Another Police Vs Deaf Incident!

G'day Everyone!

I was shifting through DeafRead and found Jim's Deep Thoughts blog http://jimspoliticalthoughts.blogspot.com/2008/08/henrietta-deaf-man-goes-to-court-to.html

But the article you really need to read is: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20080828/NEWS01/808280347/1002/rss01

I can't promise how long the Democrat and Chronicle will keep that article up on-line for. BUT, it's a MUST READ.

Lately, blogger Jeff Carlson (www.xanga.com/jeffcarlson *warning you must be registered with Xanga.com in order to view his site) has told about his experiences with his ex-roommate, police dept, and the hope that he can take his fight all the way to court trial. (hope it works out for you, Jeff).

Ridor has pointed out several types of incidents involving the police vs deaf in his own blog.

But I'm not going to rant like ridor that all police are bad. Yes, there are a few bad apples.
I have a greater concern. The Rochester Police dept could learn a thing or a two from the Washington, DC Metro Police Department. Especially on Sign Language.

Since the days of ADA law, how many police departments have actually learned of Sign Language. How about from Emergency Services workers? Guess what? They're too busy to learn while fighting crime and trying to learn Spanish because of waves of illegal immigrants that are trying to make a new life illegally in our nation. (I've another rant on that later).

Presently, the Rochester Recreation Club for the Deaf (RRCD) has posted on their web page of this: http://rdaw.rochesterdeafclub.com./ From September 21-27, 2008. To my readers in Rochester, NY.. if you want to make a difference with the police, a forum dealing with police/deaf community relationships is planned for 6 p.m. Sept. 25 at the club, 1564 Lyell Ave.

So hopefully, our own Alan Hurwitz of NTID will attend to this event as well. Clearly, the police need to understand the deaf community along with the rest of the disabled community better. If not, mistrust will always remain. In the age of possible terrorism or natural disaster emergencies, police need to be able to work with the deaf community, no matter what.

With that being said, I am in hopes the Rochester Police will learn a few things for themselves to work with the deaf community. Communication is important. But trust between the deaf and the police will always be fragile.

Semper FI.