To better prepare the hearing impaired for future interactions with police, the ACLU has released a video featuring Marlee Matlin, Oscar-winning actress and Deaf activist, providing instructions for what to do in the event that a deaf or hard-of-hearing person is pulled over by a cop. In addition to posting easily-visible documentation of hearing-loss on one’s car windshield or dashboard, the ACLU suggests using the universal sign for “I can’t hear you”—pointing to your ears and shaking your head.
Recognizing cultural differences is also key. For example, in deaf culture, it’s normal and even encouraged to touch the person you are speaking with, whether in an informal or professional setting. In the flare of red and blue police lights, however, a tap on the shoulder could be interpreted as a hostile act. The video outlines a number of alternatives, along with a step-by-step process for hard-of-hearing individuals placed under arrest.
Still, Mizner doesn’t want to imply that deaf people are entirely responsible for safe interactions with the police. “At this point, we see the bigger issue as being one of training police to deescalate across the board. They need to stop responding with force as the first response.”
There is far too much time spent on use of a gun, and far too little time spent on how to diffuse situations.
Policy changes and training updates are long-term measures that will hopefully limit potential instances of injury and death. In the ACLU’s petition to update police training for engaging with the deaf and disabled, de-escalation is at the forefront. “There is far too much time spent on use of a gun, and far too little time spent on how to diffuse situations and know your community,” says Mizner.
Along with the right to remain silent, we are all entitled to the right to have our voices heard by our government—even if we aren’t able to speak aloud.
I am not owner, I can do that Assistant also say you see what you want to see, so I keep my eyes wide open at all times. I sometimes feel ... As an artist, I take it all in knowing it will somehow be regurgitated later, maybe as a lyric, or a chapter in a book, or a photograph.