The Service Fund pays for communication access services for deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing persons in certain situations not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Communication access services that the Service Fund covers are sign language interpreting and real time captioning that make communication possible for persons who are deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing and between them and hearing persons in various situations. ADA requires most organizations, both profit and non-profit, businesses, employment sectors and other entities to cover communication access services but if an entity is facing an undue hardship (see footnote), the Service Fund may help.

Examples of situations that the Service Fund may cover:

• emergency or immediate medical or mental health situations

• support groups (examples: 12-step, cancer survivors, single parent meetings)

• job-related situations for individuals who do not receive DVR services

• funerals and memorial services

• meetings involving housing and shelter matters

• services, meetings or other events sponsored by organizations or agencies that do not receive federal funds

• meetings that involve developing new programs, agencies, or organizations to promote awareness of issues relating to deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing persons