Traffic stops can be nerve-wracking for anyone – even more so for drivers who may have difficulty communicating with law enforcement officers due to hearing loss. That’s why the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) has partnered with NC State Highway Patrol to develop a Driver Communication Card.
During a traffic stop or other interaction with members of the law enforcement community, an individual can present their card to the officer. The card is printed with a message that states, “I am Deaf or Hard of Hearing,” and provides the officer with the cardholder’s name and driver’s license number. The Driver Communication Cards help bridge the gap between members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and officers and help ensure effective communication between them.
The cards are designed to address the ADA’s Title II requirement, which calls for state and local governments to “communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities.”
State and local law enforcement officers throughout North Carolina are trained to recognize the card and understand its purpose. The Driver Communication Cards are available at no cost to North Carolina licensed drivers who have a hearing loss.
For more information see this flyer, or contact a Community Accessibility Specialist at your nearest DSDHH Regional Center.