Frequently Asked Questions

No. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people based on disability, not citizenship or immigration status. If you are in the United States — whether as a refugee, asylee, visa holder, or undocumented person — you have the right to equal access and reasonable accommodations under the ADA.

Yes. Federal civil rights laws, including the ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, apply regardless of immigration status. Agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) are required to provide accessible services to all people, including non-citizens.

Exercising your civil rights under the ADA or filing a disability discrimination complaint is generally separate from immigration proceedings. Federal agencies are prohibited from using civil rights complaints against you in immigration matters. However, every situation is different. If you have concerns, speak with an immigration attorney before filing a complaint.

Yes, in most situations. Under the ADA, government agencies (Title II) and businesses open to the public (Title III) must provide effective communication for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. This often means providing a qualified sign language interpreter at no cost to you. Hospitals, courts, police departments, schools, and many private businesses are all covered.

Contact the agency or business in advance and make a written request stating that you are Deaf and need a qualified ASL interpreter as a reasonable accommodation. Keep a copy of your request. If they refuse or provide an unqualified interpreter (such as a family member or untrained staff), you have the right to file a complaint with the DOJ or the relevant oversight agency.

No. Hospitals and healthcare providers that receive federal funding — which includes most hospitals — are required under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA to provide effective communication, including qualified interpreters. Using a family member as an interpreter is generally not acceptable, especially for medical decisions, unless you specifically request it.

Free civil legal aid is available. Organizations such as Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) provide free or low-cost legal help to people who qualify. LawHelp.org can help you find a free legal aid organization in your state. You do not need to be a citizen to receive help from many of these organizations.

First, document everything: write down what happened, who was involved, the date and location, and any witnesses. Then make a written request for the accommodation you need. If the denial continues, you can file a complaint with the DOJ ADA Information Line (800-514-0301), the EEOC (for employment), or the OCR (for education). You can also contact a free legal aid organization for help.

No. Under the Supreme Court's ruling in Plyler v. Doe, all children have the right to a public education regardless of immigration status. Additionally, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to provide Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to students with disabilities, including Deaf students, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

TRS is a free federally mandated service that allows Deaf and hard-of-hearing people to communicate by phone. You can reach it by dialing 711. Video Relay Service (VRS) allows you to use ASL through a video connection. These services are available to everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status, at no cost.

No. Title I of the ADA prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities, including Deaf employees. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations — such as a sign language interpreter for meetings — unless doing so would cause undue hardship. If you experience workplace discrimination, you can file a charge with the EEOC within 180 to 300 days of the discriminatory act.

Our Get Help page lists emergency contacts, a preparation checklist, and a full directory of federal agencies, immigration services, Deaf-specific organizations, and free legal aid providers. Our Legal Resources page provides a quick-reference card for all key contacts. If you have a specific question, you can also use our Contact page to send us a message.