NAD Files Complaint against Mortgage and Settlement Companies for Refusing To Provide Interpreters

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) filed a disability discrimination lawsuit against Maryland Mortgage Company, Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corporation, and Maryland settlement companies, Old Line Title & Escrow, LLC and New Columbus Group, LLC. The complaint claims that the defendants refused to provide qualified interpreter services during the refinancing closing of Plaintiff Mark Bosley. 

The lawsuit follows numerous, unsuccessful efforts by Mr. Bosley, who is deaf, and his wife to secure a qualified sign language interpreter for their refinancing closing. An interpreter was necessary to ensure effective communication and equal participation by Mr. Bosley during the closing.

Defendants have an obligation under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide and pay for auxiliary aids and services, including qualified interpreter services, when necessary for effective communication. Bosely was forced to pay for his own interpreters and the Defendants did not reimburse him for his costs.

Kelby Brick, NAD Director of Law and Advocacy said, "This is the first case brought by the NAD regarding a refusal by a mortgage company and settlement company to provide qualified interpreter services. They have a duty to provide and pay for qualified interpreter services when necessary to communicate effectively with deaf and hard of hearing clients."

The complaint also requests that the Defendants institute and comply with policies and procedures to ensure that interpreter services and other auxiliary aids or services will be available to deaf and hard of hearing clients in the