Chief Theodore Baran Gallaudet University Department of Public Safety 20 Years in Law Enforcement

1. Chief Theodore Baran Gallaudet University Department of Public Safety 20 Years in Law Enforcement Fluent in American Sign Language Child of Deaf Parents Certified Interpreter Intro Video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QBO4-Be2F4

2. Gallaudet University Campus Police • All SPO’s • Power of Arrest • No Firearms • Some Deaf Officers • All must sign

3. Deaf/HOH in the United States • Usually one Deaf School in each state • Population tends to live near these schools • Flucate in education, hearing levels, speech ability, language • 1 out of 1000 Americans are considered Deaf

4. Working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing • Invisible Disability • Not all wear hearing aids/Assistive Devices • Not all use American Sign Language • Not all read lips

5. Invisible Disability • No wheelchair, no cane • Sometimes no hearing aids or CI • No HC placards on plates

6. What is Deaf or Hard of Hearing • Completely Deaf/Profoundly Deaf-Little to no hearing. • Hard of Hearing-Ranges from ability to hear environmental noises to understanding speech • Hearing Loss (Impairment)-Could be due to age or environment. Typically do not use Sign Language. Not part of Deaf Community.

7. “Deaf Culture” • Considered to be their traditions, heritage, and mores. Unique to them • Proud to be Deaf, want Deaf children, Genetics • Deaf Schools, Clubs, Sports teams,Olympics • Proud of ASL-their language • Strong bond

8. Things to be aware of in the Deaf community • May tap you on shoulder • Pound on floor or table for attention • Wave a hand • Use light switches to flash lights

9. Assistive Devices • Hearing Aids- provides benefits from hearing environmental noise to understanding speech depending on hearing loss. In ear or over the ear • Cochelar Implants-Device that routes noise from device to interior of cochlea. Surgically implanted. Magnet on the side of skull.

10. Language • American Sign Language • Not universal…hundreds of sign languages all over the world • Used here in US for last 200 years • Most popular language amongst Deaf community • Strong bond amongst community

11. Take a moment to identify • Important to take a moment to identify “Can this person be Deaf or Hard of Hearing” • Deaf person may cover an ear with hand and shake head “no” • May have paperwork to show they are Deaf/HOH

12. How to communicate • On MV/Contact stops, offer pen and paper to inform them of the stop reason • Deaf person may offer to use iPhone to text back and forth. Be prepared for an extra long contact with person to exchange info

13. Speak normally • Do not raise your voice • Do not over-emphasize your speech • Only 30% of English is recognizable on the lips • Facial hair, low light, nervousness all impact ability to read lips

14. Deaf/HOH Drivers • Most know to provide proper paperwork • Some have “Visor cards” that identify them as Deaf or HOH. Cards may have reg and insurance inside.

15. Beyond vehicle stop • Deaf person as victim, witness, or suspect • Written Statements may be difficult to you to understand. English not first language • DO NOT use family members to interpret. Especially children. Will not be admissable in court

16. Investigating incidents involving Deaf/HOH person as V,S,or W • If possible, use an interpreter • At scenes/accidents, allow them to give their side

17. Professional Interpreters • Required by American with Disabilities Act of 1991 • Qualified interpreters • Any time a Deaf or HOH person is a suspect, victim, or witness

18. Professional Interpreters • Abide by “Code of Conduct” Everything is confidential • Cannot list as witness • Should not be subpoenaed to court • What is a CDI?

19. Get an Interpreter! • Will cost money. Cannot charge Deaf person. • Fees covered by State, County or municipality. Whichever you work for • Unless life or death emergency never, never use family. Especially children

20. Get an Interpreter ctd. • Several Interpreting agencies in local area. May already have contract • Interviews should be done with interpreters • Will have to wait. If possible, pre-arrange meetings to properly schedule interpreters • Stronger case in court

21. Technology • Most Deaf or HOH people have Videophones. • Videophones cannot use as face to face interpreters • Apps on Smartphones for VP’s

22. Video Relay • Find out if your agency has a contract for Video Relay. (Different than videophones) • Videophones allow for “sameroom interpreting”

23. Smartphones • Some Videophone apps • Use text messaging as primary way of contact. • If they provide phone number it goes through videophone. Will have operator between you both

24. Concerns from the Deaf Community • Unaware of their presence in the community • Don’t know their language/culture • Distrust of Police because of history of incidents • Listening/taking the side of the Hearing person • Don’t know ADA or Deaf person’s rights

25. Officer Safety • Treat as usual contact with public until find out person is Deaf or HOF • Do not let your guard down • Take time/pre-cautions to communicate • Recognize adrenaline rush..deep breath “can this be a Deaf person”

26. Handcuffing If allowed, if person is cooperative and non-combative, consider handcuffing in front Allows for some communication

27. Low light situations • Officer safety comes first • Determine scene is safe and, if possible, move flashlight beam off of Deaf or HOH person’s face. Can’t communicate with light blindness • Hold flashlight against chest pointing upward to shine your face

28. Low Light ctd • If possible, move to a lit area • Do not stand in front of light source • If possible, avoid strobes and take-downs directly into person’s line of sight

29. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/video-deaf-man-halton-regional-police-arrest-1.3848215http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/video-deaf-man-halton-regional-police-arrest-1.3848215

30. Easy…… • Be kind, understanding • BE PATIENT • Take ASL/Deaf Culture

31. Contact info • Theodore.baran@Gallaudet.edu • 860-593-0647