| The Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DODHH), a Family Independence Agency, designed this program. The DODHH has offered training at the State Police Academy in Lansing, Michigan for over 15 years.
Now this program is offered throughout the State of Michigan as part of a standardized statewide initiative to improve communication between law enforcement officers and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities and is approved by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES).
It is not a typical "sensitivity training." The purpose of this training is assist officers in understanding the legal mandates for effective communication with Deaf and Hard of Hearing citizens. Officers learn strategies to provide effective communication without compromising officer safety. A Deaf or Hard of Hearing presenter and a Hearing presenter with an Interpreter used to facilitate communication conduct the training. Another benefit is that officers attending the training gain first-hand experience interacting with a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person.
Topics covered in the training include:
- Visor Identification Card Program -- a statewide program to assist in informing officers that a person is Deaf or Hard of Hearing. (Visor Cards are available at the Secretary of State offices throughout Michigan).
- Demographics of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people living in Michigan.
- Civil Rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing People.
- Identifying Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.
- Myths and misunderstandings about Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.
- What are Interpreters? Who is a qualified Interpreter? When does an officer need a qualified Interpreter to be in compliance with the law and have a case hold up in court? How to use an Interpreter.
- Other assistive technology.
- Communication guidelines.
- Handling traffic accidents involving a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Person.
- Arresting Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. How to administer the Miranda Warning when questioning a Deaf or Hard of Hearing suspect. How to test Deaf and Hard of Hearing people for drunk driving. How to interview Deaf or Hard of Hearing victims and/or witnesses.
For additional information, please contact:
Deaf Community Advocacy Network -- 248-332-3323 TTY; 248-332-3331 VOICE
Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing -- 877-499-6232 V/TTY |