NCJ Number
83034
Date Published
Unknown
Length
129 pages
Annotation
Material in this packet is designed to help professionals and other persons to communicate with and assist victims and witnesses who may be disabled, particularly those who are blind or deaf.
Abstract
Included in the materials are (1) a card and pamphlet illustrating the American Manual Alphabet (fingerspelling) for communication with the deaf, (2) guidelines for police and others on how to recognize that a person is deaf, (3) information on characteristics of common communication disorders, and (4) a pamphlet with facts helpful for communicating with persons who are both visually and hearing impaired. A pamphlet also explains the work of Gallaudet College's National Academy, which works throughout the country to improve services to disabled people by educating them and professionals in their communities. Another pamphlet instructs lawyers on communicating with deaf clients, with particular attention to securing and using interpreters. The use of a device to help deaf persons in telephone communication is also described (TTY). A series of booklets discusses (1) attitudinal and conceptual barriers that hamper interactions with blind and partially sighted persons, (2) barriers confronting wheelchair users, (3) the provision of legal services to disabled people, and (4) barriers encountered by deaf and hearing impaired persons. Also discussed are the new U.S. Justice Department 504 regulations, which provide specific requirements that police, courts, and correctional agencies must follow to ensure effective communication for hearing impaired persons.