According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses must provide people with disabilities equal access to their facilities, goods, and services.
This involves providing effective communication for those who are hard of hearing or deaf.
The provision of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services is one way to satisfy this requirement.
In this piece, we’ll look at the advantages of ASL interpreting services for businesses and how they can help them meet ADA requirements.
What is ASL interpreting service?
ASL interpreting services are language translation services that make it possible for hearing people and hard-of-hearing or deaf people to communicate.
These services are offered by trained interpreters who are fluent in both English and ASL.
ASL interpreting services are important to businesses because they promote successful communication between hearing people and deaf and hard of hearing people.
This is important for businesses because it enables them to serve all customers and employees, regardless of hearing ability.
Benefits of ASL interpreting services for businesses
Compliance with ADA regulations
Businesses are required by the ADA to grant people with disabilities equal access to their facilities, services, and goods.
One method of satisfying this requirement is by offering ASL interpreting services. A company’s reputation may be harmed as well as penalties and legal action for failing to abide by ADA standards.
Increased customer base
By making their goods and services accessible to the deaf and hard of hearing, businesses may grow their customer base by offering ASL interpreting services.
This has the potential to generate income and customer loyalty.
Improved customer service
Excellent customer service requires effective communication.
Businesses can guarantee that every customer, regardless of hearing ability, receives the same level of service and attention by offering ASL interpreting services.
Enhanced workplace diversity
Businesses can recruit and keep disabled workers by offering ASL interpreting services.
It can result in a more inclusive and diverse workplace, which may boost creativity and boost morale among workers.
Competitive advantage
Businesses can gain a competitive edge over rivals who do not provide such services by offering ASL interpreting services.
This might be absolutely vital in sectors where providing excellent customer service sets one company apart from another.
How ASL interpreting services can help your business meet ADA compliance standards
Understanding ADA regulations
Knowing the rules is the first step in complying with ADA requirements.
Businesses must provide “auxiliary aids and services” to people with disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, according to the ADA.
ASL translating services are one type of auxiliary help that businesses might provide.
Identifying when ASL interpreting services are necessary
The next step is Identifying the instances in which ASL interpreting services are required.
Businesses should assess their resources, goods, and services when deciding if ASL interpreting services may be required.
For instance, if a company has a customer service hotline, it could be necessary to provide ASL translating services to those who are hard of hearing or deaf and call the hotline.
Choosing a qualified ASL interpreter
Businesses should pick an ASL interpreter who is qualified and proficient in both ASL and English.
Moreover, they must confirm that the interpreter has prior business-related interpreting expertise.
Providing training for employees
Employers should teach their employees how to work with ASL interpreters.
This involves being able to work with an interpreter and successfully interact with those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Providing accessible materials
Businesses should provide materials that are accessible to the deaf and hard of hearing.
This involves offering written materials in accessible formats like Braille or big print as well as providing subtitles for videos.
Ensuring accessibility of facilities
Businesses need to ensure that their facilities are accessible to those with disabilities, such as the hard of hearing or deaf.
This involves providing ramps, accessible parking spots, and facilities.
Providing timely access to ASL interpreting services
Businesses ought to ensure that timely ASL interpreting services are provided.
This entails keeping an interpreter on call and making appointments in advance to guarantee that one is accessible.
Maintaining confidentiality
While offering ASL interpreting services, businesses should make sure that confidentiality is upheld.
This entails making sure that the interpreter is subject to confidentiality agreements and that private information is not revealed to unauthorized parties.
Challenges in providing ASL interpreting services
Businesses that are unfamiliar with the deaf community or the interpreting process may find it difficult to provide ASL interpreting services.
Some common challenges include:
Finding qualified interpreters
Finding qualified ASL interpreters can be challenging, especially in places with a small deaf community.
Longer wait periods for interpreting services may arise from this.
High costs
Services for ASL interpreting may be expensive, especially for small enterprises.
However, the price of not offering these services may be considerably greater because it may lead to penalties and legal action.
Miscommunication
Working with an ASL interpreter can result in miscommunication, especially if the interpreter is inexperienced or if the hearing person is unfamiliar with the interpreting procedure.
For both parties, this may result in misunderstandings and frustration.
Technology barriers
Technological barriers can also be an issue, especially for businesses that provide online services.
It can be expensive and time-consuming to provide deaf and hard-of-hearing people with accessible technology, such as video conferencing software with captioning features.
Finally
Businesses can successfully offer ASL interpreting services and adhere to ADA compliance standards by understanding ADA regulations, determining when ASL interpreting services are required, selecting a qualified interpreter, providing training for employees, providing accessible materials, ensuring facility accessibility, providing timely access to interpreting services, and maintaining confidentiality.
For those who are looking for additional support, Unspoken Language Services offers interpreting services to help bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities.
Thumbnail Photo Credit to: Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA
