Are employers required to provide sign language interpreters for deaf employees?
In Massachusetts, the answer to the question of whether employers are required to provide sign language interpreters for deaf employees is yes. According to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), employers are required to make reasonable accommodations to ensure that all individuals with disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities. This includes providing sign language interpreters for deaf employees. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also provides legal protection against discrimination for people with disabilities. In addition to the protections provided by the ADA, the Massachusetts General Laws also protect against discrimination based on disability and require reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. As such, employers in Massachusetts must provide sign language interpreters to ensure that deaf employees are provided with equal access to employment. Employers may also be required to provide other reasonable accommodations to accommodate the needs of deaf employees such as providing written materials in an accessible format or establishing systems to ensure that deaf employees are notified in a timely manner of any important changes or updates. Ultimately, employers must provide reasonable accommodations for deaf employees in order to ensure that they have equal access to employment opportunities and to protect their legal rights under the ADA and other applicable state and federal laws.
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