A federal court has mandated the return of American Sign Language interpreters to White House press briefings following their removal under the current administration. U.S. District Judge Amir Ali determined that eliminating live interpretation violated the Rehabilitation Act by denying deaf individuals access to government communications.
The National Association of the Deaf filed suit after the administration reversed a previous policy requiring sign language services during presidential briefings. Ali granted an immediate injunction restoring interpreter access, though his order does not extend to all executive branch media appearances, including those featuring the Vice President or First Lady.
The administration had contended that positioning interpreters beside the president created visual concerns. Ali rejected this argument, noting that objections based on aesthetic preferences cannot justify noncompliance with disability accommodation laws and suggesting remote interpretation as an alternative solution.
The National Association of the Deaf filed suit after the administration reversed a previous policy requiring sign language services during presidential briefings. Ali granted an immediate injunction restoring interpreter access, though his order does not extend to all executive branch media appearances, including those featuring the Vice President or First Lady.
The administration had contended that positioning interpreters beside the president created visual concerns. Ali rejected this argument, noting that objections based on aesthetic preferences cannot justify noncompliance with disability accommodation laws and suggesting remote interpretation as an alternative solution.
