Linguistic Accessibility

The principle that information, services, and opportunities for participation should be available in a person's preferred language and communication modality. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, linguistic accessibility means providing content and interaction opportunities in sign languages rather than requiring the use of written or spoken languages in which they may be less proficient. Linguistic accessibility extends beyond translation to encompass the full range of communicative affordances — including the ability to participate anonymously, express nuance, and engage in real-time conversation — in one's primary language.