Tolland/Manchester Practice Makes ADA Adjustments Following Complaint

MANCHESTER/TOLLAND, CT — A medical practice with offices in Manchester and Tolland has agreed to make some changes to appease an Americans with Disabilities complaint.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States attorney for the District of Connecticut, recently announced that the orthopedic practice has entered into a settlement agreement under the ADA.

The matter was initiated by a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Justice by an individual who is deaf and speaks American Sign Language. The patient complained that the practice did not provide a qualified interpreter for American Sign Language at medical appointments.

The government's investigation pinpointed three medical appointments. Avery said the practice offered to communicate with the patient by typing back-and-forth on a computer, which "did not provide effective communication for a medical appointment."

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the practice has agreed "not to discriminate based on disability in the future and will provide persons with disabilities with full and equal enjoyment of its services," Avery said. As part of that obligation, the practice will provide auxiliary aids and services, including American Sign Language interpreters, "to ensure effective communication with its patients and their companions who have disabilities."

The practice has also agreed to provide "reasonable modifications to policies and procedures for individuals with disabilities consistent with the ADA," Avery said.

Avery noted that SMOS has "worked cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney's Office to improve their ADA compliance without litigation."

The settlement agreement is effective for three years, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor compliance during that time.