Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Communication Access
Appropriate communication access is an essential need for deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind individuals. Understanding their needs can be challenging for anyone who is not familiar with the unique needs of an individual with hearing loss. Explore DDHH’s resources to learn more about communication access services.
Guide to Communication Access Medicaid Guide for Requesting Communication Access
EnglishGuide to Communication Access /EspañolGuide to Communication Access EnglishMedicaid Guide for Requesting Communication Access/EspañolMedicaid Guide for Requesting Communication Access
Requesting Sign Language Interpreting and CART Services
Sign language interpreting and CART services are a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind to ensure effective communication. This means that any entity covered by the ADA – offices and services of local and state government, public and private schools, places of public accommodations such as doctors’ offices, hospitals, movie theaters and more – are obligated to provide communication access when requested at no expense to deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind individuals.
DDHH is available to assist in coordinating communication access services.
- Initiating Requests: Requests are initiated by the payee. The payee is generally the entity legally responsible for providing and paying for these services under state and federal law.
- Advanced Notice: Requests submitted at least two weeks in advance may assist in ensuring adequate time for fulfillment of requests
- Availability: Submitting a request does not guarantee service provision. Securing interpreters and CART providers is subject to availability.
To request sign language interpreting or CART services, complete a request form here. Please submit request forms to DDHH.communications2@dhs.nj.gov.
What’s Next?
Once the request is filled, DDHH will provide the payee with the interpreter or CART provider’s contact information.
Once the contact information is received the payee connects with the interpreter or CART provider directly to discuss:
- Hourly Rate: Confirm the provider's hourly rate and agree upon the terms.
- 2-Hour Minimum Rate: Interpreters and CART providers may adhere to a 2-hour minimum billing rate.
- 48-Hour Cancellation Policy: A 48-hour cancellation notice is required. Failure to provide adequate notice may result in a charge for the full assignment.
All interpreters on DDHH’s interpreter referral lists possess certification by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). DDHH is unable to make any claim as to the skills of any freelance interpreter. Interpreters and CART providers operate as an independent business entity.
Sign Language Interpreters
General List: EnglishGeneral List/EspañolGeneral List
Health Care List: EnglishHealth Care List/EspañolHealth Care List
Legal List: EnglishLegal List/EspañolLegal List
DCP&P List: EnglishDCP&P List/EspañolDCP&P List
Certified Deaf Interpreter List: EnglishCertified Deaf Interpreter List/EspañolCertified Deaf Interpreter List
Captioning Services
