“Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people who are deaf or hard of hearing are entitled to the same services law enforcement provides to anyone else” (Department of Justice, 2006, p2). This means that an individual with hearing disabilities should be treated the same as hearing people. While sign-language is not a requirement for law enforcement officials, they should be able to recognize when an individual is deaf or hard of hearing and do their best to communicate with them. Examples of non-verbal communication include body gestures and written or typed notes. Criminal justice professionals also should be able to provide interpreters as needed. Communication is the key to taking care of the needs of deaf
“Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people who are deaf or hard of hearing are entitled to the same services law enforcement provides to anyone else” (Department of Justice, 2006, p2). This means that an individual with hearing disabilities should be treated the same as hearing people. While sign-language is not a requirement for law enforcement officials, they should be able to recognize when an individual is deaf or hard of hearing and do their best to communicate with them. Examples of non-verbal communication include body gestures and written or typed notes. Criminal justice professionals also should be able to provide interpreters as needed. Communication is the key to taking care of the needs of deaf