Americans with Disabilities Act

American Retirement Advisors complies with the “Arizonans with Disabilities Act”

and “Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

When necessary for effective communications, American Retirement Advisors staff will provide a qualified interpreter or other appropriate auxiliary aid or service. Individuals with disabilities will not be charged for auxiliary aids or services (including interpreters) and are not required to bring another individual to interpret for them. We feel our communication policy should be there to help our clients, not hinder them.

American Retirement Advisors staff is required to abide by the protocol as stated below.

 

Identify the Disability and Services Required for Successful Communication:

When American Retirement Advisors offers an auxiliary aid or service request, employees must confer with the client with the disability (and if not feasible, they will confer with the requestor) to discover the circumstances, requirements and preferences of the individual with the disability. American Retirement Advisors will recognize his or her preferred mode of communication prior to determining the type interpreting service (or other auxiliary aid or service) to be secured.

The following methods of communication are examples of services American retirement Advisors will provide:

  • American Sign Language;
  • Signed English;
  • Oral interpreting;

Large Print Documentation

In determining the type of service which is necessary, the following will be considered:

  • The nature, length and importance of the communication at issue;
  • The individual’s communication skills and knowledge;
  • The individual’s request for or statement of need for an interpreter; and
  • The type of auxiliary aid or service necessary to ensure effective communication.

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 36-1971, a qualified legal interpreter must be certified by the Arizona Commission for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing to interpret legal matters.  In compliance with the Arizonans with Disabilities Act and Title III of the Americans with Disability Act, American Retirement Advisors staff will provide a qualified interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately and receptively.

 

Take Action Promptly to Ensure Services are Provided in a Timely Manner:

American Retirement Advisors staff shall respond promptly to requests for auxiliary aids and services to ensure individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from our services.  Documentation of disability will generally not be requested or required.

If a particular auxiliary aid and service or supplier of the service will result in delays of client services, American Retirement Advisors will consider alternative suppliers or effective auxiliary aids and services.  For example, if a particular interpreter determines he/she will take two weeks to provide a sign language interpreter, American Retirement Advisors will inquire with other interpreters, then American Retirement Advisors will consider providing a qualified interpreter using a service that provides video interpreting, or other effective means of communication.

American Retirement Advisors Must Ensure Effective Communication with Clients at All Times Throughout the Entire Duration of the Matter:

American Retirement Advisors employees must ensure that effective communication is accomplished between American Retirement Advisors’ prospective and current clients throughout every phase of the matter, including but not limited to the following:

  • The subject matter of the clients needs must be communicated, specifically during the initial interview.
  • The client must understand the scope of services offered by American Retirement Advisors.
  • American Retirement Advisors is not a government agency.
  • Services provided are based on a commission earned by selling an Insurance product.
  • If services required are deemed by American Retirement Advisors to be best served by an Insurance company directly or a government agency, that information will be communicated.
  • The client must understand and be able to communicate with all entities involved throughout all procedures.
  • Termination of representation, denial of representation and presentation of the terms must be communicated.

American Retirement Advisors staff shall identify when a sensory disability exists and will determine what type of services are required for successful communication.  American Retirement Advisors staff will not refuse services to potential clients with sensory disabilities if they require auxiliary aids and services for effective communication. If you would like to contact a American Retirement Advisors staff member, contact us today.