DOJ/DOE Joint Publication: Frequently Asked Questions on Effective Communication for Students with Hearing, Vision, or Speech Disabilities in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools

7. Under what circumstances is a public school required to provide auxiliary aids and services to persons with a hearing, vision, or speech disability who are not students, such as parents, other relatives, and members of the public, who seek to participate in or benefit from a district’s services, programs, or activities?

Answer. Title II’s effective communication obligations are not limited just to students — schools are obligated to provide effective communication to all individuals who seek to participate in or benefit from a school district’s services, programs, or activities such as student registration, parent‐teacher conferences, meetings, ceremonies, performances, open houses, and field trips. All of the same Title II requirements and considerations discussed in the context of students with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities apply to other individuals with disabilities who are covered by this requirement.