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NAD Calls for Equal Access to Community Services
By advocacy | August 15, 2008
Action Alert – Your Comments Are Needed – by Monday, August 18
Want equal communication access with police? Want better access to health care? Want to make sure video remote interpreting (VRI) services are used appropriately? Want stadium events captioned? Want hospitals to provide videophones, not just TTYs? Want to make sure relay calls are treated the same as telephone calls?
The NAD is advocating for strong ADA rules for state and local governments and fighting for equal communication access. You can, too.
The US Department of Justice proposed changes to the rules for two parts of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
This Action Alert is about the proposed rules for ADA Title II – state and local governments. (Another Action Alert about proposed rules for ADA Title III – public accommodations – is posted on the NAD Advocacy Blog.)
These rules apply to state and local police and law enforcement, courts, public hospitals, emergency services, public colleges and universities, libraries, recreational programs, social service agencies, and other community services, programs, and activities.
Below is a summary of the NAD comments to the US Department of Justice proposed changes to the ADA rules for state and local governments – ADA Title II.
These new rules will affect your rights.
Tell the Department of Justice what you think.
* * * * * Click Here to send your message now. * * * * *
* * * * * Update — The deadline for filing comments has passed. * * * * *
Tell the Department of Justice:
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
[Give examples, from your own experience, about the need for equal access to state and local government hospitals, law enforcement, emergency services, education, recreation, and other services, programs, and activities. Describe what needs to be done to ensure equal communication access.]
The NAD Says:
Stadiums
• Stadiums of all sizes, regardless of use, must caption all aural information, including emergency and safety information, unless doing so would be an undue burden
• Captions must be placed in the same lines of sight as the Jumbotrons or other video displays; handheld captioning devices should not be used
• Captions must be effective: same line of sight as the visual component; sufficient size and contrast to ensure readability; and be timely, accurate, complete, and efficient
• Captions benefit everyone
Qualified Interpreter
• An interpreter must be able to interpret both ways – “receptively and expressively” (ASL-to-English and English-to-ASL)
• Whenever possible, an interpreter must be certified
• List and describe different kinds of interpreters: sign language, oral, cued language, deaf-blind, certified deaf, and speech-to-speech interpreters
• Qualified interpreters can be provided “on site or through video remote interpreting (VRI) services”
Video Interpreting Services
• Don’t make up new names – call it “video remote interpreting” (VRI)
• Define as “qualified interpreter services delivered through the use of video conference technology”
• Explain that VRI is not the same as “video relay services” (VRS)
• Clarify that the rules about technical requirements for VRI are minimum requirements
• VRI service should be provided only when it is expected to and actually results in effective communication
• VRI services may not always be appropriate
Other Aids and Services
• Do not add “exchange of written notes” – not effective except for brief, uncomplicated, and inconsequential communication
• Add “support service providers (SSPs)” for people who are deaf-blind
• Change “computer-aided transcription services” to “computer aided real-time transcription services” (like CART)
Effective Communication
• Do not delete: “In determining what type of auxiliary aid and service is necessary, a public entity shall give primary consideration to the requests of the individual with disabilities.”
• Add: “The type of auxiliary aid or service necessary to ensure effective communication will vary in accordance with the method of communication used by the individual, the nature, length, and complexity of the communication involved, and the context in which the communication is taking place.”
Companions
• Communicate effectively with companions who are deaf or hard of hearing (companions are family members, friends, or associates of another person)
• Clarify “companions” must include, for example, a deaf wife of deaf husband or hearing husband; a deaf parent of deaf child or hearing child
• Make absolutely clear that children are not to be used for interpreting or facilitating communication
Telecommunications
• Add: Public entities should provide TTYs and “other voice, text, and video-based telecommunications products and systems, such as videophones and captioned telephones” when they offer the opportunity to make outgoing calls on more than an incidental convenience basis
• Accept and treat relay calls the same as telephone calls
• Automated answering systems must work with TTYs and relay services, and should include early option to connect with live person
• Ensure that emergency call centers, including 9-1-1 services, provide direct access by TTYs and other text and video-based telecommunications products and systems, to the extent technically feasible and as required by the “next generation” of 9-1-1 services
Complaints
• Do not change the requirement for agencies to investigate each complaint for which they are responsible
Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Give deaf and hard of hearing inmates the choice between a integrated setting with inmates without disabilities, or a specially designed unit that may be at a different or more distant location
• All options should be fully accessible to deaf or hard of hearing inmates
• Assignment to administrative segregation based only on the basis of the disability label cannot be condoned
Topics: Action |
August 15th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Captions on everything sounds great! What about text-messaging as a free service?
August 15th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I support the call for equal access and stronger ADA rules. I am often dismayed at the inability to watch new movies with hearing friends because the movie theaters don’t have the captioning , or don’t have the captioning ability. Movies that are finally available with open captioning are a month or two after the initial date, putting deaf people a month or so behind current movies. We feel left out when we come back to work on Monday and hear about people talking about the newest movies they’ve seen.
August 15th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
August 15th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
I support the comments offered by the National Association of the Deaf.
August 15th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Candy –
Thanks for your comment about captioned movies. I hope you also told the Department of Justice.
To tell the Department of Justice that you want more captioned movies now — go to
http://blogs.nad.org/advocacy/2008/08/15/nad-calls-for-strong-ada-rules-for-businesses/ and find “Click Here to send your message now.” Or go to http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=SubmitComment&o=090000648062a604
August 15th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
August 15th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Please also tell the Department of Justice that you support the comments of the NAD by clicking on the link above where it says “Click Here to send your message now.”
