Since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990, life has become a lot more accessible for everyone–especially for people who are deaf or hearing impaired. The signs of accessibility are everywhere, if you know what you’re looking for.

How toSignI amhearingin ASL

This makes it easier to for an individual with hearing loss to communicate, because they won't be competing with other background noises or sounds to understand the conversation.

This means the audio portion of the program is displayed as text on the television screen. As of 2014, regulations stipulate the text must match the spoken word and describe background noise fully, synchronize with the spoken word, run the complete length of the program and be properly placed and easy to read.

Hard ofhearingin ASL

This website stores cookies on your computer to customize your website experience and to count your visit. We don’t track you across other websites. You can opt out of our count by choosing "use only necessary cookies". By using our site, you signal that you agree with our Privacy Policy.

Signlanguage

When the telephone receiver is removed from the cradle or the button is pushed, DPSS Dispatch Services is automatically provided a location and an officer will be sent to the location of the telephone. No dialing or conversation is required, but if possible, try to describe the emergency to the dispatcher when you call.

Spanish in ASL

There are numerous technologies, some which even pair with hearing aids. These make it easier for a person with hearing loss to hear in a particular environment or circumstance.

Division of Public Safety and Security Address: 1239 Kipke Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1002 Phone: (734) 763-1131 Email: dpss-safety-security@umich.edu

This special device, invented by deaf scientist Robert Weitbrecht in the 1960s, makes it easier for the deaf and hearing impaired to use the telephone.The telephone handset is designed so that users can type and receive messages over the phone line.

Signing Savvy

Sign forDeaf

Anyone on campus can directly contact the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) by using the Emergency Blue Light Phones located throughout campus. Red box emergency phones or buttons, located in campus parking structures and building elevators, also directly connect to DPSS Dispatch Services.

Some models also include a headset which can help block out background noise, traffic or the conversations of other individuals using the telephones.

While some attractions offer this service routinely, it’s always a good idea to check the website or call well in advance of your visit to make sure this service will be provided. Many amusement parks, such as Disneyland and Disney World, require advance notice to request sign language interpretation services. If you’re attending a live event, such as the theater or a lecture, ask to be seated in the sign language audience section.

Signing ASL

Sign forwith

While closed captioning is an option that can be turned off and on, open captioning is text that is permanently displayed on the screen.

This symbol is sometimes used instead of the International Symbol. It can be used to indicate there are a number of devices that can help individuals with hearing loss, including assistive listening devices.

Open captioning is something designed specifically for people who have trouble hearing, or environments typically perceived as overly loud or noisy.

Also referred to as the International Symbol for Deafness, this sign indicates there are devices or services available for the deaf or hearing impaired. This is the ADA's preferred symbol to advertise the availability of communication access for the hearing impaired. Often, the International Symbol is used with text to indicate the type of hearing service or device provided. These may include:

Debbie Clason holds a master's degree from Indiana University. Her impressive client list includes financial institutions, real estate developers, physicians, pharmacists and nonprofit organizations. Read more about Debbie.

Since open captioning cannot be turned off, it can be beneficial for individuals with all types of hearing abilities especially in noisy situations such as restaurants or airport terminals.

Since 1993, the Federal Communications Commission has required all televisions with screens larger than 13 inches to have closed captioning capabilities.