Steve Shepard, a resident of Albany, New York, is speaking out about the challenges he faced in securing an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for his deaf son, Mark, during a recent doctor’s appointment. For 27 years, Shepard has been an advocate for his son, often assisting with scheduling medical appointments due to his ability to communicate more effectively over the phone.
When Mark switched to Albany Family Medicine, a Community Care Physicians practice, Shepard called to arrange an appointment and requested an ASL interpreter. “The person I spoke to at that time said, ‘oh, we don’t do that.’ And I said, ‘well, yeah, I think we have to,’” Shepard said.
Despite multiple calls, Shepard said he was repeatedly told to contact his insurance company for interpreter services. Frustrated, he reached out to his insurance company, which informed him that it was the responsibility of the doctor’s office to provide an interpreter and filed a complaint on his behalf.
Three days before the appointment, Albany Family Medicine assured the Shepards that an interpreter would be available. However, the process was not without its challenges. Upon arrival, it took about an hour for the staff to set up the technology for the ASL interpreter, who assisted via video chat.
While Shepard noted that the interpreter was effective and the doctor understanding, he hopes speaking of his experience will help raise awareness about the rights and laws protecting individuals with disabilities and the importance of self-advocacy in medical situations.
“I have an understanding of what maybe they should do, but it’s obvious from my conversations with these people that they don’t understand what the law says they’re obligated to do, and that’s bad,” Shepard said, referring to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
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CBS 6 Albany (1/13/25) by Lara Bryn