Fact Sheet on Effective Communication

This list of recommended resources is not an exhaustive list and is only intended to be a guide on key information related to effective communication.

Federal and State Disability Laws:

• Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Fair Housing Act
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
• Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act

Additional Resources related to these laws:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• ADA Resources: Disability Rights Guide
• ADA Requirements: Effective Communication
• ADA Resources: Employment
• Great Lakes ADA Center
• Internal Revenue Service: Disabled Tax Credit
• Job Accommodation Network
• US Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
• US Department of Transportation
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• US Department of Health and Human Services

Michigan Sign Language Interpreter Resources:

• Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs-Bureau of Community and Health Systems (LARA-BCHS) Qualified Interpreter Program
• Deaf Person’s Interpreter Act
• Michigan Qualified Interpreter-General Rules
• Michigan Online Interpreter System

Filing Complaints

Medical Settings:

1. If you believe you have been the victim of unlawful discrimination based on a protected class such as disability in medical settings, you can contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) by phone at 313-456-3700 or fill out an online complaint request form. You also have the option to join a virtual intake session.
2. You may file a complaint with the US Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
3. You may file a complaint with the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights
4. The State Bar of Michigan has a directory where you can search for lawyers based on location and practice area.
5. The State Bar of Michigan also has a directory for legal aid and law-related organizations.
6. You may contact an attorney to file directly in court.

Employment Settings:

1. If you believe you have been the victim of unlawful discrimination based on a protected class such as disability in employment settings, you can contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) by phone at 313-456-3700 or fill out an online complaint request form. You also have the option to join a virtual intake session.
2. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) can also be contacted if you believe you have experienced discrimination at work. The EEOC also has an ASL VP hotline which can be accessed at 1-844-234-5122.
3. The State Bar of Michigan has a directory where you can search for lawyers based on location and practice area.
4. The State Bar of Michigan also has a directory for legal aid and law-related organizations.
5. You may contact an attorney to file directly in court.