NCJ Number
91647
Date Published
1983
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Following a brief overview of the history of the law and deaf persons, this paper identifies problems encountered by deaf persons in the justice system and provides guidelines for the social worker in addressing the needs of the deaf within the justice system.
Abstract
Hearing impairment is the single most prevalent disability in the United States, occurring more often than visual impairment or heart disease. During the 20th century, the courts have established that deaf persons have the same legal privileges and responsibilities as hearing persons. The major difficulty facing the justice system has been how to ensure that deaf persons are able to exercise their privileges and responsibilities. Because of the major communication problem imposed by deafness, the provision of interpreters is one of the greatest needs. Rarely, if ever, is lipreading or written communication an effective substitute. When selecting an interpreter, care must be taken to ensure that the interpreter is skilled in the language of the particular deaf person. The use of a telecommunication device for deaf persons permits transmittal of typewritten messages by telephone between two persons with comparable devices. The justice system should see that deaf persons involved in criminal cases have such devices on their phones. The social worker will often be required to educate both the justice system and the deaf person about interpreters and serve as an advocate for the deaf person's rights as well. This education function and action to help locate an appropriate interpreter can be a more effective social work role than confrontation with authorities regarding conformity to Federal regulations regarding the rights of deaf persons. To properly fulfill their educational function in this context, social workers should be familiar with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as well as Justice Department regulations bearing on the situation. Fourteen references are provided.