Frequently Asked Questions

How do I request an interpreter or CART services?

A warm skinned woman with glasses is wearing a black V-neck shirt with a blue sweater. She is standing in front of a gray background. She is signing "CART." The captions show "How do I request an interpreter or CART services?"

In most situations, the Americans with Disabilities Act places the responsibility on the service provider to arrange effective communication access. If you are Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, or Late-Deafened and need communication access, contact the agency or organization that is providing the event or service.

If you are a provider and you wish to procure communication access services such as computer-aided real time transcription (CART), ASL/English interpreting, DeafBlind interpreting, or Deaf interpreting, we have compiled a list of resources, available here. It is necessary to ensure that any communication access provider that is hired for an assignment has the appropriate qualifications and credentials to do the task.

For court sessions, communication access is arranged by the Court. Contact the clerk’s office to request accommodations.

A warm skinned woman with glasses is wearing a black V-neck shirt with a blue sweater. She is standing in front of a gray background. She is signing "CART." The captions show "How do I request an interpreter or CART services?"

Are ARES services free?

A fair skinned woman is wearing a black shirt with a black sweater. She is standing in front of a gray background. She is signing "E." The captions show "ARES services are free to consumers, supported by private, city, state, and federal grants and contracts, and donations."

ARES services are free to consumers, supported by private, city, state, and federal grants and contracts, and donations. Some fee-based special events hosted by DEAF, Inc. may be available to ARES consumers at a reduced rate.

A fair skinned woman is wearing a black shirt with a black sweater. She is standing in front of a gray background. She is signing "E." The captions show "ARES services are free to consumers, supported by private, city, state, and federal grants and contracts, and donations."

Do you provide transportation?

A fair skinned woman with long wavy brown hair pulled back. They are wearing a black shirt with a long sleeved jacket. They are signing "can". The background is solid grey. The captions say "However, our Advocates can connect you to resources for free or discounted transportation options."

ARES does not provide transportation services. However, our Advocates can connect you to resources for free or discounted transportation options. Advocates can also show and teach you how to use public transportation, or para-transportation as needed.

A fair skinned woman with long wavy brown hair pulled back. They are wearing a black shirt with a long sleeved jacket. They are signing "can". The background is solid grey. The captions say "However, our Advocates can connect you to resources for free or discounted transportation options."

What areas do you serve?

ARES serves Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened residents who live or work in Eastern Massachusetts. A list of cities/towns that ARES serves is available here.

Where can I get free or low-cost hearing aids?

For guidance on how to select hearing aids and information about programs that help individuals get hearing aids, this guide may be helpful.

What other Deaf-centric services and resources are available?

We have compiled a list of resources on a wide range of topics. Dive in here.

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