Deaf Community Supports Hearing Impaired Emergency Services Legislation

Senator Taitague pushes initiatives for enhanced emergency services, identification for hearing impaired
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2010

Photo Cutline: Senator Telo Taitague communicates through sign language with Alan Borja, a supporter of Senator Taitague's recent legislation requiring Emergency 911 Communications to be accessible for the hearing and speech impaired. A public hearing was held for Bills 281, 282 and 293 at the Guam Legislature on Friday, January 29, 2010. Pictured from left are Antoinette Borja, Alan Borja and Senator Taitague.

The Committee on Public Safety, Law Enforcement and Senior Citizens held a public hearing for three bills introduced by Senator Telo Taiatgue to strengthen Guam’s services for the hearing and speech impaired.

“In the past, can you picture someone who is deaf, having no access to emergency services?” asked Chris Pangelinan through an interpreter. Pangelinan is an advocate for the hearing impaired and also is a staunch supporter of Senator Taitague’s legislation. “Our lives are at risk everyday because we don’t use TDD devices anymore,” Pangelinan noted, further explaining that text messaging via cellular phones have eliminated the use of TDD devices.

“Technology has revolutionized the way we communicate and there is no reason why our people, most especially those with hearing or speech impairments, can’t have access to emergency services via text messaging.” Senator Taitague said. “Adding a new communication avenue to save lives will improve our emergency responders ability to serve our people, most especially those with special needs.”

Bill No. 281, if passed by the legislature, will require the Guam Fire Department’s Emergency 911 Telecommunication System to be accessible to individuals with hearing and speech disabilities.

In addition, Bill No. 282 will require the Department of Revenue and Taxation to provide identification of the hearing impaired on drivers licenses. Senator Taitague also introduced Bill No. 293, which will provide automotive decals for those with hearing impairments to avoid potential communication issues with emergency and law enforcement personnel.