August 15th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Hi,
I’ve strongly SUPPORT with all my precious heart, faith and support toward N.A.D. because I am deaf, partially blind in one left eye myself has been barried, dismayed by public access in general such as cinmeax theater-lack of closed captioning, communicating with clueless airhead hearing people in general (lack of awarness, understanding, preparation how to communicate with deaf, hoh customers)in general.
Also, our deaf/hoh’s biggest PET-PEEVE for a LONG DREADFUL lifetime you would ever IMAGINE! is that we often been to various of airport, amtrak, greyhound terminals. Do they have adequate public access accomodating our general needs??? NOPE!!!!!!!! even since when ADA first went into law effect in 1990.
My gosh, C’mon!!!!!!! Many small, mid-size, large business hasn’t even attempt, nor try or to cooperate complying with ADA’s compliance! Plenty of LQQPHOLE seriously needed to be gap-CLOSED! That’s for sure.
Like grocery stores, etc they sometime have “On-Sale” announcement for their loyal customers. We are LEFT-OUT being clueless about what’s going on. We ENDED up paying the fiflthy full price while hearies get what??? HUGE DISCOUNTS!!!!!!!!
Not fair!!!!!!!!! Because we, deaf consumer do PAY TAXES on: excise, state, federal and local as WELL!!!!!!!! Now what’s heck wrong with you hearies???? Obviously airhead and clueless that we play a big part of your population in america. That’s a YES!!!!!!!!!!
We in general had ENOUGH, FED-UP of hearie’s luxuries every micro-minute they gets! While we, diversity of people are LEFT OUT all the time. We never discriminate, barrier, stupid-down, dismay hearing people… Have we??? That’s SQMETHING you have to consider yourself relaizing how totally IMMATURE, CRUEL hearing people has been treating diversity of people since ever for aboustely no reason at all! Period.
Again, Thank you very much for your enegry, efficiency, consideration looking into our personal matters assuring that everything would be aboustely resolved in a timely manner and that we all from walk of life, diversity of people appericate that.
Sincerely,
David Galyean
August 15th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
August 15th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
If a studio can still strike 6,000 35mm prints for a “tentpole” summer box office hit, but use the argument that the “technology is obsolete therefore the studios, aka content providers, are not obligated to provide prints to theatres for whom the purchase of equipment based systems would cause undue hardship on the cusp of having to pay $100,000 per screen for digital.
Roll back the open caption exemption for 35mm until 50% deployment of digital.
August 15th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I support the call for equal access and stronger ADA rules. I am often dismayed at the inability to watch new movies with hearing friends because the movie theaters don’t have the captioning.
We often feel left out when we are talking with hearing people on what’s newest movie are whether they are a good movie or just sharing our pro’s and con’s.
We need stronger health insurance to help those of us with hearing loss. We honestly do not get enough support. Hearing aids? Cochlear Implant? are just a few!
Interpreter when needed for jobs, meetings or hospital health care.
I can go on and on but the main part is I want you to know I strongly support the comments offered by the National Association of the Deaf.
August 15th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I totally agree with the above requests and would add that these requirments be offered internationally. To be hearing impaired overseas is a nightmare as I well know as an American Ctitzen living in Germany where you cannot make a collect call even if TTY or other services were available.
There needs to be an international emergency number or ‘hotline’ for hearing impaired and deaf people can call that can be ‘traced’ in case TTY and other services are not available to insure that these indviduals can get equal help in an emergency.
August 15th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
David Galyea,
I agree with you in 100% about this issues seem never resolved for many years. WE need anyone to change the ADA sometime doesnt always helped … We need to change the law of ADA related
Of Course! we are go through difficult time with put us down by too many barrier.
Deaf Pixie
August 15th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I ‘ve exceedly SUPPORT with all my heart toward NAD because the public access in general such as theater lack of CC. My family went and told me how the movie was.. I have to wait for the rental movie arrive and watch it. I told my family about the movie, they said It is old movie. I heard them a thousand time …. It’s time for put CC in any public access in general. GO NAD GO
Sincerely,
Gary Davis
August 15th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Like every deaf person, I am entitled to equal access to everything in connection with communication! I strongly support NAD’s comments!
August 15th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I support the suggestions of the NAD.
As my hearing deficit worsens, I am finding communication to be a hardship. As an example, upon my need to apply for government services due to my disability recently, there was no way to communicate with the agency except by phone; thus, I was denied services at first. Without going into detail, it was a stressful experience. I had to waste my time (which could have been used in my job search), and hard-earned and scarce dollars for gas to take two trips to the government office (that’s 100 miles) in order for my claim to be processed.
For shopping, movies, sports, meetings, employment, and for the safety of us all, please ensure communication is possible. Our aging society needs it.
Thanks for “listening”.
Kelly
August 15th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
There is one thing that needs to be added. All movie theatres should be required to have a rear window captioning system for all movies.
August 15th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
Let Deaf people have acces to all informations. They deserve respect and quality services.
Bonny, teacher for deaf children
Canada
August 15th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I agree with what the deaf needs because I am deaf and my son is deaf also. I want my son to grow up having all of these features for him so this way he can communicate without any barriers. I strongly believe that the government should honor this law and enforce it.
August 15th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD)…
August 15th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
YES … These things are VERY necessary more now than ever.
You got my VOTE NAD …. what else can i do?
August 15th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf!!
August 15th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
I don’t mean to say this to the hearing ppl out there and I know they can hear and do things faster but we don’t and we can’t help it if we were born deaf no matter what. What we wnat is equal rights.
