Are you familiar with your department’s policy for communicating with Deaf and hard of hearing individuals?

The ADA Guide for Firefighters and EMS Personnel states:

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people who are deaf or hard of hearing are entitled to the same services firefighters & EMS personnel provide to anyone else. They may not be excluded or segregated from services, be denied services, or otherwise be treated differently than other people. Fire houses/stations & ambulance companies must make efforts to ensure that their personnel communicate effectively with people whose disability affects hearing.”

Are you familiar with your department’s policy for Deaf and hard of hearing people? Take our latest poll, and check out this article for more information on interacting with the Deaf and hard of hearing community.