Baystate Medical Center has agreed to resolve allegations that it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide effective communication during scheduled labors and deliveries of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The agreement resolves a complaint by an individual who is deaf and uses American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate. The complaint alleges that Baystate failed to provide the aggrieved party with effective ASL communication during her scheduled labor and delivery, in violation of the ADA. While investigating this complaint, another aggrieved party who was not provided with an ASL accommodation during two scheduled labors and deliveries was identified. Under the terms of the agreement, Baystate will ensure effective communication by providing appropriate auxiliary aids and services, including ASL interpreters, and implementing personnel training. Additionally, Baystate will pay a total of $135,000 to the aggrieved parties.
