Available Auxiliary Aids

Auxiliary aids are intended to help with client communication and include, but are not limited to:

For clients with a hearing impairment:

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter Services
Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) Interpreter Services
Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART)
Oral Interpreter/Transliterator
Telecommunication Relay Service: MassRelay
Use of written notes
Video Remote Interpreter (VRI), and
Video Relay Service (VRS)

Note

If a client requests use of Video Relay Service (VRS), you must enter the VRS phone number of the client on the Difficulty tab of the Accommodation/Special Assistance Screening page.

For clients with a vision impairment:

lighting which focuses light to a particular area of the workspace; and
oral communication, (e.g., reading notices to the client rather than relying solely on written notices)

For additional auxiliary aids and their usage, please reference the Department’s Disability Resource Guide found at: The Disability Resource Guide. Use of appropriate auxiliary aids is part of the Department’s obligation under the ADA.

Important

A request for an auxiliary aid must prompt a discussion with the client to have an accommodation screening.

Important

The Accommodation/Special Assistance workflow is mandatory for completion in the following situations:

Application, reevaluation and recertification when an interview is required;
When a request for a TAFDC or EAEDC disability exemption is made on the associated Work Requirements page;
Whenever a client is indicated as Disabled on the Disability page; and
Whenever a client communicates to the Department that he or she has a disability.

Protocols for Working with Walk-in Clients who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing Walk-in Clients at TAOs Equipped with Video Remote Interpreting

American Sign Language (ASL) Protocols

ADA Policy and Procedures

Available Auxiliary Aids

Last Update: May 16, 2019