I do agreee with this and it’s very important to me to have a closed captioned in cinemax, that way I will know what’s going on and have a great time laughing even it’s comedy. Also, it’s a benefit for all of us to be equal rights like hearing ppls and us for the deaf ppls.
Among other things like hotel to have VRS and other stuff.
Yes, you got my VOTE!!!
August 15th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
You asked: Want to make sure video remote interpreting (VRI) services are used appropriately?
YES, I would like to be sure they are used APPROPRIATELY. I find that the deaf talk and talk and talk because it is free. I believe there should be a nominal fee for this service, even if it is just $10/month. Why does everything have to be totally FREE? C’mon now. Do you have any idea of the cost involved with these “suggestions”?
August 15th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I support the comments made by the NAD.
August 15th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
August 15th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf.
August 15th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
All deaf people, myself included, are entitled to EQUAL COMMUNICATION ACCESS (ECA); therefore, I vigorously support the comments laid out by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
Jean Boutcher
August 15th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
I support the NAD’s appropriate actions for stronger ADA legislation that improve the deaf rights and protect all deaf individuals in the communities. I urge the end of job discrimnations and the end of higher deaf unemployment. All movie theaters must be all open captioned now.
We need free interpreter services for our better fair accessilbity at federal/state expenses. I have learned that many businesses, events, bars, and other sectors have complained about higher expensive interpreter costs. I feel that it is necessary for the governments to spend money for free interpreters for everyone.
All public and private faciltiies and public transportations should install the electronic signs that enable deaf people read the information, announcements and emergency news reports.
I urge that audism must be stopped now. We struggle for our stronger rights and protections. ASL must be the official sign language for our deaf culture.
August 15th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
August 15th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
I strongly support the comments offered by the National Association of the Deaf..
We want to be equal with hearing people in easy way that hearing people can use cellphone at anywhere anytime…..Deaf people really need videophones to communicate with our family and friends, business and DR…..VP can help us not to worry to drive far away or something come up…also, can check to see how we doing…
For CC is a must to turn on at all the times at hotels, motels to avoid struggle on remote…I have seen some problems….When failed, we gave up and lost good programs….It is not right…
At hospital lobby must turn on, too all the times when we are in waiting room….We are human and be fair….
Congrats to NAD for thinking good about our needs…
Hope all will go well…
Keep me in post….
August 15th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
HEY LET STOP BARRIER FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING!!!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
There could be more depth and teeth to our ADA laws if we include “equal access to communication 24/7″. The reason for this “oversimplification” is to cover all existing potential situations relating to deafness and communication.
Here is an example: (it really happened too…) Union steward wanted interpreting services for various situations like retirement party, lunch breaks when both hearing and deafies congregate…Union slapped us down with ADA and Rehab Act of 1973, stating that our requests were beyond boundaries of “emergency, disciplinary, orientation, blah blah blah….and reasonable requests”….
Had ADA instilled the “”24/7 clause”, it would have forced larger and smaller entities to address our communication issues and perpetuate ongoing efforts to find equitable solutions instead of walking away feeling triumphantly unaccountable. ADA has actually helped them used it against us.
Thanks for listening…
August 15th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
It is very important that Deaf people have access to appropriate services.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). Related to my experience for unequally access with general emergency issues. I was at my doctor and the interpreter missed my physical check up appointment. So I had had to go ahead without interpreter (went through difficult ways toward with doctor because I am deaf). One time, I was in car accident, the police officers went to the man who had hit on my car because I couldn’t speak as well as hearing people. After he spoke with the man, he walked toward me and didn’t allow me to explain the true story of what happened with car accident. I felt like the police was more likely believe the man instead of me. After the court, I won the case because the police was not show his highly effort to make our communication better and understand what I am trying to say. I also won the case because the man was hit my car by reckless. The police shall realize and give deaf and hard of hearing people the chance to explain their story for anything related to emergency issues.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
August 16th, 2008 at 12:28 am
I support the all of the NAD’s recommendations toward improved access for all Deaf and Hard of Hearing Americans. The NAD is an important law that should be made even better with the NAD’s input as given above.
August 16th, 2008 at 1:43 am
I strongly support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
August 16th, 2008 at 2:17 am
I support the comments of the National Association of the deaf
August 16th, 2008 at 2:19 am
I support the commnets of the National Association of the deaf
August 16th, 2008 at 2:28 am
*Copied and pasted what Advocacy said above*
“Please also tell the Department of Justice that you support the comments of the NAD by clicking on the link above where it says “Click Here to send your message now.”
I hope all of the commentors above sent their comments to Department of Justice instead of NAD’s blog because, to me, it seems like that people didn’t understand that they were supposed to send their comments to DOJ, not NAD’s blog. I hope I’m wrong about this because ADA is very important and valuable to all of us and it’s very urgent to send the comments before the deadline is over.
August 16th, 2008 at 2:39 am
I strongly the comments of the national Association of the deaf NAD
August 16th, 2008 at 8:39 am
This is extremely important legislation for the rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
August 16th, 2008 at 8:56 am
I am in full support of the NAD recommendations and strongly encourage deafies minimize angry comments and opinions as it leave bad impression and is a turn off. Comments left with life examples is effective but leave angry words out.
It is time to catch up with hearing word in:
Bus, airplane, train terminals. Announcements are important.
Movie theaters should have open caption available for each new release during the week of release.
Hospitals should video relay terminal like Sorenson puts in libraries.
Remove the option to communicate through notes. It is used to often as an excuse not to hire skilled interpreter.
Make clear that each deaf person is an individual. What works for one does not mean all communicate in same manner.
