How to Be a Responsible Deaf Adult

For deaf people across the United States, learn what your rights are and be an advocate for yourself.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Regardless of your disability, you first and foremost need to be responsible for yourself to know and understand the laws that are meant to protect and serve you. You as a deaf citizen have the primary right to accessibility.

2. Whether you are a deaf student, a patient, prosecutor/defendant in court, you have the right to an interpreter at all times. You should not have to compensate for your interpreter or allow an interpreter to bill you. Be sure to inform the school you're attending at least four weeks prior to your class starting so arrangements can be made for an interpreter. The same applies to an appointment at the doctor's or the courthouse, the sooner you inform them of your needs, the sooner they will be willing to help.

3. Be sure to inform your community of accomodations that can help you adjust in a hearing environment, such as closed captioned videos, note takers, interpreters, or any other ideas that you feel would be beneficial for you. Remember, if you remain silent, nobody will know.

4. If you feel an interprter is unqualified or unprofessional, be sure to inform the right parties that you deserve someone adequate to suit your needs. Interpreters are required to follow a code of ethics where they cannot violate your confidentiality. Be sure to ACT upon yourself if you feel you have not been treated just.

Tips & Warnings

• Read more about legal rights for hearing impaired people and about the Americans Disability Act.
• Act responsible for yourself as a deaf or hard of hearing American, so others will understand better how to communicate efficiently with you.
• SPEAK UP if you feel you have been wronged. Don't be silenced in the dark.