Anniversary Of The Americans With Disabilities Act Highlights School Districts’ Obligation To Effectively Communicate With Those With Hearing, Vision, And Speech Impairments

HARRISBURG - In its ongoing effort to mark the 25^th Anniversary of the Americans' with Disabilities Act (ADA), the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is calling attention to the obligation of public schools to effectively communicate with individuals with hearing, vision, and speech impairments. We have sent a brochure to public schools in the Middle District reminding them of their responsibility to provide auxiliary aids and services to those that need them and to provide notification to the public on how to request those aids and services.

Under the ADA, public school districts must ensure that communication with students with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities is as effective as communication with individuals without disabilities. The obligations are not limited just to students - schools are obligated to provide effective communication to parents, relatives, guardians, and other members of the public who seek to participate in or benefit from a school district’s services, programs, or activities.  This is especially true in regard to student registration, parent-teacher conferences, meetings, ceremonies, performances, open houses, and field trips.

Schools must not charge for these auxiliary aids and services and must evaluate which aids or services will provide the effective communication on an individual basis (providing primary consideration to the request of the individual with the impairment).  Schools should also proactively notify parents, students, and the community about the right to effective communication, provide training to staff on the federal and state laws, and place information on the district’s public accessible website on how to request auxiliary aids and services.

The brochure describes the ADA requirements, as well as requirements of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  The brochure also list helpful tips for schools and provides examples of auxiliary aids and services.

Additional information about the ADA is available at www.ada.gov, or through contacting the ADA information line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY).

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