Language and Communication Services

The following communication and language services are available to those with special needs. Please notify your health care provider when you make your appointment if you or a family member has a language or communication barrier. Our goal is to provide quality service by decreasing barriers to health care for limited-English-proficient and hearing-impaired patients who receive their care at VCU Medical Center.

Language Interpreter: Free interpreters are available to help the patient and health care providers communicate with one another. A two-handset telephone is available to assist limited-English-proficient patients and their families in communicating with staff and health care professionals.

Sign Language Interpreters: Video remote interpreting and on-site interpreters are available. All interpreters are qualified through the National Association for the Deaf and screened through the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Combination Text Telephone (TTY) and Amplified Phones: These phones allow people who are deaf, hard of hearing or cannot speak to make voice carry over and/or hearing carry over calls as well as relay calls.

Sign Language Cards: Cards with pictures and signs for basic, survival and/or health needs are available for temporary use.

For more information, please contact our Office of Communication and Language Services at (804) 628-1116, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or email us at languageservices@vcuhealth.org.