[DATE]
Dear [NAME OF TV STATION],
I watched your announcement on [INSERT DATE and TIME] about the coronavirus (COVID-19). First, I want to thank you for having an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. I had a hard time to understand because the ASL interpreter was [PARTIALLY OFF SCREEN OR TOO SMALL]. If deaf people can’t see the ASL interpreter clearly, that means deaf people may not be getting the same important information about health and safety. For information about best ways to provide access, please view the National Association of the Deaf’s webpage about accessible emergency management.
I ask that you add a clear view of ASL to ALL news and announcements about the coronavirus. That means a qualified interpreter should stand next to the person who is talking and both people should be seen clearly in the picture without any words below to block signing. This is the right thing to do and is also required by federal law, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you’re not sure what to do, please contact the local [INSERT Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing or Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing], [INSERT State Association for the Deaf], or [INSERT name of interpreting agency you trust].
Like everyone else, I am worried about the coronavirus. Please include a clear view of qualified ASL interpreters in any video updates about the coronavirus.
Thank you,
[YOUR NAME]
[CITY, STATE]
CC: [email protected]
