Communication

Communication access is one of DGM's goals that needs improving.  A number of communication barriers still exist in just about every aspect of our lives.  For example, doctor's offices, government facilities (court rooms, jail, townhall meetings to name a few), job training, IEP meetings, and phone calls (for example, to resolve a billing issue). 

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There has been a number of laws passed in the last 50 years or so that are aimed at improving the lives of everyone.  Such laws are Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and 2010, Civil Rights Act of 1963 (which impacts voting access also), Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (also known as IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act which has been updated several times over the years), state disability laws if any exist.  Despite all of these laws, communication access is not even close to 100% for Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals and DGM is trying to raise awareness about these issues so that we can further enhance 'equal access' as noted in the ADA and other laws. Without equal communication access, full participation in everyday life is not possible.

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Many people without disabilities enjoy features that our laws has encouraged without realizing it.  For example, closed captioning in restaurants/bars, wheelchair ramps are often used by mothers using strollers now, the right side car mirrors are not standard, website standards are more user friendly as a result of accessibility issues.  We, Deaf and Hard of Hearing people, do not want to be treated as second class people and are asking to be part of the community we live in without barriers. 

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