NAD Settles Complaint Against Service Provider

Silver Spring, MD - 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."