Last week’s Freedom Friday addressed accessible communications when dealing with people who are Deaf, Deaf-blind, or hard of hearing.  Today’s Freedom Friday addresses the different auxiliary aids and services that may be used to provide effective communication for people with hearing disabilities. But, remember, not all ways work for all people with disabilities or even for people with one type of disability. You must consult with the individual to determine what is effective for him or her. 

Remember that communication may occur in different ways. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing are all common ways of communicating. When these communications involve a person with a disability, an auxiliary aid or service may be required for communication to be effective. The type of aid or service necessary depends on the length and complexity of the communication as well as the format.

Title II Checklist for General Effective Communication

http://www.ada.gov/pcatoolkit/chap3chklist.htm

ADA Business Brief: Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Hospital Settings

http://www.ada.gov/hospcombr.htm

ADA Business Brief:  Communicating with Guests who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Hotels, Motels, and Other Places of Transient Lodging

http://www.ada.gov/hotelcombrscr.pdf

Filing a complaint

http://www.ada.gov/enforce.htm#anchor218282