NAP- Neighborhood Alliance of Pawtucket

Emergency Service for Deaf &Hard of Hearing Interpreting Service

Starts in November 2005

Press Release from the Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of
Hearing. (Providence, R.I.)
The Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RI CDHH)
is proud to announce that the Emergency Sign Language Interpreter
Referral Service will be formally implemented in full operation on November
10, 2005 at 12:00am midnight. The Emergency Interpreter Referral Service
will be available during non-business hours such as week evenings,
early mornings, weekends, and holidays for any emergencies. What
constitutes as an emergency would be a state of emergency, medical, legal, mental
health, and many other crisis-related incidents in the State of Rhode
Island. This would enable every deaf or hard of hearing individual to
communicate through sign language in a timely, accurate and effective
manner with healthcare providers, mental health services, police
departments, or any emergency personnel during any emergency incidents as
required by the existing federal and state laws. The RI CDHH will have its
special ribbon cutting ceremony to launch the Emergency Sign Language
Interpreter Referral service on November 9, 2005 at 6pm during its annual
coffee hour at the State Room in State House. Lt. Governor Charles J.
Fogarty is scheduled to join us to be part of the special ribbon cutting
ceremony and annual coffee hour event. The NEW phone number for the
Emergency Sign Language Interpreter Referral Service only is 401-586-6100
effective on November 10, 2005. NON-EMERGENCY RELATED: If you need
interpreter but is not emergency related, please call this number,
401-222-5300 Voice or 401-222-5301 TTY or contact via email at
interpreter@cdhh.ri.gov to make request between 8:30am and 4pm, Monday
through Friday. ABOUT THE RI CDHH The mission statement of the RI CDHH
is to provide innovative leadership in public policy, advocacy, service
delivery and accessibility throughout the Ocean State, RI CDHH ensures
opportunities for each deaf and hard of hearing person to become an
empowered, contributing citizens. The RI CDHH is an advocating,
coordinating, and service-providing entity committed to promoting an environment
in which the Deaf and Hard of Hearing constituents in Rhode Island are
afforded an equal opportunity in all aspects of their lives. The RI
CDHH develops policy; initiates and lobbies for favorable legislation;
fosters cooperation and awareness among state agencies and community
organizations; and educates and advises consumers, state agencies, and
employers about Americans with Disabilities (ADA) rights to equal access.
The RI CDHH also provides direct services in its operation of a Sign
Language Interpreter Referral Service, a lending library of books and
videotapes, and as a clearinghouse of information and referral on all topics
related to hearing loss. State of Rhode Island and Providence
Plantations RI Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing One Capitol Hill,
Ground Level Providence, RI 02908-5850 (401) 222-1205 (TTY) (401) 222-1204
(Voice) Email: cdhh@cdhh.ri.gov Website: www.cdhh.ri.gov

Email us
cdhh@cdhh.ri.gov