Communication Access
ODEP is committed to making the workforce more accessible to individuals with a range of communication challenges, including but not limited to individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or DeafBlind, individuals with Speech Impairment, Limited English Proficiency, and/or Late Deafened Adults.
There are various communication methods available to facilitate conversations between/among people with such communication challenges. Some individuals communicate entirely through American Sign Language. On the other hand, some individuals are able to speak orally and do not need sign language interpreting service. It is extremely important to keep in mind that no two Deaf or hard of hearing individuals are the same in any aspect; the degree of hearing loss, communication method, and use of assistive technology varies from person to person.
Several policies exist that are intended to ensure equal access to programs and services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing or who experience other communication challenges. These include:
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) provides Americans, including individuals with disabilities, the opportunity to enhance their employment skills and gain tools to enter the workforce. Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act prohibits discrimination against all persons, including individuals with disabilities. Section 188 of the WIA ensures nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for various categories of persons, including persons with disabilities, who apply for and participate in programs and activities under WIA.
The US Department of Labor has released a technical assistance document, the Section 188 Checklist, which provides examples of what can be done to implement the requirements of Section 188. The 2.1 element in the checklist specifically discusses examples of how to make information accessible to Deaf and hard of hearing people. The 5.5 element in the checklist is a list of questions that serves as a guide for Workforce Development staff to ensure that the One-Stop Career Center is accessible for customers who are Deaf and/or hard of hearing or have other communication barriers.
Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Telecommunications Services for Hearing-Impaired and Speech-Impaired Individuals, ensures nondiscrimination in telecommunications services for hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals. This is intended to enable individuals with communication challenges to communicate with hearing people over the telephone. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS). FCC has information on different types of relay services. Telecommunications companies offering telephone service to the general public must have telephone relay service available to individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TTYs) or similar devices. Title IV of the ADA requires common carriers (telephone companies) to establish interstate and intrastate telecommunications relay services (TRS) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA) administers the Federal Communications Commission’s access charge plan for funding the Telecommunications Relay Services across the nation. The NECA submits the payment formula and fund size estimate for the visit the ODEP Fact Sheet on Relay Services: Linking the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to the Workforce.