August 16th, 2008 at 9:29 am
I had filed complaint with my family Dr. Brian Adler, who fired me as his family doctor being his patient. I asked the South Carolina Protection and advocacy for the disabled, Pete Cantrell and it had been going on more than 5 yrs. with this case, I want full comprhensive damage. The Dept. of Justice with the Civil Rights has done nothing with my case. The Dr. Adler refused to hire me a qualified interpreter because I am deaf. He accused me trying to hurt his staff, I never did that. His staffs and Dr. Adler lied. I had my wife and the interpreter with me all the time. Dr. Adler did hire me qualified interpreter before, then he stopped because he said he cannot afford it. In the letter he wrote, he said he couldnt afford the interpreter and nothing about me accusing the staffs. I had been waiting on this decision with the U.S. Human Resources and the OCR with the Dept. of Justice. I am not being treated fairly with the DOJ with the OCR and U.S. Human Resources and the ADA in Atlanta, Ga. I am tired of waiting on their decision for more than 5 yrs. It had been going around and around in circle with this case. I am fed up with it. I do not know what is heck going on with OCR. I assumed the Dr. Adler knew how to play with this game going around and around.
Another problem, I filed with the Dept. of Justice with the Office of Civil Rights with the Conway Medical Center in Conway, SC and the DOJ and the hospital sat down and tried to solve the problem, but they sent me a bunch of letter of what the Conway Medical Center with their lawyer to follow the ADA requirement. My mother was lying in Conway Medical Center and I asked the doctor and the Hospice to get me a qualified interpreter and they both refused that is why I filed DOJ complaint with the OCR. The hospital suppose to follow to get qualified interpreter, but the hospital did not follow up on the requirement of ADA in the letter. It makes me angry the lawyer of Hospital and the DOJ with the OCR agreed to sit down and work thing out and meet the ADA requirement. But the hospital refuses to install Video phone in the emergency room and the patient’s room. The hospital failed to provide me a qualified interpreter when I requested for one. They know the ADA law, but they ignored what is being said in the letter. This show what kind of power the hospital can do.
August 16th, 2008 at 10:18 am
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
August 16th, 2008 at 10:33 am
i support one hundred percent any movie threatre should provide closed caption or rear window captioned any time when the new movie comes out. i feel that we should go anytime just like hearing peoples than wait for the special day for deaf people to go. we all deaf people always feel that we are last people to watch movie or anything important information. we have right to know anything going on the news like updates and many more…. any places like hosptial should get any kind inteprter service with out any problem or excuses. the most impressed me that they always provide wheel chair acessed where is our equal rights like normal like hearing people and any kind of disabilitlies no matter what hearing people need to focus on deaf people than just focus on hearing people only
August 16th, 2008 at 10:46 am
I agree with NAD. We need that to get attention than being neglect. We alway get many many barriers. It need stop and let us ENTER and easy way without barriers. Hearing people alway put us last to get information when we need to know.
I have 4 kids. They are hearing. They want go to theater to watch movie. I alway say no to them because I cant hear the movie talk about and no close captioned. Unless my hearing friends or kids hearing friends invite them go to watch theater then i can allow them go with hearing adult that i can trust. I cant allow my kids go there alone without adult. It is not fair to my kids because i cant go or dont allow them go to theater without close captioned. We alway wait for DVD come out and we can watch it as LATE. Since hearing people already know about movie as old news to say. I want normal as hearing we can catch up and get information easy than being wait…
I have bad expernice with other place like Dept of health. I asked for interpreter over the phone since they made the appt. We ( my son and I) went there and wait for appt. I found out no interperter there. I asked for interperter but they never do that. I asked again and again but they used my son as interperting or make me to write the notes. I dont allow them use my son. I put my son behind me. I wont say nothing until get interpreter come. They decided to go ahead to get interpreter and wait for 2 hours later. They dont give me reschedule just wait for interpreter come in. it make me upset. I dont understand why they do that to me. It make me fed up with them. I want speak out for myself and other deafies rights!!
August 16th, 2008 at 10:53 am
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf.
August 16th, 2008 at 11:45 am
I strongly the comments of the national Association of the deaf NAD.
I recently hired ADA lawyer to help me to file the complaint and sue the hospital. It’s for not providing the interpreter 6 days out of 7 days I was in hospital (Saturday to Saturday). I was in ER first and requested interpreter. I was told that the office they tried to reach was closed due to on weekend, ( it was Saturday). Thats when I found out I had tumor in my colon and required surgery. Again, I requested interpreter for colonscopy and surgery. The staff and nurses kept saying they were working on to get interpreter. No interpreter for colonscope AND surgery. The staff made special arrangement to allow my mom enter the post surgery room to allow her to be interpreter. Surgery was on Wednesday. Hospital had 3 days to get interpreter. I was frustrated and upset that hostpital depended on my mom. My mom argued with nurses and staff to get interpreter for me. We never hear of why they did not get in interpreter. The day before I got discharge from hospital, (Friday) the interpreter showed up out of blue. She explained that hospital filled out the form of request interpreter on Thursday and asked interpreter to show up on Friday to explain the discharge. I was angry because discharge was not important as the colonscopy and surgery! It was shock to me that it happened to me. That’s when I started to reseraching on ADA laws and learned a lot. I am a huge supporter of ADA laws because it allow me to protect my rights as deaf person.
August 16th, 2008 at 11:49 am
I supoort the comments of the National Association of the Deaf.
“No deaf person should be left behind.”
Carole Moskowitz
August 16th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I support the comments offered by the National Association of the Deaf. The deaf should have all access to Services.
August 16th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
I completely DISagree with #24 Beth.
