US Department of Education NIDRR Technical Assistance Program

Home /Communications /

Effective Communication

Employers, state and local government agencies, and places of public accommodation must ensure that their communications with individuals with disabilities are as effective as communication with others. In order to provide equal access, these groups are required to provide auxiliary aids and services that promote effective communication.

Examples of auxiliary aids and services include, but are not limited to, qualified interpreters, captioning, TTYs, large print materials, Braille materials, and computer software.

Q: Am I always entitled to an interpreter?

A: Sign language interpreters may be required when the information being communicated in a transaction is complex or is exchanged for a long period of time. An interpreter is not always required for all communication situations. Factors to be considered when deciding if the use of an interpreter is appropriate can include the context of the conversation, the number of people involved, and the importance of the communication.

Virginia Commonwealth University | www.dbtac.vcu.edu
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (#H133A060087-01)
VCU DBTAC Coordination, Outreach and Research Center
1112 East Clay Street| P.O. Box 980330 | Richmond, Virginia 23298-0330
Phone: (804)827-0917 | Fax: (804) 828- 828-1321
This website is maintained by the VCU DBTAC Coordination, Outreach and Research Center.
The VCU DBTAC Coordination, Outreach and Research Center does not provide ADA technical assistance.
For ADA technical assistance, contact your local Center at 800-949-4232.
About this site.