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In Focus
Eastern Shore Focus - Show # 73: The Deaf Driver Visor Card
PRINCESS ANNE, MD –
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Show Information:
Show Number: 73
Guest(s):
- Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis
- Sherrie Lister, Interpreter for the Deaf
Subject(s): The Deaf Driver Visor Card
Original Airdate: Monday, May 4, 2009
Running Time: 29 minutes
Brief Synopsis:
Life can present a series of challenges for the deaf or hard of hearing person. Fortunately, here in the United States, and in other developed countries, there are a number of ways that deaf people are able to function as any other hearing person would -- thanks to federal laws and common support services that the deaf community is able to take advantage of.
But it might surprise some of you to know that deaf or hearing impaired citizens are also able to get a driver's license, and safely drive and negotiate roads and highways with few problems.
However, one situation in which driving a vehicle can lead to potentially dangerous or life-threatening situations is when a deaf driver is pulled over by a law enforcement officer.
A routine traffic stop may not turn out to be so routine for those in the deaf community -- or for those law enforcement officers who do not know they may be pulling over a driver with hearing loss. And seemingly minor miscommunications between a deaf driver and an officer can lead to very serious misunderstandings.
To help prevent these situations from occurring, the Maryland Sheriffs' Association (MSA) has developed a Deaf Driver Visor Card. The laminated card is designed to be placed in the windshield of a vehicle, under the visor -- so it can be easily seen by a law enforcement officer approaching the vehicle.
The visor card has a dual purpose, because it both lets the officer know that the driver cannot hear, or has some hearing loss. And it also instructs deaf and hard of hearing motorists on how they should respond during a traffic stop.
The program was initially instituted in 2002, and 40,000 cards have been produced so far.
To learn more about the Deaf Driver Visor Card Program, we'll speak with Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis and Ms. Sherrie Lister, an interpreter for the deaf.
This interview was recorded on April 21, 2009.
Additional Links & Information:
In Maryland: To obtain a Deaf Driver Visor Card, contact your local Sheriff's Office.
Or contact:
Maryland Sheriffs' Association, Inc.:
12 Francis Street
PO Box 511
Annapolis, MD 21404
Phone (Not TTY): 410-269-4238
Website: http://www.mdsheriffs.org/
E-mail / Contact: Kathie Frissyn, kfrissyn@maniscanning.com
In Delaware: Deaf Driver Visor Cards can be obtained from:
Loretta Sarro - Public Information Officer
Delaware Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Videophone / SVRS: 1-302-504-4741 or 1-866-494-8015
TTY: (302) 761-8243
Voice & TTY: (302) 761-8275
E-mail: Loretta.Sarro@state.de.us
In Virginia: Deaf Driver Visor Cards can be obtained from:
The Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH):
1602 Rolling Hills Dr, Suite 203
Richmond, Virginia 23229-5012
Voice / TTY: (804) 662-9502
Voice / TTY Toll Free: 1-800-552-7917
Website: http://www.vddhh.org/
E-mail: Pamala.Richardson@vddhh.virginia.gov
==
Further Deaf Support Services for Maryland can be found at:
The Governor's Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH):
217 E. Redwood Street, Suite 1300
Baltimore, MD 21202
Voice: 410-767-7793
TTY: 410-767-7756
Fax: 410-333-1016
VP: 443-453-5954
Website: http://www.odhh.maryland.gov/
E-mail: odhh@gov.state.md.us
Questions or Comments?
E-mail us: wesm913@umes.edu
Or call 410-651-8001