United States v. Flint Neurological Centre P.C. - Sign Language Interpreter Denial

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan filed a lawsuit against Flint Neurological Centre P.C. and Dr. Nael Tarakji, alleging that the medical practice violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act by refusing to provide auxiliary aids and services required to ensure effective communication with patients who are deaf or hard of hearing. The complaint alleged that the medical practice repeatedly refused requests for sign language interpreters from deaf patients, instead requiring them to bring their own interpreters or communicate through written notes. This practice violated the ADA's requirement that healthcare providers ensure effective communication with patients with disabilities. Key violations: - Refusal to provide qualified sign language interpreters - Failure to ensure effective communication with deaf patients - Requiring patients to provide their own auxiliary aids - Discrimination against individuals with hearing disabilities The settlement required the medical practice to: - Develop and implement policies for providing auxiliary aids and services - Train staff on ADA requirements for effective communication - Provide sign language interpreters when necessary - Compensate affected patients - Submit to monitoring by the DOJ This case highlights the critical importance of effective communication in healthcare settings and the legal obligation of medical providers to accommodate patients with disabilities.