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In @IAGovernor's press conference on #COVID19 today, glaringly absent were ASL sign language interpreters or live captions for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing. Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and CODA activists took notice.
Iowans and others around the country have called for not only the White House, but Governors and Mayors to make their press conferences regarding the public health crisis accessible to the Deaf Community.
The Deaf community has its own challenges meeting their health and wellness needs, and must be included in any and all communications from the Governor related to #COVID19.
With lawsuits piling up all around the country, regarding this very issue, in states like New York and Florida, the inconsistency in the use of interpreters at such a critical time is extremely alarming.
As Iowans prepare to send their children back to school - including back to mainstream public school programs for the Deaf and the Iowa Board of Regents-governed Iowa School for the Deaf - it is imperative that parents and caregivers have equal access to information.
I am sure this is just an oversight on the part of the @IAGovernor’s office, but look forward to seeing an #ASL interpreter and live caption services at future briefings as all Iowans, including those with disabilities, come together to move beyond this crisis.
