ains how to obtain

munication aids

d.

ariety of

and services useful

d by gestures and

ed in some cases.

ord processor, or a

d to exchange

 also known as a

exchange written

ephone.

 system or device

be used when

on who is hard of

preter can be used

 person who

n be used when

on who has been

d (read lips).

 that speech

ve in most

ge, only about one

s can be

h reading.

well as the

determine which

o communicate

with People

ard of Hearing • Before speaking, get the person’s attention with a wave of the hand or

a gentle tap on the shoulder.

• Face the person and do not turn

away while speaking.

• Try to converse in a well-lit area.• Do not cover your mouth or chew

gum.

• If a person is wearing a hearing aid,

do not assume the individual canhear you.

• Minimize background noise and

other distractions wheneverpossible.

• When you are communicating

orally, speak slowly and distinctly.Use gestures and facial expressionsto reinforce what you are saying.

• Use visual aids when possible, such

as pointing to printed informationon a citation or other document.

• Remember that only about one third

of spoken words can be understoodby speech reading.

• When communicating by writing

notes, keep in mind that someindividuals who use sign languagemay lack good English reading andwriting skills.

• If someone with a hearing disability

cannot understand you, write a noteto ask him or her what communication aid or service is needed.

• If a sign language interpreter is

requested, be sure to ask whichlanguage the person uses.American Sign Language (ASL) andSigned English are the mostcommon.

• When you are interviewing a

witness or a suspect or engaging inany complex conversation with aperson whose primary language issign language, a qualifiedinterpreter is usually needed toensure effective communication.

• When using an interpreter, look at

and speak directly to the deafperson, not to the interpreter.

• Talk at your normal rate, or slightly

slower if you normally speak veryfast.

• Only one person should speak at a

time.

• Use short sentences and simple

words.

• Do not use family members or

children as interpreters. They maylack the vocabulary or theimpartiality needed to interpreteffectively.

Practical Suggestions for Communicating Effectively
U.S. Department of Justice

Civil Rights DivisionDisability Rights SectionCommunicating with PeopleWho Are Deaf or Hard of HearingADA Guide for Law Enforcement OfficersAs a law enforcement officer, you canexpect to come into contact with peoplewho are deaf or hard of hearing. It isestimated that up to nine percent of thepopulation has some degree of hearingloss, and thispercentage willincrease as thepopulationages.Under the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA), people who are deaf or hard ofhearing are entitled to the same serviceslaw enforcement provides to anyone else.They may not be excluded or segregatedfrom services, be denied services, orotherwise be treated differently than otherpeople. Law enforcement agencies mustmake efforts to ensure that their personnelcommunicate effectively with people whosedisability affects hearing. This applies toboth sworn and civilian personnel.

A driver who is deaf writes on a pad of paper

to communicate with an officer.

n and he has

ain her. The wife

begins

writing notes,

dicates a lack of

e requests a

preter. In this

eter should be

n’s behavior is

cer can make an

n interpreter to

 the booking

k a family

to interpret in a

se emotional

he ability to

sponds to the

ent where a man

njured. The man

unable to

icer’s questions

A family

sent begins

e officer is

mpanion may be

se like this,

illing, the need

t, and the

 uncomplicated.

 not expect or

son provide his

As a rule, when

eded, it must be

List your agency’s contact information forobtaining an interpreter, an assistivelistening device, or other communicationaid or service here.For further information on the Americanswith Disabilities Act contact:

ADA Website

www.ada.gov

ADA Information Line

800-514-0301 (voice)

800-514-0383 (TTY)

This pamphlet was developed by the U.S.Department of Justice for law enforcementpersonnel. Reproduction is encouraged.

January 2006