Louisiana Commission for the Deaf hosts ADA training on relay services, FCC updates and access best practices

The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf hosted a public training session focused on the Americans with Disabilities Act and accessibility resources on July 7, featuring presenter Paul Singleton and outreach coordinator Vanessa of the commission.

Singleton, joining from Maryland, described the ADA’s origins and structure, saying the law exists ‘‘to ensure equal opportunities for everyday life’’ and walking attendees through the ADA’s major Titles: employment (Title I), state and local government activities (Title II), public accommodations (Title III) and telecommunications/relay services (Title IV). He emphasized that different communication modes require different services and that accommodations should be tailored to individual needs.

The presentation reviewed six relay services overseen by the Federal Communications Commission — caption telephone service, Internet Protocol captioned telephone service, Internet Protocol relay, video relay service (VRS), speech-to-speech relay and traditional TTY relay — and noted that Universal Service Fund fees on phone bills pay for those services so they are free to end users. Singleton said the FCC has moved many systems from TTY to real-time text and highlighted ongoing CVAA and FCC work to improve equipment and consider certified or skill-matched interpreters for specialized vocabulary.

On correctional facilities, Singleton told attendees the FCC issued an order requiring jails and prisons to provide access to all six relay services for inmates by December 31 of this year, and that inmate-calling service providers in jurisdictions with broadband and 50 or more inmates must offer relay access. He urged local advocates and agencies to confirm compliance at parish jails.

The presenter also urged vocabulary precision: ‘‘We no longer use the term ‘hearing impaired’ — ban it from our vocabulary,’’ he said, noting he understood Louisiana has enacted a state-level law prohibiting that term and recommending use of specific descriptors (deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, ASL user, non-ASL user) to match services to individuals.

Singleton highlighted practical examples of easy-access protocol, including an Arlington County theater that provided ASL interpretation and captioning across performances so attendees with different needs could plan and attend. He praised Louisiana’s state website for listing ADA coordinators, saying the state page identifies about 150 coordinators and provides an ‘‘easy access’’ model other agencies can emulate.

During a live poll, participants largely agreed with Singleton’s guidance: roughly 90% said the label ‘‘hearing impaired’’ is not a best practice, and about 82% said Title III covers doctors’ offices and that Louisiana lists ADA coordinators. In the Q&A, Singleton addressed interpreter shortages in southwest Louisiana and encouraged use of video remote interpreting (VRI) or temporary regional coverage while building local capacity.

The training closed with administrative notes: the session was recorded, captions and resources (ADA.gov, FCC.gov, National Association of the Deaf, Disability Rights Louisiana) were shared on-screen, and interpreters were reminded to submit the evaluation form due Monday to receive CEU credit. Vanessa and the commission staff provided contact information for follow-up.

What happens next: attendees were encouraged to contact FCC and state ADA coordinators with specific needs or to submit comments during open FCC proceedings; the presenter also suggested advocates and agencies document local interpreter needs and pursue easy-access protocols to reduce last-minute barriers.