NAD

– National Association of the Deaf

– Founded in 1880 at a conference in Cincinnati, OH

Core Beliefs

Deaf Americans have the right to:

1. Use Sign Language

2. Congregate on issues important to them.

3. Have their interests represented on a national level

Advocate For…

EducationEarly InterventionEmploymentHealth CareTechnologyTelecommunicationsYouth Leadership

ADA

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990.

In general it states that Reasonable Accommodations must be made for Deaf or HH individuals in the following areas:

Employment

Can’t discriminate in hiring, firing, promotions, etc. The company should provide an interpreter for meetings, but not necessarily every time there’s interaction with hearing co-workers. It really depends on the type of job s/he has.

Government

Government offices, courts, social services agencies, school systems, police/fire…basically anything that the general public has access to, they must make accommodations to fit the needs of the Deaf consumer.

Government

Interpreters must be provided if required and requested.

Court

Interpreter fees should not be added on to a Deaf person’s court fees. Family members should not act as interpreters…they will not be paid if they do. The court is required to provide a certified interpreter.

Court

A Deaf person doesn’t need to be excused from jury duty – an interpreter will be provided.

Public Accommodations

Restaurants, hotels, stores, banks, etc must provide services for communicating with Deaf people. This doesn’t mean they must hire an interpreter, it could simply mean writing back and forth. They must allow Deaf people to use drive-thru lanes if they choose.

Telecommunications

Public places must provide TTYs if they provide phones for the general public.

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Telecommunications

***The NAD is now working on adjustments to the ADA that would make public places provide VRS/VP equipment since it is the newest and most effective way Deaf people communicate on the phone

Telecommunications

Movie theaters are not required to provide captioning but some have certain showings with Open Captioning.

***This is another area that NAD is trying to get changed.

Telecommunications

Other places that present information on a t.v. or film, must provide captioning or hire an interpreter.

A few more facts…

The Deaf consumer is responsible for requesting an interpreter, but does not have to pay the fees.

A few more facts…Private businesses/schools with 15 or

more employees must comply with the ADA.

An agency or business (i.e. doctor’s office) must prove that it would be a financial hardship on them in order to be exempt from hiring an interpreter.

RID

Registry for Interpreters of the Deaf

Incorporated in 1972.

RID

They work along side of the NAD, but their focus is more on the interpreting side of the issues.

RID

They issue national certification to interpreters once they meet certain standards.

RID

The certification test is composed of 3 parts:

1. Knowledge (about the field of interpreting)

2. Interview (ethics)

3. Performance (interpreting/transliterating)

RID

There are 3 levels of certification (NIC) – National Interpreter Certification

NIC

NIC Advanced

NIC Master

Places where interpreters work

Doctor’s offices/hospitals

Schools/colleges

Legal (court, arrests, etc.)

Religious

Mental Health

Rehabilitation

Performing Arts

Any public meeting

VRS

VRI (Video Remote Interpreting)

Code of Professional Conduct

1. Interpreters adhere to standards of confidential communication.

Code of Professional Conduct

2. Interpreters possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific interpreting situation.

Code of Professional Conduct

3. Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting situation.

Code of Professional Conduct

4. Interpreters demonstrate respect for the consumers.

Code of Professional Conduct

5. Interpreters demonstrate respect for colleagues, interns, and students of the profession.

Code of Professional Conduct

6. Interpreters maintain ethical business practices.

Code of Professional Conduct

7. Interpreters engage in professional development.