Deaf individuals should be able to make both incoming and outgoing calls to police agencies, if hearing persons are permitted to make such calls. The United States Department of Justice Section 504 Regulations require recipients to provide auxiliary aids such as telephone devices to deaf and hard of hearing persons. Where a TTY is required under the ADA, there is a corresponding requirement that it be maintained in operable working condition. Signed English is a rendering of ASL signs into English word order and grammar. A deaf person who uses ASL will not always be able to communicate fully or successfully in written or Signed English.
Many interpreters are competent only in Signed English.
This material was prepared by the National Association of the Deaf Law Center. It is intended solely as informal guidance. This material is not legal advice. For technical assistance and additional information about how laws against discrimination apply to you, contact the NAD Law Center, a local attorney, or an enforcement agency.