Do hearing people pay a fee for sound in movies, etc?
No, they don’t. Why should deaf people pay, pay, pay?
August 16th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
August 16th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
hey commenters,
please read what advocacy said;
*Copied and pasted what Advocacy said above*
“Please also tell the Department of Justice that you support the comments of the NAD by clicking on the link above where it says “Click Here to send your message now.”
Again, i do support the comment of the NAD
Shelley
August 16th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
August 16th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) but FMCSA regulation 391.41(B)(11) need be revised please…
August 16th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
I support 100% the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
August 16th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
I know there’re a lot of things I wish I could speak out since there’re a lot very frustration situations that I and someone else been going through….. Why cannot we Deaf/Hard of Hearing people do have their easy access to communities in any where as no matter what it is? Police, jails, prisons, hospitals, and etc etc etc etc Why cannot we torn the tallest wall down, yet? Been struggling for many years as nothing new to me….
I not want to give out my long long sentences in this any at all at this time as I want to share many information with some of you as possible. Sometimes, I don’t feel so comfortable to blah out…. for some reasons, know what I mean. Business is Business, Community is Community. That’s it….
August 16th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
August 16th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
I very strongly support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
Cheryl
August 17th, 2008 at 12:24 am
We strongly support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
Department of Justice (DOJ), please listen to NAD and other organizations in America serving the deaf, hard of hearing, latened deaf and deafblind. We live every day with hearing disabilities, and ask you all to make these adjustments because we do face barriers, frustrations, hardships and attitude problems everyday. You, Members of DOJ, may not know the difference unless/until you are in our “shoes”!
Please honor/accept the NAD’s request for better or strong language in Americans With Disabilities (ADA)! Thank you!
August 17th, 2008 at 2:16 am
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). (Sent done) ;-D
August 17th, 2008 at 8:10 am
I strongly support the comments of National Association of the Deaf(NAD) in the quality of better improvement on ADA for Deaf Community Services.
I, myself, personally am profound deaf and already dishearten about finding communication hardship to arrange for job interview appointment giving me time obtaining interpreter. Most companies hang up on me giving me lame excuses not to reschedule job interview appointment!
I had ENOUGH fed up with those ignorant people who lack of familiarized with ADA law, no longer seek for jobs anymore—-get myself outsourcing and contract jobs virtually with my existing home-office service business.
August 17th, 2008 at 10:41 am
I strongly support the comments of National Association of the Deaf (NAD) bec we deserve equal access to anything!
August 17th, 2008 at 11:06 am
hello in this Area .Grand Rapids mn. lack of deafs service and our and their right. theater no close caption none. i ask them end up they offer a headphone ha i am complete deaf. and they say we so sorry. almost entire lawyer office wont provides a interpter or wont pay it.
August 17th, 2008 at 11:37 am
I strongly support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf in regards to equal access to community services for the Deaf.
August 17th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Hello,
I strongly support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). However, I strongly feel that NAD is far behind in fighting for our rights compared to National Association of the Color People and other organiations. This step is a good move, but long overdue. It should have been done a long time ago.
With a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, it’s very hard to get an equal opportunity job in accounting. I managed to get thru some hard times and got thru the doors at times, but it’s totally unacceptable what we deafie have to go thru. I’m laid off, on SSDI. Who’s fault is that? Of course, the government. Cause I can’t find a suitable job replacement that will pay the same salary that I made over 5 years ago. So, I started my own deaf tax service on the side. You can reach me at seapals@mindspring.com. My website is http://www.DeafTaxService.com. I have heard from deaf clients on how they have been discriminated on job, services and all apsects of life. Why can’t we do something what Color People association did? They were able to get Obama, Cliniton and McSame to come give a speech. NAD is far too behind in helping all of us. I have fight against big companies thru Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. EEOC is a BIG JOKE. They are not doing their jobs at all. We all can’t fight alone, but as a unity, we can fight one COMMON goal. As you see many people logged their support for NAD and share their experiences. But it’s hard to remember what they all want. If we all have one COMMON goal that NAD could fight for, it will most likely get thru. Just as history has showed us with Gallaudet DEAF president. Then, the students had one GOAL, “DEAF president”. And it came thru because the goal was simple enough to understand what they all want even though they all have different ideas. Maybe NAD should consult with Colored People Association and pay for some consulting. They might be able to help us. We need advanced management with NAD. We need pay positions at NAD. Otherwise, most positions at NAD are filled with retired deaf person and they dont have as much as desires as we younger deaf people do. They are pretty much set in life with a house, car and vacations. So they don’t fight as hard as a person who have little or nothing. That’s something we all need to think about.
Anyway, if you are in a need of tax service, come see me, don’t go to HR Block. They discrimate against deaf people by charging more money for taking the time to communicate with their clients or don’t do as a good job as I would. Contact me if you have any questions at seapals@mindspring.com.
GO DEAF!
Sean Maloney
August 17th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
I support the endeavors of the National Association of the Deaf.
August 17th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I AGREE WITH #67 THAT IT S TRUE FACTS…. I HOPE IT WILL BE CHANGE THE SYSTEM BY THE LAW. I SUPPORT ALL THE COMMENTS OF NAD. POWER DEAF CAN DO IT…
August 17th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I FORGET TO TELL SOMETHING… ONE THING I READ ALL THE COMMENTS BUT I UNDERSTAND HOW DO I FEEL…
I TRY TO GET MY SURVEY TEST.. I CALL TO THE DOCTOR OFFICE ON MY TTY OR SORESON FOR GET THE RELAY SERVICE BUT DOCTOR OR NURSE OFFICE HUNG UP AND SAY, “DON’T HAVE THE TTY. MOST DOCTORS OR DENTISTS DON’T LIKE TO GET RELAY SERVICE….
