5 Star Interpreting was founded by Ben Daniel and Cody Simonsen, both of whom have lived with the communication barriers the ADA is meant to solve. Their goal was simple: communication access for everyone. The ADA protects people with disabilities and requires equal access to information, including people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, or those with vision or speech disabilities. Here’s a clear, easy-to-read overview of what the ADA requires and what your business must do to stay compliant.
Who the ADA Protects
People with:
These individuals may use different communication methods:
What the Law Requires
Under Title II (government agencies) and Title III (businesses and nonprofits), covered entities must:
This includes both the person receiving services and their companions (parents, spouses, caregivers).
What This Means for Your Business
You must:
If your business gets this wrong, you risk:
The good news: 5 Star Interpreting can help you stay compliant.
The ADA uses “auxiliary aids and services” to describe tools that support equal communication.
For people who are Blind or have low vision
For people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind
A qualified interpreter or reader is someone who can:
For people with speech disabilities
Technology that supports communication
CART (Real-Time Captioning)
TRS (Telecommunications Relay Services)
VRS (Video Relay Service)
VRI (Video Remote Interpreting)
When VRI may NOT work
In these cases, an on-site interpreter is required. Professional ASL Interpreters are preferred.
Covered entities must consider:
Examples
Simple communication:
Complex communication:
In these cases, a qualified interpreter or CART is needed.
DeafBlind people often use Support Service Providers (SSPs) for mobility and environmental information. SSPs are not ADA “auxiliary aids,” but they are essential for community access.
If a companion has a communication disability, the ADA requires the entity to communicate effectively with them as well.
Examples include:
The term “companion” includes any family member, friend, or associate of a person seeking or receiving an entity’s goods or services who is an appropriate person with whom the entity should communicate.
The ADA strongly discourages this, and it is seldom allowed. When you use a family member or friend as an interpreter, you assume major liability for any errors, mistakes, or omissions that may open your organization up to suit.
Family or friends:
Family and friends may be appropriate in some situations.
Here are two sets of examples:
Children are almost never appropriate interpreters.
Title II (government agencies)
Must give primary consideration to the person’s request.
Title III (businesses and nonprofits)
Should consult with the person and choose an effective method based on:
An entity must provide auxiliary aids unless doing so would cause:
Undue Burden
Fundamental Alteration
The request would change the basic nature of the service.
Example: slowing down a live theater performance to describe action in detail.
If one aid is an undue burden, the entity must offer another effective option.
Even the best policies fail without trained staff. Covered entities should train teams on:
Local disability organizations and Centers for Independent Living offer training.