, and other corporate policies may also outline what services are required when accommodating individuals with disabilities.