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Effective Communication in Parks and Recreation |
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A woman walks to the front of the room and begins to communicate in American Sign Language. The hearing participants look at each other in confusion. Worry is displayed on each person's face as they wonder how will they understand the information presented in the class. For many people with visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments, this scenario can be a daily event. Effective communication is essential for an individual to be able to participate and benefit in programs and activities. What is Effective Communication?
Under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (28 C.F.R. §36.303), "public accommodations shall take those steps that may be necessary to ensure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated or otherwise treated differently than other individuals because of the absence of auxiliary aids and services, unless the public accommodation can demonstrate that taking those steps would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations being offered or would result in an undue burden, i.e., significant difficulty or expense." In addition, the ADA requires "a public accommodation shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities." Auxiliary Aids and Services
Planning Programs and Activities When determining an effective auxiliary aid or service, take into account
Consider a person who is deaf would like to take golf lessons. When the person initially registers for the golf lessons, the length of communication will most likely be short; perhaps all that is needed is for the person to complete registration forms. In this case, the complexity may only require writing short notes from staff to participant to ask and answer questions. However, during the golf lesson itself, the type of communication primarily exchanged with the beginner golfer will most likely include verbal description from the instructor to improve the golfer's technique. For the actual lessons, a qualified sign language interpreter will most likely will be needed due to the length and complexity of the lesson and information conveyed. Appropriateness of the auxiliary aid is another key consideration. For instance, a written script is not beneficial in a movie theater. It is very difficult for a person to both follow along with the actions on the movie screen and read a written narration in the dark theater. A qualified sign language interpreter may also divert attention away from the movie. Captioning would be a better solution. Rear Window® captioning is a system that provides closed captioning to individuals at their seat as opposed to placing the caption on the movie screen itself. Reverse captions are displayed on an LED mounted in the back of the theater. Portable reflective panels attach to any theater seat allowing the patron to sit anywhere in the theater and adjust the reflector to their personal comfort. Providing An Interpreter When a request for an interpreter comes into a program, it is important that the program coordinator talk with the participant on his or her specific needs for communication during the program. What type of interpreter is needed? During the initial contact with the participant who is deaf, the program coordinator may learn that the individual does not know American Sign Language; instead he signs exact English. This is important new information that will help identify a qualified interpreter that specializes in signed exact English. Many recreation providers are concerned with finding a sign language interpreter at late notice. Consider implementing a policy for advance notification or request for services. Promote the notification policy in marketing materials like program brochures, fliers, web sites. For example, to schedule a tour with a sign language interpreter, indicate in the program brochure for the participant to notify the organization 48-72 hours prior to their visit. This advance notice also allows for information gathering on exactly what the person's needs are and time to make arrangements for the interpreter. Sign language interpreters can be contacted through an agency such as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or a local Center for Independent Living. Many agencies have interpreters on call 24 hours a day, however, fees may be higher on short notice. In preparation for the possibility of providing an interpreter, agencies should be contacted to establish a procedure for scheduling an interpreter. Important information to inquire about may include:
The National Suburban Special Recreation Association in Northbrook, Illinois maintains a core list of interpreters they call when notified of the need for an interpreter. According to Dawn Schaefer, Manager of Inclusion Services, the NSSRA attempts to provide one consistent interpreter for each participant throughout an entire season when possible. Often an interpreter can be provided on a days notice. However, in case of an emergency, NSSRA relies on the Chicago Hearing Society, which has a larger pool of interpreters to access at a higher cost. Manager at Rockford Park District in Rockford, Illinois states a similar approach; sign language interpreters are on staff seasonally. In addition, many staff currently attending the interpreter program are hired as inclusion program leaders or communicators. They are paid a lower hourly rate and work with participants who may not require as intensive communication as provided through a certified interpreter. Unlike interpreters whose primary role is to translate between participants and staff, the communicators and inclusion program leaders in the recreation programs at the Rockford Park District are encouraged to participate in the activities with the individuals with disabilities, lead activities and facilitate friendships between participants with disabilities and participants without disabilities. In addition, the Rockford Park District has established a relationship with the Regional Access Mobilization Project (RAMP), the local center for independent living. RAMP provides back up interpreters in an emergency. Fees Associated with Auxiliary Aids and Services Planning Alternatives for Written Material Tapping into Community Resources Resources
(Translation of Text to Braille) (800) 263-2750 American Printing House for the Blind National Braille Press
8630 Fenton St, Suite 324 Silver spring MD 20910 (301) 608-0050 Voice/TTY (301) 608-0508 Fax www.rid.org E-mail views@rid.org
11149 Acama St Studio City, CA 91602 Voice (800) 717-9707 Fax (877) 822-3394 www.captioning.com E-mail capgroup@captioning.com Captioned Media Program National Center for Accessible Media Rapid Text
1155 15th St NW Suite 1004 Washington, DC 2005 (202) 467-5081 (800) 424-8666 Fax (202) 467-5085 North Texas Taping and Radio for the Blind National Center for Accessible Media
www.hitech.com E-mail info@hitech.com
Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Section P.O. Box 66738 Washington, DC 20035-6738 (800) 514-0301 Voice (800) 514-0383 TTY www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers National Center on Accessibility *The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, University of Illinois at Chicago, the National Center on Accessibility, and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago do not formally recommend or endorse the equipment listed. Individuals should investigate and determine on their own which equipment best fits their needs.
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