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Assisting Hearing Impaired Library Users
By Donna DiMichele | March 22, 2018
March is Telecommunications Access Awareness Month recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). By being aware of the needs of deaf or hard of hearing library users, library employees can make a difference in thier patrons experience and perception of the library as a welcoming space for everyone.
Library employees are often not aware that a person approaching them for assistance is deaf or hard of hearing until the person begins to communicate. Deaf people communicate in a variety of ways: speaking, writing, signing, gesturing, or a combination of these. Patrons may also request accommodations people may need in order to enjoy participating in library programs.
ADA Title IV requires the establishment of telephone relay services for individuals who use teletypewriters (TTYs, also known as telecommunications devices for deaf persons or TDDs) or similar devices. The Federal Communications Commission has issued regulations specifying standards for the operation of these services.
State and local agencies that provide emergency telephone services must provide “direct access” to individuals who rely on a teletypewriter (TTY, also known as a telecommunication device for deaf persons or TDD) or computer modem for telephone communication.
For more information and helpful tips on making your library more accessible to patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing, please visit ASCLA’s resources and the ADA website.
For information on working with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Rhode Island, contact Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
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