NAD Files Complaint Against University of Northern Virginia
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A News Release from the National Association of the Deaf
Release Date: October 30, 2007
Contact:
Anita B. Farb
Director, Communications and Operations
National Association of the Deaf
Email: www.nad.org/contactus
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NAD Files Complaint Against University of Northern Virginia
Silver Spring, MD – The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) filed a complaint on October 23, 2007 with the U. S. Department of Justice and the U. S. Department of Education against the University of Northern Virginia. The complaint alleges that the University of Northern Virginia refused to provide qualified sign language interpreters for a graduate student who is deaf, in violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
The complaint alleges further that the University of Northern Virginia refunded the student’s tuition and fees instead of providing interpreters for his classes. “Private colleges and universities are required to provide qualified interpreter services when necessary to ensure equal access by students who are deaf and hard of hearing,” said Michael Stein, staff attorney with the NAD Law and Advocacy Center. These schools cannot escape their legal obligations simply by issuing refunds.
“The NAD continues to advocate for equal access to higher education,” said Nancy J. Bloch, NAD Chief Executive Officer. “No deaf student should have to worry whether his or her university will provide the required auxiliary aids and services.” The NAD requested that the U. S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Education investigate this complaint and order the University of Northern Virginia to cease its discriminatory practices.
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About the NAD
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD), founded in 1880, safeguards the civil rights of deaf and hard of hearing Americans. As a national federation of individual members, state associations, organizational and corporate affiliates, the advocacy work of the NAD encompasses a broad spectrum of areas including, but not limited to, accessibility, education, employment, healthcare, mental health, rehabilitation, technology, telecommunications, and transportation. The NAD website (http://www.nad.org) has a wealth of advocacy information and resources.