Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA requires businesses, healthcare providers, schools, and other public accommodations to provide effective communication for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind individuals. This often means providing a qualified sign language interpreter.
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Did you know?
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) was recognized as an acceptable option in 2011.
Hawai'i State Civil Rights Law (HRS Chapter 489)
Hawai'i has its own civil rights protections that work alongside the federal ADA. HRS Chapter 489 prohibits disability discrimination in all places of public accommodation—including businesses, healthcare facilities, and restaurants. Violators face fines of $500–$10,000 per violation.
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Local enforcement
Complaints can be filed with the Hawai'i Civil Rights Commission, giving you a state-level option for resolving discrimination issues.
Tax Incentives for Businesses
Businesses that provide accessibility services—including sign language interpreters—may qualify for federal tax benefits. There are two options:
Tax Credit (Small Businesses) — IRS Section 44
- For businesses with $1 million or less in revenue OR 30 or fewer employees
- Covers 50% of accessibility expenses between $250–$10,250
- Maximum credit: $5,000 per year
Tax Deduction (All Businesses) — IRS Section 190
- Available to businesses of any size
- Maximum deduction: $15,000 per year
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Use both
Small businesses can combine the credit and deduction if expenses exceed $10,250. Take the $5,000 credit first, then deduct remaining costs up to $15,000.
Working with Interpreters & Captioners
First time working with a sign language interpreter or captioner? Our guide covers how to speak directly to the deaf individual, preparing materials in advance, and understanding the interpreter's role and code of conduct.
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Team interpreting
Assignments over an hour that are technical, continuous, or emotionally intense may require two interpreters to protect message accuracy and interpreter safety.
Who Pays for a Sign Language Interpreter?
Understanding payment responsibilities for interpreter services. For medical appointments, insurance may cover interpreting costs—check with the patient's plan first. If not covered, the medical provider is responsible under ADA requirements.
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Key principle
Businesses cannot charge deaf individuals extra to recover the costs of ADA compliance. Accessibility is a business expense, not a customer surcharge.
Communication Access Rights
A visual guide to accessibility laws and payment responsibilities. Covers the ADA, IDEA, Section 504, and Hawai'i Civil Rights Law—plus a quick reference for who pays in different situations like medical visits, job interviews, and personal events.
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Quick guide
Organizations pay for medical, government, and business settings. DVR may help with employment. Personal events (weddings, family gatherings) are typically self-pay.