The Social Security Administration (SSA) has adopted an accessibility policy for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. This policy is reprinted below.
A. POLICY
As mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112), the Social Security Administration will attempt to ensure maximum accessibility of all SSA programs and proceedings to deaf and hard of hearing persons. This policy provides for the purchase of interpreter service whenever necessary to insure accurate communication.
In no event is a deaf person required to use a sign language interpreter with whom he/she cannot communicate. If the individual or SSA determines that accurate communication is not occurring, the interviewer will terminate the interview until a qualified interpreter (see B.3 below) is located and protect the filing date, if applicable.
The deaf/hard-of-hearing person may provide his or her own sign language interpreter at no cost to SSA. However, the utilization of the services of certified interpreters is the preferred option when available. District and/or branch manager and administrative law judges may authorize payment for sign language interpreter services and related expense whenever necessary. Such payments may be made upon prior approval. This authorization is within the local purchase authority.
B. DEFINITIONS
1. Sign language interpreter. A sign language interpreter is any person who is capable of sending signs and interpreting for a deaf/hard-of-hearing person, and understanding signs and interpreting from a deaf/hard-of-hearing person, with accuracy.
2. Certified sign language interpreter. A certified sign language interpreter is any person who has been certified by the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or by any State Registry of Interpreter for the Deaf, or named on a list of interpreters compiled by the National Association of the Deaf and/or any State Association of the Deaf.
3. Qualified sign language interpreter. For SSA purposes, a qualified sign language interpreter is any person certified as defined above, or any person who is acceptable both to the deaf/hard-of-hearing individual and the SSA approving official.
Social Security Administrative Program Operating Manual System [POMS] GN 00203.012.
Each Social Security Office should have effective procedures for complying with these requirements, determining the method of communication the deaf person prefers, and procuring interpreter services.
To request an interpreter at a local Social Security office, contact that office directly. Deaf callers may also call 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) and ask for an appointment with an interpreter at a specific local office. The national operator will arrange the appointment through the local office. If a local office refuses to provide an interpreter when requested, the Social Security Administration Office for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity will accept and investigate complaints against non-complying offices.
To file an official complaint of discrimination against a Social Security office that refuses to provide an interpreter, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-866-574-0374 V, or at the following address:
Social Security Administration
Office of the General Counsel
General Law Division
Room 617, Altmeyer Bldg
6410 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235Ask the SSA to send Form SSA-437 (Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint Form).