# 122


DJ 204-39-0


II-7.1000                                    March 14, 1994








XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Minneapolis, Minnesota  55458

Dear Mr. XXXXXX:

     This letter is in response to your inquiry regarding the 
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with respect to the
provision of interpreting services to college students who are
clients of a State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (SDVR). 
We apologize for the delay in responding.

     The ADA authorizes the Department of Justice to provide
technical assistance to individuals and entities having rights
and obligations under the Act.  This letter provides informal
guidance to assist you in understanding the ADA's requirements. 
However, it does not constitute a legal opinion or legal advice
and it is not binding on the Department.  

     Title II of the ADA requires public entities, including
SDVR's and State universities and colleges, to furnish
appropriate auxiliary aids and services, including qualified
interpreters, where necessary to ensure effective communication
with persons with disabilities.  You ask about respective
responsibilities for providing interpreting services to a student
who is a SDVR client.  In such a situation, the college can
contact the student's SDVR to seek payment to cover the expenses
of interpreting services.  The university, however, remains
responsible for the provision of qualified interpreters. 
Therefore, the college is not excused from its responsibility to
provide interpreting services in the event that the SDVR either
fails to provide the services or fails to provide sufficient
funds to cover the cost of the services.

     Enclosed you will find a copy of the Department's title II
regulation and the Department's title II Technical Assistance
Manual.  I hope this information will be useful to you. 

                            Sincerely,



 
                        Stewart B. Oneglia
                              Chief
                 Coordination and Review Section
                      Civil Rights Division

Enclosures (2)
     Title II Regulation 
     Title II Technical Assistance Manual