General News

Deaf Community Supports Telo Bills

Pacific News Center

Guam - 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.

Additional Information

Country: Guam
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Source: Mail from: D_and_d_sub@mail.jetro.go.jp
When: 10/2/2010