ClearMask and the ADA: Working together towards greater accessibility, equity, and inclusion
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990 by Congress, was a historic move in ensuring Americans of all disabilities are treated equally. The law requires the use of reasonable accommodations throughout all parts of life, including school, work, and healthcare. Accommodations can cover a wide range of things such as wheelchair-accessible parking, voice-to-text apps, strobe fire alarms, and service animals.
With the onset of the global pandemic in 2020, millions of deaf and hard of hearing people, along with many other populations, were suddenly faced with communication challenges as standard masks began covering faces and important visual cues. With the introduction of the ClearMask™ brand, a helpful tool providing greater visual access to the face, individuals now have an auxiliary aid to request for accommodations in school, the workplace, the doctor’s office, and more.
The ClearMask™ is an auxiliary aid
What’s an auxiliary aid? An auxiliary aid is a form of assistance or tool available for anyone with a disability, like the ClearMask™ Transparent Surgical Mask for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, children with disabilities, and so much more. Auxiliary aids are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, under several provisions that ensure Americans who require accommodations get what they need.
What does the ADA say about auxiliary aids?
Under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, deaf/hard of hearing students and parents are entitled to “effective communication,” and participants in education settings such as schools, colleges, universities can request a reasonable modification to existing mask policies, including alternative face coverings such as the ClearMask™ brand. This rule also covers government entities, such as city halls, court systems, and post offices.
Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act also provides coverage and protection for those in the workforce, as well as individuals seeking healthcare. Both the ADA and section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) require healthcare providers to provide effective accommodations, including auxiliary aids, upon request.
Advocacy tips for you
What can you do to ensure you get the accommodations you need? Know your rights when it comes to accommodations and regulations.
There are many advocates with disabilities around the world with plenty of ideas, tips, and strategies. Check out below for some ideas:
Self-advocate! It may be uncomfortable at first, especially in difficult or awkward situations.
Know your rights by learning essential information on what the law says. Check out ada.gov for resources.
Describe your disability the way that you feel is appropriate for different groups of people (family, friends, colleagues, customer service folks, etc.); it can be on a “need to know” basis.
Ask for help and request assistance for others to advocate on your behalf.