I KNOW DOCTORS/DENTISTS DONT LIKE TO GET AN INTERPRETER BECAUSE THEY DON’T WANT TO PAY FOR THEM AND WAIT FOR TAX REFUND. THE DOCTORS OR DENTISTS WANT TO MAKE THIER PROFIT FOR THEIR BUSINESS AND PAY FOR ANY MEDICINE SUPPLIES. THE DOCTORS AND DENTISTS INQUIRE ABOUT ADA BY THE LAW. I HEAR MANY DEAF PEOPLE COMPLAIN AND CAN’T DO ANYTHING WITH DOCTORS OR DENTISTS. THEY WALK IN TO GET AN APPOINTMENT AFTER THEY MEET TO SEE THE DOCTOR AND DENTIST. THE DOCTOR/DENTIST HAS THE DEAF PATIENT WRITE DOWN WITH PAD AND PEN TO COMMUNICATE BACK TO FORTH. SOME DEAF DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT THE DOCOR OR DENTIST SAY. THEY HAVE SOME PROBLEM WITH IT.. MOST DOCTOR OR DENTIST SOMETIME TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE DEAF PEOPLE. THAT IT IS TRUE FACTS. I SEE MOST DOCTOR OR DENTIST LAUGH AT DEAF PEOPLE SOMETIME. I KNOW AND SEE MOST DEAF PEOPLE DONT HAVE INSURANCE FOR DOCTOR OR DENTIST. SSI PROVIDE TO GIVE YOU THE MEDICARE/MEDICAID FOR VISIT (LIMIT) DOCTOR BUT WITHOUT DENTIST BENFITS… DEAF PEOPLE HAVE TO PAY THE FEE WIHOUT INSURANCE THAT IT S TOUGH THIER LIFE.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
FEW MONTH AGO I REMEMBER TO READ THE NEWSPAPER ABOUT NINTY PERCENT RATE FOR DEAF PEOPLE WHO HAVE UNEMPLOYEE ALL THE UNITED OF STATES. I KNOW MOST COMPANIES DOES NOT WANT TO HIRE DEAF PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY PFREFER TO HIRE HEARING PEOPLE. THEY DONT LIKE TO GET AN INTERPRETER BUT IT S SO EXPENSE COST AND DONT WANT TO PAY FOR THEM AND WAIT FOR TAX REFUND.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I support the proposals by the National Association of the Deaf, Inc: Equal Access to Community Service and Strong ADA Rules for Businesses.
I consider that ADA law is the Deaf American’s “Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation” as freedom from the discrimination against as good as President Abraham Lincoln liberated the Black Americans sufferance of the slavery.
We the People — What does We the People mean?
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
It sounds like 100 percent Equal.
The Senators, House of the Representatives, Dept of Justice and the President are elected to working for the We the People, not for themselves as corporate. But they did, that is why something went wrong.
Look at our government give away our social security money to the illegal Mexicans for better living while many Deaf Americans still are getting discriminated against from job.
Wow, these Mexicans got better life than the Deaf Americans. Even the dogs have better life than the Deaf Americans.
Discriminated against the deaf Americans from the freedom, job, and communication accessible and better living as good as what the hearing Americans enjoying by the corporate tyrants should be elimination. I paid my taxes to the Federal for 43 years and I felt no freedom from the discriminated against at all.
Look at the Geico ads on the TV as “Cavemen”, I believe that they made a label the deaf people as the cavemen. Geico is Government owns the insurance that used covered only to the Government employee in the past but it is now open to all the Americans who want to buy that insurance. It proves that Government still makes a fun on the Deaf Americans as cavemen.
Even Robert M. Gates, the Secretary of Defense under President Bush, called the unfortunate Indians that are a victims of the flooded in somewhere of the India, “Deaf and Dumb”. That is very powerful statement by the US Government.
I know many Deaf Americans are jobless, it is not their fault, and it is Government’s fault because ADA law has no armed to teeth to enforce the business to hiring the Deaf Americans to the work despite of what their skills are. If you refuse to hire the future deaf American to work and you will missed out that Deaf might discover the cure against the cancer or HIV or whatever, because you discriminated them from the job due to can’t hear or believe all Deaf Americans still the dummies as what Daniel Webster wrote in his dictionary. That is their lamest excuses. It is your own loss, not us. I know many Deaf Americans are well educated and friendly willing merge into the hearing world, but problem that you, the hearing people refuse understand the Deaf Americans. It means that all hearing people still deaf phobias.
As you know our many Brave US Soldiers come home as disability by the Iraq War
….some of them is deaf. They will angry at the stink US Laws for lack to protection the deaf soldiers for better living as job, accessible and communication accessible. All they got was knife on the back with thanks that is how worked of the Corporate and President Bush.
One of our Senators refused to hire an interpreter for the deaf person, senator said it is too expensive to hire an interpreter. It shows that government refuses to pay the money to the interpreter. Who owns the money? It is Federal money that belongs to the We the People, that who paid the taxes. That tax money will cover an interpreter fee, not from Senator’s pocket. Because Senator is the public service as ADA stated. I believe that Senator is deaf phobia.
I always praised the black person become as judge of the U.S Department of Justice, I also praised that women become as judge of the U.S Department of Justice because of the American’s Freedom from the discriminated against, but still discriminated against the Deaf American’s Civil Rights and Freedom if you rejected the new proposals to be revise the ADA law. It is not kind of the justice. I always trust in the U.S Department of Justice because they always focuses heavy on the Constitution Law and Constitution Law always focuses heavy on Supreme Court Rulings.
