Legal Rights: The Guide for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People

by National Association of the Deaf

The new, revised, fifth edition of Legal Rights offers in easy-to-understand language the latest state and federal statutes and administrative procedures that prohibit discrimination against deaf and hard of hearing people, and any others with physical challenges. It includes complete information on the Telecommunications Act of 1996, new laws for hearing-aid-compatible telephones, the new Rehabilitation Act regulations that ensure access to electronic and information technology, and how recent Supreme Court rulings will affect people with hearing aids. This outstanding resource also explains new requirements for federal buildings and other new structures to provide full access. Recent additions to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are described, as are the ways public schools can meet new acoustical standards for classrooms. Legal Rights also covers the new rules about interpreters in federal courts and the latest developments regarding relay services. It lists those states that are leaders in ensuring access and equal rights to people with disabilities, making it the most complete source of legal information for deaf and hard of hearing people now available. Founded in 1880, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is the oldest and largest organiza-tion representing people with disabilities in the United States.

264 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2000

Reviews

[August Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I already knew most of the information in this book, but it would be great for a novice interpreter or a deaf individual with legal issues.

[Carissa]

not the book's fault. read most of this for class during Fall 2025 and never finished it. might come back to it someday.

[Tamra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this certainly isn't a book you'd just pick up for the sake of reading, but in terms of being a useful reference book, I'd say it's pretty dang good. If you work with people who are deaf, or intend to someday, you should read this book.

It's a little repetitive, but I think that's necessary when covering laws in this much depth. Plus, the laws themselves have some overlap, so you feel like you're reading nearly identical laws, or at least laws with identical purposes. ... The book gives a great overview of laws relating to deafness (the ADA or Americans with Disabilities Act, for example), with enough detail that you're not just left wondering what the laws themselves "really" say.

Also, it's pretty readable and goes quickly and smoothly. Which is perfect for a text / reference book.

It needs an updated version, though, including the newest laws / interpretation of laws / court cases.

3.5 stars.