Undercover Testers Find Discrimination at Some Arizona Assisted Living, Nursing Communities

A federal lawsuit filed by the Southwest Fair Housing Council states that undercover investigators determined at least 14 assisted living and nursing communities in Arizona unlawfully discriminate against prospective hearing-impaired residents, according to the Arizona Republic . Over two years, investigators inquired about the availability of qualified American Sign Language interpreters and other aids to allow residents to communicate effectively. Community employees almost always said they could not or would not offer interpreters, and deaf residents could either provide their own interpreters or communicate with staff via writing and lip-reading. Hearing disability-based discrimination is banned by state and federal statutes that require communities to make "reasonable accommodations" when they are necessary "to use and enjoy a dwelling."