2018 NLADA Annual Conference--Resilient Justice

In the United States, approximately 1 million people over age 5 are "functionally deaf." For some Deaf individuals, interactions with police, courts, and social services programs are fraught with communication and access barriers. A Deaf individual facing job discrimination, sexual harassment, or denial of interpreter services for medical care may not know where to turn for legal assistance. Similarly, a Deaf individual involved with any aspect of the criminal justice system may encounter communication barriers in those interactions. As a lawyer providing legal assistance in civil matters or as a public defender representing a Deaf defendant, how do you equip yourself to handle interactions with Deaf clients? During this workshop, attendees will learn about the best practices for communicating with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Attendees will also learn how to make appropriate accommodations (including the use of technology such as video phones, VRS, and VRI) that adequately meet client-specific communication needs.