ASL Agreement: How to Ensure Accessibility for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Users
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that all public entities and private businesses must make accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. One way to ensure accessibility for these users is by implementing an ASL agreement.
ASL, or American Sign Language, is a visual language that is used by the Deaf community in the United States and Canada. An ASL agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions for providing sign language interpretation services to Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
Why is an ASL Agreement Important?
An ASL agreement is important for several reasons:
1. Compliance with the ADA: As mentioned earlier, the ADA requires businesses and public entities to make accommodations for individuals with disabilities. By implementing an ASL agreement, businesses can ensure they are in compliance with the law.
2. Inclusivity: By providing sign language interpretation services to Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, businesses can ensure they are inclusive and accommodating to all customers or clients. This can help foster a positive reputation and customer loyalty.
3. Better Communication: Sign language interpretation services can help facilitate better communication between Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and hearing individuals. This can lead to more successful interactions and business transactions.
What Should be Included in an ASL Agreement?
An ASL agreement should include the following:
1. Contact Information: The agreement should include contact information for the interpreter or interpreting agency that will be providing the services.
2. Scope of Services: The agreement should outline the types of services that will be provided, such as interpretation for meetings, presentations, or customer service interactions.
3. Fees and Payment: The agreement should clearly state the fees for the interpreting services and the payment terms.
4. Cancellation Policy: The agreement should include a cancellation policy that outlines the process for canceling or rescheduling interpreting services.
5. Quality Assurance: The agreement should include a section on quality assurance, which outlines the interpreter`s qualifications and experience.
Conclusion
Implementing an ASL agreement is an important step towards ensuring accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. By providing sign language interpretation services, businesses can improve communication, foster inclusivity, and comply with the ADA. An effective ASL agreement should include contact information, scope of services, fees and payment terms, cancellation policy, and quality assurance measures.
