Advocacy Forms

As part of our advocacy services, we have provided a list of commonly used forms in Deaf advocacy. Many thanks to Celeste Johnson in Grand Rapids, Michigan for creating those documents so you can make formal requests in writing. DHHS is posting these forms for informational purposes only. They are not offered as legal advice.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires service providers to provide equal access to their services. This means that doctors, hospitals, lawyers, car dealerships, banks, museums, insurance agents, schools, etc. must make their services available by providing communication accommodations when requested.

The law states that there are a variety of auxiliary aids that help communication with individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. These may include qualified interpreters, note-takers, written materials, telephone handset amplifiers, assistive listening devices, telephones that are hearing aid compatible, closed captioned decoders, TTYs, videotext displays or other effective methods of making verbally delivered material available to individuals with hearing loss.

The law strongly encourages the service provider to consider the individual's accommodation preference. This means they should consider providing an interpreter when it is requested. Sometimes a business does not want to make this provision. Then, it is good for you to put your request in writing. This sometimes helps the business to understand you really want the interpreter or accommodation to make sure that communication is understood.

If you need an interpreter for situations that are complicated, use this form to explain that you cannot effectively participate in a decision if you do not have appropriate communication accessibility.

Request for Sign Language Interpreter Services

If you would like to request an accommodation, use this form before you go to that place that you need it from. Give people an opportunity to provide you with what you need, so they are accessible to you. Most of the time, the business will not know that you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and they are unfamiliar with the law. This written request form will help you with that.

Auxiliary Aids and/or Services Request Form

If you are provided with an interpreter that you do not understand, you can request another interpreter to be provided. This form will allow you to put in writing that effective communication was not achieved with the accommodation provided.

Ineffective Interpreter Service Form

If the service provider tells you to contact the interpreter referral agency with your complaint, you can put in writing that it is their responsibility, not yours, to contact the agency that sent the interpreter.

Response to Directive to Address Complaint to Interpreter Referral Agency Form