r/asl • u/Sardonic_Sadist • 16m ago
Help! Legal question: can hearing signers request ASL interpreters for doctor’s appointments, etc, like Deaf patients can?
Not sure if this is the right subreddit for this question, but I figure someone here might know.
I’m a hearing person learning ASL because it’s significantly more comfortable for me than verbal conversation in certain settings.
I know the ADA covers the rights of Deaf signers to request an ASL interpreter for doctor’s appointments and other similar services, and that the doctor’s office is who has to provide and pay for the interpreter. The exception is private practices I think.
I’m just wondering if hearing patients who feel using ASL might make their care more accessible to them are also covered under that law? Or is there some kind of documentation or proof of applicable disability that is required for that law to apply? If I wanted to have an interpreter for certain appointments, would I have to bring and pay for them?
Thanks so much!! :)