The Deaf Access Program
The Deaf Access Program (DAP) at the University of Michigan Health System provides communication access and a broad range of other services to our Deaf/hard-of-hearing patients and their families.We strictly comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires that auxiliary aids and services be provided in healthcare settings. But we also go above and beyond what is required by the law. Whether it’s a routine physical, outpatient tests or procedures, Emergency Room visits, surgery, or extended inpatient stays, the Deaf Access Program strives to meet all the communication needs of the Deaf/hard-of-hearing community.
DAP services include the following:
- Clinic appointments, procedures and Inpatient Services
- Experienced UMHS staff and contract sign language interpreters
- On-call interpreters for after-hours, weekends and holidays
- UMHS Staff/on-call interpreters for Emergency Room visits
- Public access Sorenson VP 200 in main lobby
- Public access TTY’s
- Pocket talkers and FM systems
- Closed Captioning cc for waiting room and lobby televisions
- In-patient ADA 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 interpreters
- In-service and training for faculty and staff
- Sign language and cultural education classes for staff
- Medical terminology training for UMHS contract sign language interpreters
- Medical interpreter training through Bridging the Gap for UMHS contract sign language interpreters
- Ongoing support and professional development through contract sign language interpreters’ Yahoo group and quarterly UMHS staff and UMHS contract interpreter meetings
How to request a sign language interpreter
- Regular business hours, please schedule through EWS – or call the Interpreter Services office 936-7021. Requests should be made when scheduling the appointment for the patient as it is difficult to get an interpreter at the last minute due to the volume of requests.
- Weeknights, Weekends and Holidays: Page the on-call interpreter at 31019
How to request a Videophone, ADA kit or auxiliary aids
Contact interpreter services at via email or 734-936-7021
Deaf Access Program
UH2B207 Box 5059
1500 E. Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5059
734-936-7021
chrroy@med.umich.edu
