The Deaf Access Program
The Deaf Access Program provides a broad range of services to deaf/hard-of-hearing patients and their families. We strictly comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires that auxiliary aids and services be provided in healthcare settings. But we go above and beyond what the law requires, striving to meet all the communication needs of the deaf/hard-of-hearing community in all medical situations.
Deaf Access Program Services
- For clinic appointments, procedures and inpatient encounters, we provide:
- Experienced UMHS staff and temporary sign language interpreters
- On-call interpreters for after-hours, weekends and holidays
- Sign language interpreters for Emergency Room visits
- Public access Sorenson Video Phone in main lobby, Emergency Department, and five of our clinic locations
- Inpatient bedside Sorenson Video Phone
- Public access Text Telephones
- Pocket talkers and FM systems
- Closed Captioning for waiting room and lobby televisions
- Inpatient room kit (includes door light sensor and information for staff, family and patient regarding Deaf Access Program services)
- Services and programs for UMHS staff and Sign Language interpreters include:
- In-services and training for faculty and staff
- Sign language interpreting and Deaf cultural education classes
- Medical terminology training for healthcare interpreting
- Medical interpreter skills training through Bridging the Gap
- Ongoing support and professional development through temporary sign language interpreters’ Yahoo group and quarterly UMHS staff and UMHS contract interpreter meetings
How to request a sign language interpreter
- During regular business hours, please schedule through EWS – or call the Interpreter Services office at (734) 936-7021. Interpreter requests should be made at the time the patient's appointment is scheduled, since last minute requests are harder to fill.
- On weeknights, weekends and holidays, page the on-call interpreter at 31019.
How to request a videophone, inpatient room kit or auxiliary aids
Contact Interpreter Services via email or at 734-936-7021.
UMHS Interpreter Services, Deaf Access Program
2025 Traverwood Dr., Suite A4
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 936-7021
