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About Us Support Us FAQs Sponsors   Contact Us   Home Services for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Lawyers' Resources Information for Courts Assistance for Law Enforcement   •  Contact MCLD for Assistance   •  Become a Supporter Tools for Doctors and Hospitals Interpreters' Issues   Your Day in Court   Support MCLD!   Upcoming Events     Past Events     Law enforcement officers and agencies are required under federal law (as well as many state laws) to communicate in an equally effective manner with deaf and hard of hearing people.   Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public entities, including law enforcement officers and agencies, to provide equal access to their programs and services. 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131-12134. Such public entities are required to “take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with applicants, participants, and members of the public with disabilities are as effective as communications with others.” 28 C.F.R. § 35.160(a). Further, public entities must “furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a service, program, or activity conducted by a public entity.” 28 C.F.R. § 35.160(b)(1). These auxiliary aids and services include the provision of “qualified interpreters, notetakers, computer-aided transcription services, written materials,... or other effective methods of making aurally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing impairments.” 28 C.F.R. § 35.104. And to determine “what type of auxiliary aid and service is necessary, a public entity shall give primary consideration to the requests of the individual with disabilities.” 28 C.F.R. § 35.160(b)(2). Deaf and hard of hearing people may not be charged for the costs of such auxiliary aids or services. 28 C.F.R. § 35.130(f).   More information about the obligations of law enforcement officers and agencies to provide communication access to deaf and hard of hearing clients is available at the website of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).   Law enforcement officers and agencies may contact MCLD for more information.

The information provided on this page was prepared by the Midwest Center on Law and the Deaf as a resource and information guide, and is not legal advice. Persons reading this website are encouraged to consult an attorney or an enforcement agency for legal advice on how specific laws may apply to a particular situation. MCLD can assist you in locating the appropriate attorney or enforcement agency.   Midwest Center on Law and the Deaf, Chicago, Illinois, USA © MCLD 1999-2003. All rights reserved.