Deaf Services
Sign language interpreting is available to any deaf or hard-of-hearing person doing business with the county and the district courts.
Contact InformationMelanie Sooter
Deaf Services Specialist
(913) 715-8918 / Voice
(913) 894-8822 / TTY
melanie.sooter@jocogov.org
Interpreting in county & district courts
Community Interpreting
Equipment Rental
Who arranges and pays for an interpreter for a deaf person doing business with a county department or a district court?
What is the role of the deaf person in arranging for an interpreter?
As a county department or court representative, whom do I contact to arrange for interpreter services?
How much notice is required?
Is interpreting available in the Human Services & Aging Office for non-county business?
Who arranges and pays for an interpreter for a deaf person doing business with a county department or a district court?
The county department where you are conducting business is responsible for securing and paying for interpreting services. The district court is also responsible for securing and paying for interpreting services.
What is the role of the deaf person in arranging for an interpreter?
It is the deaf individual’s responsibility to inform the county department or the court that he or she is deaf and requires a sign language interpreter.
As a county department or court representative, whom do I contact to arrange for interpreter services?
Contact the deaf services specialist: (913) 715-8918 voice, (913) 894-8822 TTY, or by e-mail Melanie.sooter@jocogov.org.
How much notice is required?
Deaf Services requires at least 48-hour notice (two business days) when requesting an interpreter. We will try to accommodate last-minute requests, but cannot guarantee that an interpreter will be available.
Is interpreting available in the Human Services & Aging Office for non-county business?
Deaf Services always welcomes you to come in (11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 1300, Olathe) and use an interpreter. However, it is best to make an appointment by calling the TTY line, (913) 894-8822.
How do I find out whether my business is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act to provide sign language interpreting for my employee/client/patient/customer?
How can my business or agency obtain the services of a sign language interpreter?
Who pays for this service?
How much does sign language interpreting cost?
How will I be billed?
How do I find out whether my business is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act to provide sign language interpreting for my employee/client/patient/customer?
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires most businesses to provide interpreting for their employees and customers. The ADA has a hotline at (800) 949-4232. The Department of Justice also has a helpful web site: www.ada.gov.
How can my business or agency obtain the services of a sign language interpreter?
Johnson County’s Deaf Services connects local businesses and agencies with private-sector interpreters. This service is provided to facilitate communication between deaf and hearing individuals for Johnson County residents. Notice of 48 hours (two business days) is required. For cancellations, contact the office at least 24 hours (one business day) prior to the assignment to avoid full payment for interpreting services. Contact the deaf services specialist (913) 715-8918 voice, (913) 894-8822 TTY, or by e-mail melanie.sooter@jocogov.org.
Who pays for this service?
The agency or business is responsible for paying the interpreter. Deaf Services will confirm in advance the cost of the interpreting service.
How much does sign language interpreting cost?
The costs vary due to a number of factors. The range is from $30 to $75 per hour, usually with a two-hour minimum. Additional fees may also be charged, including tolls, parking and mileage. Deaf Services will confirm the cost in advance.
How will I be billed?
You will be billed directly by the interpreter or interpreting agency that provided the service.
What equipment for the deaf is available for rent?
What is the cost of renting this equipment?
How long can a person rent the equipment?
Whom do I contact for equipment rental?
What equipment for the deaf is available for rent?
Deaf Services has a limited number of TTYs (text telephones) and decoders (captioning devices for television) available for rent to Johnson County residents.
What is the cost of renting this equipment?
Either a TTY or a decoder can be leased for $5 per month plus a deposit of $20. The deposit will be refunded upon return of the unit. A signed rental contract is required.
How long can a person rent the equipment?
The equipment may be leased for up to three months.
Whom do I contact for equipment rental?
Contact the deaf services specialist: (913) 715-8918 voice, (913) 894-8822 TTY, or by e-mail melanie.sooter@jocogov.org.
Human Services & Aging
11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite #1300
Olathe, KS 66061-7056
(913) 715-8800 : voice
(913) 715-8825 : fax
(913) 894-8822 : TTY
E-mail