I-2-6-12.Hearing Procedures — Claimant who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing

A. Sign Language Interpreter

When using an American Sign Language interpreter at the hearing, the administrative law judge (ALJ) will:

• Position the claimant so that they are facing the interpreter and can easily see all other hearing participants, including the appointed representative.

• Direct all questions and comments to the claimant, not the interpreter.

• Speak slowly, phrase questions and comments as clearly as possible, and not use idiomatic or slang expressions.

B. Real-time Reporting

When using real-time reporting (see Hearings, Appeals and Litigation Law (HALLEX) manual I-2-1-72 B), the ALJ must ensure the claimant has full and simultaneous access to the speech-to-text transcription of the hearing and that the recording and transcription equipment functions properly during the hearing. If the claimant raises issues regarding the effectiveness of the communication during the hearing that cannot be addressed or corrected, the ALJ will seek a more effective means of communication.

C. Lip-reading

If the ALJ determines that allowing the claimant to lip-read is appropriate, the ALJ will be careful to speak slowly during the hearing and face the claimant at all times so that they have an unobstructed view of the ALJ's face. The ALJ will also ensure that claimant can easily see all other hearing participants, including the appointed representative.

D. Written Notes

If the claimant has difficulty lip-reading or understanding a particular question in sign language, or if real-time court reporting is not effective, the ALJ may choose to communicate with the claimant through a written note. If the ALJ uses written notes, the ALJ must read the notes into the record. If the ALJ finds written notes are frequently needed, the ALJ will adjourn the hearing and continue it at another time with a more reliable method of communication.

E. Objections by the Claimant to the Method of Communication

If a claimant who is deaf or hard of hearing objects to the accuracy and quality of the communication during the hearing, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant is receiving a full and fair hearing.

• If the ALJ concludes the claimant is receiving a full and fair hearing, the ALJ must note the claimant's objections on the record, proceed with the hearing, and address the objections during the hearing or in the decision.

• If the ALJ concludes the claimant is not receiving a full and fair hearing, the ALJ will adjourn the hearing and continue it at another time with a more reliable method of communication.