Category: ADA

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Communication Access – It’s The Law!

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center Staff

So why are the Deaf and Hard of Hearing still fighting for their rights? By CCRyder What hearing professionals need to know when working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals Having been born prior to the enactment of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), I had assumed that far more progress would have been made by now. Especially with respect to society’s ability to discourage the non-compliance and suppression of one’s basic human rights. Working for a Deaf and Hard of Hearing agency for the past 4 years has proved my assumptions ill conceived. Our society as well as our … Continue reading Communication Access – It’s The Law!

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Self-Advocacy and Advocacy Assistance

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center Staff

By Wayne Johnson, Coordinator of Client Services, Salinas How can we improve your communication access?  The first step is to learn your rights to effective communication under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  Don’t rely on what a friend told you.  I’ve had clients say all agencies are required to have an ASL interpreter waiting for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  Wrong, this is not a perfect world!  When you consider the number of ASL interpreters that are available and the number of businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations there … Continue reading Self-Advocacy and Advocacy Assistance

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Benefits of Making Your Business Deaf-Friendly

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center Staff

By Wayne Johnson, Coordinator of Client Services in Central Coast Outreach office Lately I have been noticing a requirement in job postings that reads “Must speak, read and write English.”  If you own a business, have you thought about what message your business is sending with that requirement?  That poses a challenge if your HR department sees it as a reason not to hire Deaf or Hard of Hearing, American Sign Language (ASL) users. Whether HR personnel intentionally or unintentionally use this requirement as a barrier, they are putting you and your business in violation of State and Federal laws … Continue reading Benefits of Making Your Business Deaf-Friendly

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Things Employers Need To Understand

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center Staff

By Wayne Johnson, Coordinator of Client Services, Central Coast Outreach The statement of non-discrimination in hiring posted by businesses means just that: they won’t discriminate.  Unfortunately, when working with clients to find jobs, businesses have often told me they “can’t hire Deaf for safety reasons.”  One business was very adamant regarding it not being safe for a Deaf person to work in their store.  Finally I asked, “Do you have a sign outside your store saying Deaf people cannot enter due to safety reasons?”  The HR person said “Oh no, we welcome Deaf shoppers.”  I replied, “so it is safe … Continue reading Things Employers Need To Understand

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A Double Standard For The Deaf

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center Staff

By Jesse Lewis

Over the last few decades, tireless advocates for the multitude of disabilities in our society have worked to ensure that access to employment, services and public accommodations is equal, regardless of disability. There are constant victories and defeats. The quest for equal access is rather like a rollercoaster ride, though perhaps not a hair-raising and fun-filled attraction. Continue reading “A Double Standard For The Deaf”

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The Traveling Self-Advocacy Kit

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center Staff

By Wayne Johnson, Coordinator of Client Services, DHHSC Central Coast Outreach Office

 To many people traveling means going to a distant city, state or country, but traveling to a nearby city or county can present some of the same “effective communication” challenges.  To be prepared for going outside your home area or in some cases even in it, here are some suggested self-advocacy tools to take with you: Continue reading “The Traveling Self-Advocacy Kit”