VCSO and USI Disability Resources Partner for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing

DATE: August 16, 2024
SUBJECT: VCSO and USI Disability Resources Partner for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-NR-0816
CONTACT: Shannon Booker
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson

The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) and the University of Southern Indiana (USI) are taking proactive measures to improve interactions with deaf or hard-of-hearing drivers.

Residents with hearing limitations are invited to stop by the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office or the USI Office of Disability Resources to pick up a communication card to display available in their vehicles. These cards are designed to assist in communication between individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and law enforcement officers. The program’s goal is to prevent misunderstandings during interactions with law enforcement.

The communication card should be stored above the visor of the vehicle, allowing for easy access should the driver be involved in a traffic stop. The card’s location is critical since this allows law enforcement to see the driver’s hands at all times. Law enforcement officers are understandably alarmed when a motorist unexpectedly begins searching under a seat or inside a glove box, as these are common locations to keep a firearm.

Michelle Kirk, Manager of Disability Resources at USI, stated “The purpose of this card is to facilitate simplified interactions between the driver and law enforcement so the stop can be completed quickly and without incident. Our collaborative efforts focused on creating a driving environment where deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals feel secure and confident in the event of a traffic stop”.

The initiative arises from feedback within the Deaf community, which faces significant communication challenges during police encounters. Nationally, these challenges have sometimes resulted in tragic outcomes, including unnecessary force and wrongful arrests due to misunderstandings.

Statistics indicate that between 5% and 10% of the U.S. population is deaf or hard of hearing. Furthermore, the percentage of Americans experiencing hearing impairment due to aging is on the rise. Recognizing these demographics, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the University of Southern Indiana are committed to ensuring that the Deaf community receives an equal level of service from law enforcement.

Sheriff Noah Robinson stated, “These communication cards will greatly benefit both the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community and law enforcement officers by fostering clearer interactions and reducing the risk of misunderstandings.”

For more information or to obtain the communication visor card, please visit the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office or the USI Office of Disability Resources.

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