NAD Settles Complaint Against Service Provider

Main Category: Hearing / Deafness
Article Date: 10 Jan 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) has settled a complaint, filed with the United States Department of Justice, against a company that provides behavioral counseling and psychological services for children with autism spectrum disorders, challenging behavior and related developmental disabilities. The complaint alleged that the company refused to provide services for a hearing child because his parents are deaf, a violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

"The NAD is committed to accessible health care services by deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families. We are pleased that this settlement creates the necessary policy change to uphold ADA requirements," said NAD President Bobbie Beth Scoggins.

The company agreed to pay $7,500 and to modify its policies to provide auxiliary aids and services, such as qualified interpreter services, when necessary to ensure effective communication with deaf and hard of hearing patients and family members. "Health care providers cannot refuse to treat patients because a patient or family member is deaf or hard of hearing," said Michael Stein, attorney with the NAD Law and Advocacy Center. "The ADA requires health care providers to ensure effective communication with deaf and hard of hearing individuals."

The National Association of the Deaf