The need for ASL interpreters in disaster response and emergency situations

ASL interpreters help deaf and hard-of-hearing people by translating spoken words to sign language and vice versa. By doing so, they bridge a glaring gap in communication that the deaf community often suffers from. Lack of communication, and the lack of ASL interpreters to promote any communication,  implies that the community misses out on a lot of important information. Often, the deaf community is on the receiving end of delayed or unreliable communication. This, in turn, hinders and delays the process of swift decision-making. Not being able to communicate in a timely manner strips deaf people of their fundamental right to information. 

What happens when a disaster strikes and the resources are limited? Timely and reliable information becomes vital to safety and survival. The lack of accessible information becomes unmissable during such times. Disaster response often does not include ASL interpreters as a part of the program, which leads to a delay in communication. Let us take a closer look at this issue and see how employing ASL interpreters during such trying times can be helpful.

A disastrous gap in communication

The communication gap between the deaf community and the rest of society becomes even more prevalent in times of disasters and other emergency situations. Storms, forest fires, earthquakes, a global pandemic– catastrophe does not have a timeline. It can occur at any time and any place. During times of emergency, it becomes vital for the general public to be aware of the situation. Disaster communication often answers three very important questions-

  • What is going on currently? 
  • What can be expected in the near future?
  • What are the precautions, if any,  to be taken?

Any gaps in communication during such times can prove to be fatal. Most people rely on traditional news channels as a source of reliable and timely information during disasters and emergencies. However, the information provided by such traditional channels is not accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Information often reaches the deaf community too late and irregularly. Further, this information is not always completely reliable. This ineffective communication can pose a threat to the lives of many. 

Need for certified ASL interpreters

Closed captioning is not the most reliable when it comes to the dissemination of important information. Spelling and contextual errors are commonly observed in closed captioning. Moreover, closed captioning may not work for people who cannot read English. Even a small discrepancy during emergency situations can pose a risk to lives. During these times, the deaf community requires a more reliable source, one without any errors. 

Getting an unqualified or uncertified interpreter is equally ineffective. Due to a lack of experience and expertise, their style of ASL might differ from what the local population knows. It is, therefore, imperative to get professionally qualified ASL interpreters who can quickly and accurately sign emergency announcements in a way that is understandable to the community. 

Including the interpreter’s face during the news, broadcast can also be helpful to the deaf community. Deaf people rely on visual cues to assess situations. While signing through hands may relay the information, the facial expressions of a certified interpreter could help people assess the gravity of the situation. Certified ASL interpreters communicate with more than just their hands, they also emote through their body and facial expressions. Including facial expressions may also be helpful for those deaf people who aren’t well-versed with ASL.

Further, it is important to ensure that the ASL interpreter isn’t pushed to a corner during the broadcast. It is important for the interpreter to be standing right next to the reporter, where they are easily visible.  

Ways in which an ASL interpreter can help during emergencies

  • Make verbal communication more accessible
  • Help in the timely dissemination of information 
  • Provide real-time and reliable updates about the situation
  • Translate hazard warnings, legal documents, and PSAs
  • Helping the deaf community prepare for the disaster– state preventions and precautions
  • Contribute to the success of relief missions by offering legal and medical translating services
  • Enable communication between other emergency service providers and deaf people
Photo by New York National Guard

Additional tips for deaf and hard-of-hearing people on how to best navigate emergency situations

Regardless of whether ASL interpreting services are employed during emergencies, it is best to be prepared for such situations in advance. Below is a list of things that you can do as/for a deaf or hard-of-hearing person-

  • Replacing hearing aids can prove to be difficult after a disaster has occurred. It might take a while before you can repair or purchase a new one. It is advisable to store your hearing aids in a safe place, where they will not be damaged.
  • If possible, you can store an extra pair of hearing aids along with your other emergency supplies. This will make them more accessible during times of need. 
  • Be sure to have an adequate stock of batteries for your hearing implants and aids. 
  • Keep all your communication equipment charged– such as pager and captioned telephone– so you can easily be reached in case of a power outage.
  • Include a pen and a bunch of paper in your emergency kit. It may come handy if you have to interact with an emergency respondent. 
  • Check which news source will disseminate information in an accessible way. Determine which sources use interpreters or captioning. 
  • Carry a card/sign that indicates your loss of hearing and need for an interpreter or signs. You may also include signs for other essential things you may need such as food or water. 
  • Remember that you can also text 911. 

Conclusion 

Deaf people should have access to timely and accurate information from sources that are reliable. The importance of employing ASL interpreters during disasters cannot be negated. If you are looking for a certified ASL interpreter, who is passionate about helping the deaf community during times of need, reach out to Unspoken Language Services. Our highly trained professionals offer both offline and online interpreting services. We are dedicated to upholding the deaf community’s right to information. Contact us to learn more. 

Thumbnail Credit: Photo by Damian Ruitenga