Language Accessibility and Assistive Listening: What Are the Rules in the U.S.?

As with Canada’s Official Languages Act and the European Accessibility Act (EAA) coming into effect in June 2025, equal access to communication is a fundamental right in the United States. Whether in the public or private sector, all organizations are subject to federal laws designed to support individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) and those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

But what software or hardware provisions need to be made to facilitate this? And how can you ensure your organization is compliant with the latest regulations?

Follow our simple language accessibility and assistive listening guide for US businesses, government agencies, houses of worship, event organizers, and more.

Key U.S. Laws on Language Accessibility and Assistive Listening

There are several laws that govern language accessibility and assistive listening services in the US today. Here’s a breakdown of the most important ones:

1. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964)

This law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs. It mandates that organizations receiving federal assistance must provide meaningful access to services for LEP individuals, often through language interpretation and translation.

2. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (1990)

The ADA ensures equal access for all individuals with disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Under the ADA:

• Public accommodations (e.g., hotels, theaters, hospitals, and businesses) must provide auxiliary aids and services, such as sign language interpreters, captioning, and assistive listening devices (ALDs).
• Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for employees with hearing impairments.

3. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973)

Similar to the ADA, Section 504 requires federally funded entities to ensure equal access for all individuals with disabilities. This includes providing communication aids, such as real-time captioning (CART), hearing loop systems, and sign language interpreters.

4. Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Section 1557 extends language access and disability protections to healthcare providers that receive federal funding. This means that hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies must provide language assistance services (such as qualified interpreters) and effective communication tools for patients with hearing impairments.

5. FCC Regulations on Captioning and Hearing Accessibility

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enforces regulations requiring:

• Closed captioning on television and online video content.
• Hearing aid-compatible telecommunication devices.
• Relay services (such as Video Relay Services (VRS)) for people who require sign language.

Who Needs to Comply?

US organizations that must comply with these laws include:

• Government agencies (federal, state, and local)
• Healthcare providers (hospitals, clinics, insurance companies)
• Educational institutions (schools, universities, libraries). See our in-depth guide to compliance for higher education for more information.
• Businesses offering public accommodations (retail, hotels, transportation)
• Entertainment venues (theaters, stadiums, museums)

How US Organizations Can Ensure Compliance

To meet legal requirements and ensure that your venue or workplace is accessible both to LEP individuals and those who require an assistive listening solution, organizations can:

1. Offer On-Demand Interpretation & Translation. AI solutions like KUDO AI Speech Translator enable businesses to provide back-and-forth communication in any language with the click of a button.
2. Invest in Assistive Listening Technology. Install hearing loops, FM systems, or Bluetooth-enabled assistive devices to support customers and employees with hearing impairments.
3. Train Staff on Language Accessibility. Ensure employees understand how to assist LEP individuals and those with hearing disabilities with awareness and training programs.
4. Provide Closed Captioning & Transcription. Implement a real-time captioning solution and video subtitles for your telecommunications to enhance accessibility for diverse audiences.

Key Takeaways

Language accessibility and assistive listening services are not just legal obligations—they are essential for creating an inclusive society with equal opportunities for everyone. And as populations become more diverse, we can only expect these mandates to increase over the coming years.

Organizations that embrace these requirements early on—for example by running internal meetings with real-time speech translation and captions—will additionally benefit from enhanced engagement, productivity, and growth opportunities.