Deaf Access Program 
The Deaf Access Program provides a broad range of services to deaf/hard-of-hearing patients and their families. We strictly comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires that auxiliary aids and services be provided in healthcare settings. But we go above and beyond what the law requires, striving to meet all the communication needs of the deaf/hard-of-hearing community in all medical situations.
For clinic appointments, procedures and inpatient encounters, we provide:
- Professional sign language interpreters
- On-call interpreters for after-hours, weekends and holidays
- Sign language interpreters for Emergency Room visits
- Public access Sorenson Video Phone in main lobby, Emergency Department, and five of our clinic locations
- Inpatient bedside Sorenson Videophone
- Public access Text Telephones
- Pocket talkers and FM systems
- Closed Captioning for waiting room and lobby televisions
- Inpatient room kit (includes door light sensor and information for staff, family and patient regarding Deaf Access Program services)
Services and programs for UMHS staff and Sign Language interpreters include:
- In-services and training for faculty and staff
- Sign language interpreting and Deaf cultural education classes
- Medical terminology training for healthcare interpreting
- Medical interpreter skills training through Bridging the Gap
- Ongoing support and professional development through temporary sign language interpreters' Yahoo group and quarterly
- UMHS staff and UMHS contract interpreter meetings
For all Interpreter Requests
During regular business hours, please schedule through
