As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990 (ADA) the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon, request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities.
Auxiliary aids and services include, but are not limited to: qualified readers; taped texts; audio recording; braille and large print materials; or other effective methods of making audible, written, and visually represented information accessible to individuals.
Sign Language Interpreters (SLI)
Sign Language Interpreters provide communication accessibility when interactions between deaf and hearing persons are involved. Sign Language Interpreters are highly skilled individuals who transmit information between deaf and hearing persons, quickly and accurately. They adhere to a strict professional Code of Ethics. They are impartial and have a sole objective to convey the spirit and intent of the speaker, utilizing American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is the mode of communication used by most individuals who are deaf. A "qualified" Sign Language Interpreter is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.
Learn more about how the Department on Disability facilitates SLI requests, including other important things to know and etiquette: Sign Language Interpreting and Communication Access Realtime Translation Services (PDF)
Communication Access Real-Time Translation Services (CART)
Communication Access Real-time Translation is a service where a stenographer uses a stenotype machine to input spoken words as shorthand symbols, which are then instantly converted to text by a computer program and displayed on a screen for people with hearing impairments to read in real-time.
Learn more about how the Department on Disability facilitates CART requests: Sign Language Interpreting and Communication Access Realtime Translation Services (PDF)
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) Service
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) Service is an interactive video teleconferencing system that utilizes a Sign Language Interpreter at an off-site Video Interpreter Agency to interpret between sign language users and non-sign language users through video-conferencing equipment. Video-conferencing equipment or other compatible equipment at the locations transmit image and voice to the sign language user’s location. At the same time, the sign language user’s location transmits his/her image to the Video Remote Interpreter. This service could be provided in lieu of on-site sign language interpreter.
For more information about City of Los Angeles VRI services, please email us at dod.comms@lacity.org.
Oral Interpreting Services
Oral Interpreting Services involve professional interpreters with specialized skills designed to meet the needs of individuals who rely on speech-reading as their primary mode of communication. Oral Interpreters follow the same strict professional Code of Ethics as Sign Language Interpreters.
Audio Listening Device Systems
Audio Listening Device Systems enable persons with minimal hearing loss to participate in the proceedings of large group meetings, and public forums. An audio system is connected to an induction loop that amplifies sounds and tones. Sound and tones are then broadcast to personal receivers which are used by individuals who prefer audio enhancement.
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD)
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) also known as teletypewriter (TTY) is a portable teletypewriter device that easily hooks up to a telephone system. The TTY employs interactive graphic typed communication through the transmission of coded signals across the standard telephone network, thus digital communication takes place and can be read on a screen, monitor, or tape installed on the machine. When a public entity communicates by telephone, a TTY, or equally effective telecommunication system must be used to communicate with individuals with speech or hearing or impairments.