Jones v. Illinois Department of Rehabilitation, 689 F. 2d 724 (7^th Cir. 1982)

A deaf college student brought an action for declaratory and injunctive relief against the college and State Department of Rehabilitation Services alleging violation under the Rehabilitation Act for failure to provide a sign language interpreter to enable him to effectively participate in his classes.  The court entered an injunction finding that the defendant received federal funds to carry out the Vocational Rehabilitation program and therefore had the primary responsibility to provide the “bulk” of auxiliary aids.  If, however, the plaintiff ceased to be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services, then the college would be required to provide and pay for interpreter services.  The court granted defendant’s motion under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act saying the plaintiff had no private right of action since he was granted relief under the Section 504 claim