Federal law mandates that Americans with disabilities be given full access to businesses services to accommodate their condition. Whether that's access ramps and elevators for those in wheelchairs, Braille on door signs at schools or businesses allowing service dogs on their premises, law dictates that we strive to fully serve those with disabilities.
But what happens when we can't?
That issue is what James Bowman is trying to rectify with his new business, Southeast Interpreters, in Hixson. American Sign Language interpreters play a key role in making sure people with hearing loss get the information and services they need, he explained. Many interpreters, Bowman added, are independent contractors, and too often a business or doctor's office can't find an interpreter and therefore must go without one, to the detriment of their deaf clientele.
"If a deaf person needed to go to the doctor or attend a court case without an interpreter, they would either have to postpone it or do without one," said Bowman. "We want to ensure that people get the services they need."
Southeast Interpreters will work with both companies and interpreters to guarantee the deaf community gets any assistance it may need. Bowman said the agency is already in communication with numerous interpreters and businesses in the area as it gets started.
"Everywhere there's a business, you've got a deaf employee or customer, I almost guarantee it," Bowman said. "Not to mention that deaf people go to concerts, cruises, speeches, you name it. They're just as active as the hearing community. There's really unlimited needs for interpreters."
Bowman himself is not fluent in ASL, though he said he's picking it up slowly. His father is hearing-impaired but was able to get by with hearing aids and lip reading, Bowman said. However, as Bowman got older, he got to know more and more deaf people. He started noticing how many people were going without interpreting services, which spurred him to action.
"Eventually, we'd like to work on corporate training and instructing people how to work with a deaf employee," said Bowman. "If we can educate people and make sure people understand their responsibilities and options, it will really help."
For more information or to request an interpreter's service, call 844-937-4464 or visit ourterps.com.