Court Rules Police Department Violated the Deaf Woman’s Rights
Woman not provided interpreter
MCALLEN – The 13th Court of Appeals ruled a deaf woman’s rights were
violated because no interpreter was provided.
The woman was stopped, arrested, and convicted for driving under the
influence. But she did not speak English or understand American Sign
Language and was never provided an interpreter.
On Thursday, the court overturned her conviction saying her rights
were violated.
Valley lawyers say this is a landmark decision, because several
people are treated the same way.
Civil rights lawyer Abner Burnett says the ruling should change
things.
“This shows that this court – the appellate court for this area – is
willing to look at a situation and weigh the circumstances in their
totality and make a determination about whether or not a deaf or hard
of hearing person has gotten a fair shake,” says Burnett.
Valley interpreters are proposing a video relay service in the
Valley, so a deaf person could call the service and speak real time
to doctors, lawyers, or anyone else they needed to talk too.
No word on when that service may become available.
Link: http://www.newschannel5.tv/2007/8/17/977646/
—
BETTER IP RELAY – EVERYWHERE! i711.com makes all your relay calls better.
Better web calls. Better wireless calls. Better AIM calls. Why settle for
ordinary IP relay? Go beyond! Try http://www.i711.com for free today!
NOTE: deafnetwork.com does not endorse any of the products, vendors,
consultants, or documentation referenced in this message or. Any mention of
vendors, products, or services is for informational purposes only.
Powered by http://www.CrazyWebHosting.com