ADA Standards

Summary in non-technical language

• If there is a PA system with microphones, there must be an assistive listening system.

• Religious organizations are 'generally' exempt from the ADA, depending on their scope and services. But many still install an assistive listening system to include people with hearing loss. 

• What's required (see details in 4-page summary: Assistive Listening System ADA standards)

1. A fully working Assistive Listening System that meet the ADA: Hearing loops, FM, Infrared (IR). Wi-Fi audio does not meet ADA standards (latency concerns).

2. A sign must be visible. Usually in the United States it is blue. The ADA includes specifications for location, size, and Braille characters.

3. Receivers and headphones (hearing loop)

4. Receivers, headphones, and neckloops (FM and Infrared systems)

5. Effective communication

• The ADA standards are minimal; an organization is encouraged to go beyond these minimum standards to meet the needs of people with hearing loss and the organization's mission.

• Hearing loops are preferred by consumers for ease of use. If access is easy, more people will fully participate.

 

Key Quotes from the ADA Standards for Assembly Areas

• In each assembly area* where audible communication is integral to the use of the space, an assistive listening system shall be provided.

• Assistive Listening System. An amplification system utilizing transmitters, receivers, and coupling devices to bypass the acoustical space between a sound source and a listener by means of induction (hearing) loop, radio frequency, infrared, or direct-wired equipment.

• *Assembly Area. A building or facility, or portion thereof, used for the purpose of entertainment, educational or civic gatherings, or similar purposes. For the purposes of these requirements, assembly areas include, but are not limited to, classrooms, lecture halls, courtrooms, public meeting rooms, public hearing rooms, legislative chambers, motion picture houses, auditoria, theaters, playhouses, dinner theaters, concert halls, centers for the performing arts, amphitheaters, arenas, stadiums, grandstands, or convention centers. (includes funeral homes)

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Effective Communication

Ensuring effective communication requires public and private entities to provide aids and services include a wide variety of technologies including:

• Assistive listening systems and devices

 

Public Notice

Public entities are required to ensure that interested people, including people with hearing impairments, can obtain information as to the ”existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities.”

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Resources

• ADA Standards for Assistive Listening System (Hearing Loss Association of America, 4 pages, pdf)

• ADA Standards for Accessible Design, at www.ada.gov (website)

• ADA Standards, Effective Communication at www.ada.gov (website)

• ADA Title II Action Guide for State and Local Governments Resources:

  • ADA Self-Evaluation – Effective Communication

• Rocky Mountain ADA Center is a member of the National Network of ADA Centers and covers Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota South Dakota. The center is operated by the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO. They provide information, resources and trainings for consumers, organizations, and businesses, but do not have enforcement responsibilities.

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Malfunctioning Equipment

• If your telecoil in your hearing aid or cochlear implant is not working, it is likely you will get it resolved with your audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. However, if you cannot, the State of Colorado can help with consumer protection issues. https://dpo.colorado.gov/FileComplaint

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• If the Assistive Listening System or device is not fully working, some options:

  • Troubleshoot. Work with the venue/organization/institution. Contact us if you need assistance for FM, infrared (IR), or hearing loops.

  • Work with and educate the owner or manager. Try to use written communication, either as initial inquiries or as follow-up. Sometimes you may need to contact someone in a supervisory position. Usually working locally is quicker for resolving problems.

  • Write a Google review.

  • File a complaint with the ADA coordinator at the business, venue, or institution.

  • File a discrimination complaint with Colorado Civil Rights Division.

  • File a discrimination complaint with the Department of Justice.

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