Interacting with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Drivers

Question 1

What does ‘THRC” stand for?

Answer 1

Texas Human Resources Code

Question 2

What is the definition of “deaf”?

Answer 2

A hearing status of such severity that an individual must depend on visual means to communicate.

Question 3

What is the definition of “Hard of Hearing.”

Answer 3

A hearing status that results in a loss of hearing function to an individual and in which the individual relies on residual hearing, hearing aids, or cochlear implants, and may depend on visual methods to communicate.

Question 4

What methods of communication do members of the deaf community depend on?

Answer 4

American Sign Language or lip reading.

Question 5

How do members of the deaf community feel about being deaf?

Answer 5

They are proud of being deaf and consider it a vital part of their identity.

Question 6

What do members of the hard-of-hearing community depend on to communicate?

Answer 6

Hearing aids, cochlear implants to aid hearing, and most use speech to communicate.

Question 7

Why do members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities dislike the term “hearing impaired”?

Answer 7

Hearing-impaired is highly offensive because it is viewed as saying there is something wrong with them and it does not account for their cultural identity.

Question 8

What is the “Communicating with People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: ADA Guide for Law Enforcement Officers”?

Answer 8

A guide written by the DOJ explaining how the ADA relates to law enforcement and their duties.

Question 9

What is the main requirement of the ADA for communicating with people who are deaf and hard of hearing?

Answer 9

All communication aids and services requested by a deaf or hard-of-hearing individual must be readily available.

Question 10

Can agencies charge for the use of any communication aids?

Answer 10

No.

Question 11

Are hearing aids considered “communication aids”?

Answer 11

No.

Question 12

What is the best source for interpreting for the deaf?

Answer 12

A legally certified interpreter.

Question 13

What are the two most readily available communication aids and services in the field?

Answer 13

Gestures and paper to write on.

Question 14

Name two types of interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing?

Answer 14

American Sign Language, Speech Reading specialist.

Question 15

What is the legal limit law enforcement agencies must spend on communication aids?

Answer 15

Agencies are not required to take any step that would impose undue financial and administrative burdens considering all resources available to the department.

Question 16

When would an officer use an assistive listening device as a communication aid?

Answer 16

If two or more officers are interrogating someone who is hard of hearing, or in meetings that include an individual who is hard of hearing.

Question 17

What is a TTY and does every agency have one?

Answer 17

TTY = text telephone. It is a keyboard with a display for receiving typed text that can be attached to a telephone. A TTY communicates with another TTY at the other end. The cost of a TTY is approximately $200, so most agencies should be able to afford one. Some smaller departments may share with the jail, which must provide one for hard-of-hearing inmates.

Question 18

Where can you look for interpreters?

Answer 18

The Texas Health and Human Service Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Question 19

How do you work with someone with HIV or AID?

Answer 19

Wear protective gloves and treat them like you would anyone else.

Question 20

What is the Communication Impediment Program?

Answer 20

Allows DPS to include the notation “Deaf or Hard of Hearing” on the back of your driver’s license.

Question 21

What conditions must be met to qualify for the Communication Impediment Program?

Answer 21

The condition must impede the driver’s ability to communicate readily with law enforcement.

Question 22

Is the Communication Impediment Program required for all deaf and hard-of-hearing drivers?

Answer 22

No.

Question 23

What types of communication will require a sign language interpreter?

Answer 23

During interrogations and arrests, Miranda warnings, when the conversation could be questioned in court.

Question 24

Is an interpreter required for a simple traffic citation?

Answer 24

No.

Question 25

When an officer has probable cause to make a felony arrest without an interrogation, is an interpreter necessary to conduct the arrest?

Answer 25

Yes.

Question 26

In general, should family members be called on to serve as interpreters? Why or why not?

Answer 26

No, because they are emotionally involved.

Question 27

In an emergency when the safety or welfare of the public or the person with the disability is of paramount importance, should a family member be called on to interpret?

Answer 27

Yes, until a certified interpreter can arrive at the scene.

Question 28

Should a family member be allowed to interpret in a situation where the ADA does not require an interpreter and the parties just need to exchange information?

Answer 28

Yes.

Question 29

Should a family member be allowed to interpret if a hard-of-hearing individual needs directions or a question answered by an officer?

Answer 29

Yes.

Question 30

Describe the Specialty License Plates for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Drivers.

Answer 30

The license plate carries the name “Deaf Driver Awareness,” which will appear when an officer looks up or calls in a plate look-up during a traffic stop.

Question 31

Is the Deaf Driver Awareness program required for deaf and hard-of-hearing drivers?

Answer 31

No.