27. What if I am deaf or hard of hearing?

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, DTA must ensure effective communication with you. 106 C.M.R.§360.510. This can include if you need interpretation, communication access real time translation (CART), or sign language interpretation to communicate with your case manager. DTA requires staff to be trained on and use auxiliary aids.

All DTA local offices now have Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services.

VRI is an auxiliary aid to communicate with Deaf and hard of hearing individuals using remote American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services. If you are Deaf or hard of hearing and would like ASL interpreter service through VRI, go to an office with VRI or contact a Client Assistance Coordinator to set up an appointment in advance.

DTA also has an option to communicate with a Client Assistance Coordinator via Zoom, with an ASL interpreter on the Zoom video.

For a list of DTA's Client Assistance Coordinators (CACs) available in each local office, go to Mass.gov/service-details/department-of-transitional-assistance-disability-access.

DTA Online Guide: 

See Appendix G for links to the DTA's BEACON 5 Online Guide for this section.