Auxiliary aids and services

Auxiliary is an adjective describing something that provides additional help. The terms auxiliary aid and auxiliary service describe communications tools or assistance offered to someone with a sensory disability. (A sensory disability is sometimes also called a communications disability.)

For example, a pen and paper can improve communication with a person who is Deaf or hard of hearing, as can text messaging on smartphones. Additional examples include sign language interpreters and Communication Access Real-Time Captioning (CART), as well as TTY for telephony, Braille and large-print reading materials, and audiobooks.

[ Read: The ADA and Title II Public Entities ]

Related Resources

Articles (6) Blogs (1) News (5) Infographics (4)

Articles

Blogs

  • Title II of the ADA
    What is Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act? This short blog post has a helpful overview...

News

Infographics

Auxiliary Aids and Services
Social media image that says: Auxiliary aids and services can create an equal opportunity for people with sensory or communication disabilities to participate. Examples include captioning, qualified reader, and American Sign Language (ASL).
Rights of Parents with Disabilities in the Child Welfare System
Infographic titled 'Rights of Parents with Disabilities in the Child Welfare System' featuring several text boxes. Child welfare agencies cannot exclude parents with disabilities from the services offered in child welfare agencies or court systems. Assumptions, generalizations, or stereotypes about disability should not affect assessments, services, and decisions. Reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures for parents with disabilities are required for all services and hearings. Modifications include ensuring physical or programmatic accessibility, or providing auxiliary aids and services to ensure adequate communication and participation.
ADA and accessible voting
Social media banner from the Northeast ADA Center showing people with disabilities in a gym; one of them holds a sign that says vote. Big text over the image says: “What does the Americans with Disabilities Act say about voting? Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to make their programs accessible to people with disabilities through physical access and reasonable modifications. They must also provide auxiliary aids and services.” Voter
Accessible Ballots
'Accessible Ballots' The voting process must be accessible to all. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, state and local governments must provide auxiliary aids and services to voters with disabilities. Under the Help America Vote Act, every polling site must have at least one accessible voting machine that offers non-visual access while providing privacy and independence. If you have questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact us at 1-800-949-4232.