Please accept the National Association of the Deaf, Inc proposals that will end the Deaf American’s sufferance. Today is 2008, not 1808 and please give the Deaf Americans a chance to make for better living by good jobs, more accessible and freedom as good as the Hearing Americans taxpayers and voters are. If you did that then we, the deaf Americans and the hearing Americans will become a single WE THE PEOPLE. That what our Constitution Law written.
Thank You
Jim Brown
August 17th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
I heartily support the proposals presented by the NAD. As a civil service worker and member of The United Federations of Teachers, The New York Stated United Teachers and The American Federation of Teachers, amazingly, I was NEVER accommodated in any way despite a legal ADA accommodastion that was never effected. Because of this I eventually became Deaf (105 db loss in the left ear; 95 db loss in the right.) I started out with normal hearing. The morons thought I could teach five high school English classes a day with no assistance up until the day I collapsed from exhaustion and was forced to retire. Not to worry, I am suing, but this never should have come to this. SHAME ON ALL OF THEM! My only solace is that “what goes around comes around” and we all know what payback is!
August 17th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
I strongly support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf. Especially, we, Deaf people, from rural areas are desparately in needs of going to the movies(captioned), hospitals(interpreters), courts(ditto), police dept.(ditto), etc…. None of these provided services for the Deaf or refused to recognized the rights of the Deaf. We need to make is it stronger and spread out everywhere in USA even included rural towns.
August 17th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf. (NAD)
August 17th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
I support the comments offered by the National Association of the Deaf.
August 17th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
I REMEMBERED MY FRIEND TOLD ME THE STORY….
SHE WANTED TO LOOK FOR A JOB BUT IT WAS DIFFICULT. SHE WENT TO MANPOWER OR TEMP SERVICES FOR HELP A JOB BUT NO LUCK… MANPOWER DIDNT WANT TO HIRE FOR DEAF OR DISABILITY AND REFUSED TO GET AN INTERPRETER.
August 18th, 2008 at 12:14 am
We strongly support the NAD proposals to strengthen the Americans with Disabilities (ADA).
NAD and any organizations of the deaf, hard of hearing, latened deaf and deaf-blind are our consumers with hearing disabilities’ allies so please accept NAD’s assistance in betterment the ADA for us all. Population of the Americans with hearing disabilities is growing faster than before!
Department of Justice, please support it, and fix the ADA. We are living and facing barriers, frustrations, oppression and attitude problems regarding to communication access every day so we are asking you to help change it. You may not understand unless or until you are in our “shoes”.
Thank you.
August 18th, 2008 at 12:51 am
I strongly support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf.
August 18th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Indeed, I strongly support the comments from NAD’s proposal for the Congress to revise the strong law in ADA for all of us. Essentially, all neccessarities are important for us to equall accessible in the public places as well as hearing people.
I wish ADA should add the airports/airlines to treat us equal accessible upon the viable announcement from the ticket counter prior to the boarding time and flight attendant/pilot make their important announcement through CART or caption system for deaf and hard of hearing passengers to receive equally as hearing people have received. Pray that we would be very healthy way to be pleased for everything in our world of 21st Century.
In addition, I agreed all above the comments especially the employment which are great demanding for deaf and hard of hearing to get job steady to equal accessible in workplace. I wish there is a career center for the deaf and hard of hearing to educate and to provide the workshop upon the career tips/mock interview in order to get off from SSI/SSDI life unless some of them have severe disabled individuals, give them some accommodations to work part time and to receive financially support or do at home to do telework through internets.
Please let us know the result after the Congress have revised these verisons in the law of Title II and III afterwards. Thank you!
Nick Vera
August 18th, 2008 at 9:51 am
I support the comments of National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
August 18th, 2008 at 11:12 am
I Strongly support the comments from National Assocation of the Deaf’s proposal for the congress to the revise the strong laws in ADA for all of us.
August 18th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
NAD has all of my support on behalf of betterment for every Deaf and Hoh citizens. Whenever any of us work, we pay full tax, therefore we are fully entitled to equal communication access and protection from all forms of discrimination.
Thanks to NAD for best efforts!
Anne Marie Baer
August 18th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I support the recommendations of the NAD.
In addition:
Substance abuse services and mental health services need to be fully accessible for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This includes detoxification (detox), SA treatment centers and half-way houses as well as sober houses and continuing care in the community.
As well, mental health services must be fully accessible with legal redress for clinics and programs that will not accept Deaf/ASL users due to Interpreter costs.
All of these are major issues here in Massachusetts and around the nation. I have seen the pain, imprisonment and death that has resulted from the lack of services.
In addition, the lack of employment opportunities is a disgrace!
August 18th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
I strongly support the comments from NAD. The Deaf communities really need this. It will help students from HS, college, jobs, dr, dentist and any other places that they need to know and understand what ADA is?
