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March 23, 2005
New fund will help lawyers, deaf clients communicate
The Monroe County Bar Association today announced a program that will help lawyers pay for sign language interpreters for clients and a workshop that will help educate lawyers about the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Deaf Equal Access Fund (DEAFund) resulted from a task force established after a Penfield lawyer last year admitted violating the ADA by not providing an interpreter for a deaf client.
"When we became aware of that situation, we at the bar association decided we didn't want to see that happen again," said Michael Wolford, president of the Monroe County Bar Association.
Using $7,000 from funds from the association and its foundation, local lawyers will be able to pay for an interpreter for an initial visit, and be reimbursed 50 percent for future interpreter needs, Wolford said.
A workshop is also scheduled April 6 intended to familiarize lawyers with working with deaf clients.
By Greg Livadas
Posted by 4HL on March 23, 2005 3:08 PM
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