Bipartisan Congressional Deaf Caucus Sends Letter to Vice President Mike Pence Calling for ASL Interpreters at Every COVID-19 Public Briefing
Riverside, CA – Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA and Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL), co-Chairs of the Congressional Deaf Caucus sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence urging the White House Coronavirus Task Force to implement the use of sign language interpreters during all public briefings, especially for the administration’s response to COVID-19.
“During this pandemic, we are witnessing how important it is for all communications and public briefings to be accessible to everyone,” said Rep. Mark Takano. “We cannot allow any gaps in relaying information to the American people, and that’s why we are urging the Trump Administration to have ASL interpreters at every public briefing on COVID-19. The Trump Administration should follow the lead of governors and local officials across the country and ensure that their briefings are accessible to all. The Deaf and hard of hearing community should not be waiting any longer to be up to speed on the latest developments surrounding this pandemic.”
"As our country endures the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that all Americans have access to essential information provided by the White House Coronavirus Task Force," said Rutherford. "The inclusion of sign language interpreters in their regular, televised briefings would make sure Deaf and hard of hearing individuals receive accurate and timely updates to federal guidelines and recommendations. Thank you to my Deaf Caucus co-Chair, Representative Takano, for his leadership and dedication to serving the Deaf and hard of hearing community."
In the letter, the Representatives state, “During the current pandemic, sign language interpreters, as essential employees, serve the 48 million Deaf or hard of hearing people in the U.S. The current “stay at home” and “shelter at home” policies implemented across the country have disrupted the lives of all Americans. The use of sign language interpreters is crucial to ensuring that this unique population is provided with the same information as the rest of the country to help slow the spread, flatten the curve, and ultimately prevent loss of life.”
The letter was also signed by Reps. French Hill, John B. Larson, Dave Loebsack, Alan Lowenthal, James P. McGovern, and Joseph D. Morelle.
The full text of the letter is here and below:
May 1, 2020
Vice President Mike Pence
White House Coronavirus Task Force
1600 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Vice President Pence:
We write today as chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Deaf Caucus to implement the use of sign language interpreters during all public briefings, especially for the Administration’s response to COVID-19. Individuals that are Deaf or hard of hearing need additional communication resources to ensure they receive the same information about this health and economic crisis as every other person in the United States.
During the current pandemic, sign language interpreters, as essential employees, serve the 48 million Deaf or hard of hearing people in the U.S. The current “stay at home” and “shelter at home” policies implemented across the country have disrupted the lives of all Americans. The use of sign language interpreters is crucial to ensuring that this unique population is provided with the same information as the rest of the country to help slow the spread, flatten the curve, and ultimately prevent loss of life.
On July 26, 1990 the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, which ensures that individuals with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Governors and local leaders are doing their part by ensuring access to information for all, regardless of disability. We encourage the Administration to mirror these efforts by making all public briefings fully accessible by adding sign language interpreters.
During a pandemic that has forced millions to stay home, effective communication for the Deaf and hard of hearing communities must be provided through sign language interpreters. We respectfully urge the Administration to immediately ensure that all public briefings are fully accessible and that all information pertaining to COVID-19 is disseminated equitably and expeditiously.
Sincerely,
Rep. Mark Takano
Rep. John Rutherford
Rep. French Hill
Rep. John B. Larson
Rep. Dave Loebsack
Rep. Alan Lowenthal
Rep. James P. McGovern
Rep. Joseph D. Morelle
Cc: Kayleigh McEnany, White House Press Secretary
Press Contact
Dayanara Ramirez (202) 225-2305