ADA: Top Questions Answered

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can feel overwhelming or confusing. Whether you’re planning an event, preparing for an appointment, or making your business more welcoming to Deaf and hard-of-hearing clients, the ADA provides clear guidelines to ensure equal access for everyone. 

At Deaf Services Unlimited (DSU), we help organizations navigate these requirements with confidence. As a nationwide provider of ASL interpreting and CART captioning, both in-person and remote, we’re here to make ADA compliance simple, accessible, and stress-free. 

Below, we break down some of the top questions people have about the ADA and how communication access fits into it. 

1. What is the ADA, and how long has it existed? 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark civil rights law passed in 1990 written to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the ADA ensures equal opportunity in employment, public services, transportation, public accommodations, telecommunications, and more. 

For more than 35 years, the ADA has been the backbone of accessibility in the U.S., requiring businesses and organizations to remove barriers and provide reasonable accommodations to ensure full and equal participation for individuals with disabilities like ramps, accessible bathrooms, and automatic door buttons. 

2. Are ASL interpreting and CART captioning included in the ADA? 

Yes. Under the ADA, businesses and organizations must provide effective communication for people who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or DeafBlind. Effective communication is required in schools, medical settings, workplaces, courtrooms, events, government offices, and any place that serves the public. 

This often includes ASL Interpreting (in-person or remote), CART Captioning (Communication Access Real-Time Translation), and other auxiliary aids and services. 

The type of accommodation must match the individual’s communication needs. That’s where DSU comes in; we help you determine the right service for each client, each interaction, and each environment. 

3. Is Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) ADA compliant? 

Absolutely, VRI is ADA compliant as long as it meets the ADA’s standards for effective communication. That means: 

• Clear audio and video 

• A qualified interpreter 

• Real-time responsiveness 

• Technology that works consistently 

Rest assured that DSU’s Video Remote Interpreting services meet the ADA’s requirements for effective communication. 

VRI can be an excellent solution especially for: 

Short-notice requests 

Rural or hard-to-staff locations 

Brief or unexpected appointments 

However, VRI isn’t ideal for every scenario. It’s important to check with the Deaf or hard-of-hearing client to ensure VRI will meet their needs. Some conversations—especially medical, legal, or emotionally sensitive interactions—may require an in-person interpreter. 

DSU coordinates both in-person and remote services and can help you determine when VRI is a good fit. 

4. Who is responsible for paying for an interpreter or CART writer? 

The responsibility lies with the business or organization providing the service, not the Deaf or hard-of-hearing individual. 

The cost of providing an interpreter or CART captioning cannot be passed on to the client. It is considered part of doing business and ensuring equal access, just like installing a ramp or providing large-print materials. 

DSU helps streamline the coordination and billing process, so accessibility is easy and predictable for your team. 

5. How do I know which accommodation to choose? 

The ADA requires choosing the method that results in effective communication, which depends on the person’s needs, not the business’s preference. 

A Deaf client who uses ASL needs an interpreter. 
A hard-of-hearing client who prefers written captions may need CART. 
A DeafBlind individual may require tactile interpreting. 

If you’re unsure what to provide, DSU can help you navigate the options and ensure the right solution is in place. Learn more about the services that DSU offers HERE. 

6. What happens if I don’t provide an interpreter or captioning when required? 

Failing to provide effective communication can result in: 

• ADA violations 

• Civil rights complaints 

• Legal action 

• Reputation damage 

• Loss of customer trust 

Most ADA issues happen simply because people don’t understand the requirements. DSU’s coordination team can help you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary risk. 

7. Is written communication (notes, texting, or lip-reading) ADA compliant? 

Usually no. These methods do not meet ADA standards for effective communication in most situations. 

Lip-reading is unreliable. 
Texting or note-passing is slow and can lead to misunderstandings. 
Medical, legal, or technical conversations require accuracy. 

The ADA recognizes qualified interpreters and CART providers as the appropriate methods for real-time, accurate communication. 

8. How can my business stay in ADA compliance year-round? 

Some quick steps include: 

• Establishing a process for requesting interpreters or captioning. 

• Example of what your Accessibility Request Procedure could look like HERE. 

• Training staff on communication access. 

• Learn more about DSU’s Deaf Culture Training, Training Solutions, HERE. 

• Building relationships with qualified service providers like DSU. 

• Considering VRI for last-minute needs. 

• Budgeting for accessibility services. 

Our team at DSU works with organizations nationwide to build seamless, repeatable systems for accessibility—so compliance becomes second nature. 

9. What are the benefits of being ADA compliant? 

Beyond meeting legal requirements, ADA compliance creates meaningful, long-term benefits for your business and your community. 

Here are some of the biggest advantages: 

You welcome more Deaf and hard-of-hearing clients. 

Accessibility expands your customer base. When your business consistently provides ASL interpreting or CART captioning, Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals know they can trust you—and are far more likely to return and recommend your services to others. 

Learn more about how you can market your business as a partner with DSU HERE. 

You reduce miscommunication. 

Relying on family members or unqualified individuals to interpret can lead to bias, inaccuracies, misunderstandings, and even medical or legal harm. Certified ASL interpreters and professional CART writers ensure accurate, complete, and unbiased information every time. 

You set an example for other businesses. 

Offering accessible services positions your organization as a leader in inclusion. When others see you providing equitable communication access, it often inspires them to follow suit—creating a broader culture of accessibility. 

You create a welcoming, respectful environment. 

ADA compliance shows Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing clients that they are valued. It removes the burden of advocacy from their shoulders and ensures they don’t have to “fight” or explain their rights just to receive the same access as everyone else. 

DSU supports businesses nationwide in turning these benefits into everyday practice. When compliance becomes part of your workflow, accessibility becomes effortless—and your clients notice. 

Final Thoughts 

Accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s good business and good human practice. The ADA gives us the framework, and organizations like DSU provide the tools to make it happen. 

If you have questions about the ADA, communication access, or how to create an inclusive environment for your Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing clients, DSU is ready to help.  

Q&A 

1. “What does ‘effective communication’ mean under the ADA?” 

Effective communication means ensuring that Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals receive information as clearly and accurately as hearing individuals. This may include ASL interpreters, CART captioning, assistive listening devices, or other auxiliary aids depending on the person’s needs. 

2. “When should a business choose in-person interpreters instead of VRI?” 

In-person interpreters are recommended when communication is sensitive, lengthy, complex, or when internet reliability could interfere with access. Many medical, legal, and educational settings benefit from in-person services to ensure the highest level of accuracy and connection. 

3. “Can a business ask a Deaf client to bring their own interpreter?” 

No. Under the ADA, businesses cannot require clients to bring their own interpreters. Providing qualified communication access is the responsibility of the business or organization, not the Deaf individual. 

4. “Does the ADA apply to private businesses and small organizations?” 

Yes. The ADA applies to most public-facing businesses, regardless of size—including small clinics, private practices, retail stores, and local service providers. If you serve the public, you are responsible for providing effective communication. 

5. “How far in advance should ASL interpreting or CART services be scheduled?” 

Booking as early as possible is ideal, especially for in-person services. However, many providers—like DSU—can assist with short-notice or same-day requests using VRI or remote CART when needed.