August 18th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I support the recommendations of NAD. I am the HOH/Deaf Coordinator for Lane Independent Living Alliance. I have worked with Deaf/HOH for over 10 years as a Peer Mentor and advocate. I am also HOH, with my right ear deaf, and left ear with 50% hearing. I have seen and experienced the hardships of our population. I have been told by government officials, “no one wants to accomodate your group, you are too small to worry about, and no one wants to spend money on interpreters or accomodatons for the Deaf/HOH. I have heard from one of my clients that was fired from a bakery. She was fired because, “Deaf people can’t make donuts”. I’ve been told by a Deaf couple, age around 54 y.o. that they didn’t vote. When I asked why, they said they were told, “Deaf can’t vote. So many discriminations and misunderstandings of our population. It is a miracle when someone does hire one of us for work. And then the employer is often extremely impressed with the quality of work. I asked one employer that was thrilled with his Deaf employee, ‘why didn’t more people hire Deaf or HOH people’, he answered. “I have no idea.” I’ve met Deaf men that were put in prison because they have not received interpreters in time for their side of the story to be heard. Medical mistreatments have happened and I’ve seen one beautiful Deaf girl nearly die and suffer from seizures for the rest of her life because the doctors she was seeing did not communicate with each other. They overdose her and now she will die young due to the permanent damage done to her brain from misdiagnosis and over medication. It goes on and on. What is happening to our society that we treat those of us that can’t hear with such discrimination? When will we start honoring the ADA and give all people equal access? I agree, the state of affairs for Deaf/HOH is disgraceful!
August 18th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Yes, we need to expand Deaf rights and make movies and public places accessible to 28 million hearing impaired Americans.
Jeffrey C. Robinson
August 18th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
I fully support the comments NAD has made on the listed concerns and issues.
August 18th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I fully support the comments of NAD. Access to communication and services for all the deaf and hard of hearing is something that needs to improve. Without providing those services it means that we do not have better quality of life where we live.
August 18th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
George A. Adams III Says: (#44)
I have discoveed your case is so similar mine. But little different. I agree Hosptial should pay for interpreter. for being difficult time for you and mine in my personal dificult with my family,too.
Please email me at DeafPixie@gmail. com. I am not able to find your email address.
Thanks,
August 18th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
On behalf of the Connecticut Association of the Deaf (CAD), we strongly support the comments of NAD’s serious needs for the ADA Title I equal communication access: ADA Title II state & local governments; and also, ADA Title III public accommodations to our Equal Access to Community Services.
Patti Wilson
President
Connecticut Association of the Deaf
August 18th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
I fully support NAD’s concerns for equal access. As technology improves and becomes a more integral part of our everyday lives, it is imperative that services for the deaf/HH follow suit. For example, VRS and VRI has made it possible for the deaf community to participate and be part of the larger world community. If we do not support these services, the deaf community would not be able to keep up with the rest of the world and would not be able to be contributing members of society. Providing equal access is an investment for ALL!
August 18th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
I support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) by all means -
Yes, it is always a blessing to have an interpreter on hand for emergency or business purposes as well as to have vp video phone on hand at the emergency room of the hospitals, family reunions, funerals, police stations, prisons, medical sites, nursing homes for equal access and at public schools, private schools, State Schools for the Deaf and business or regular any colleges is helpful to have qualified interpreters around to be able to understand the teachers, principals, supts and staff better if they don’t sign language well themselves.
Also, at public libraries, zoos, tour guides at amusement parks, State Parks, classes at State Parks, YWCA any exercises or health centers and the Banks need to provide qualified interpreters to understand nature of business better.
At Churches, atSocial Security Administration and local towns or branches offices and any work jobs of all walks of life need to provide qualified interpreters to understand religions and work job trainings, meetings andother situations better.
Sincerely as a concerned deaf citizen
August 19th, 2008 at 7:49 am
HI.I support the ADA and NAD and most deaf interpreting services.
I want NAD to support deaf people like me who live in a country outside the city limit(s), because they don’t allow any DSL or high-speed internet to be set up or installed in a country area.
I live in a farming community and out in a country. I’d like to have a high-speed Internet out here so I could use the VP to communicate with people better…because no one really like to communicate with me thru TTY.
It seems not fair for most deaf people to have to be inside the city limits in order to have VP working…
So most deaf people can’t afford to pay high prices of high-speed internet like HughNet to be set up and installed then find out they are not working very good, huh?
Please talk to cable companies and NAD and other companies into considering to have DSL or high-speed Internet to be established out into countries where deaf people live–like me.
Thank you
August 19th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I vote YES! DOJ do it right now!
August 20th, 2008 at 4:08 am
I Strongly support the comments from National Assocation of the Deaf’s proposal for the congress to the revise the strong laws in ADA for all of Deaf/Deaf-Blind & HOH citizens of Washington State.
One thing problem is our state of Washington has worst problem hospitals system and doctor’s office wont provide an interpreters.
Any hospitals in Washington doesnt have ADA training or no time for ADA training with nurses or doctor because changing the jobs or schedule etc.
Patients request for intepreters and some of Doctors wont pay for interpreter when the patient visits.
We (Washington Deaf/Deaf-Blind and HOH citizens are working on to setup the petition to fight against State of Washington to force to require ADA requirements to provide an interpreter to the any Doctor offices and hospitals.
Deaf Northwest News will have interview with individual patients who had bad experiences and not get any interpreter to come to hospitals or doctor’s offices.
We hoping our Washington State Assoication of the Deaf will working on it to get fight over state of Washington legisatives and State of Washington justices have require the ADA code.
If state of washington fail then we will appeal higher case to Department of Justice.
Thank you,
Lester Morris
Treasurer
Washington State Assoication of the Deaf
August 20th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
I fully support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:52 am
Lester Morris,
Way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woo!!!!!!! Washington State deaf power and rulzes people!
I’m about to become one of Washington state’s deaf advocacy pretty soon this upcoming October at the DAC (disability advisory committee) under DSHS’s diversity affair agency… If they select me.
I can’t wait to amend several laws, policies, equal accessiblities, etc for all of us
David Galyean
September 18th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I fully support the comments of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) … true that Carole M about “No deaf person should be left behind.”
Thanks