Legislative Victory for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Communities

DRO Creating Change
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Funding to improve American Sign Language and captioning of state legislative process passes

The legislature passed $1.17 million in funding to improve American Sign Language (ASL) and captioning of the legislature’s audio and video service—removing a barrier to participation in the democratic process for members of the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community. Disability Rights Oregon advocated to include the funding in HB 5016, the budget bill for the legislature.

The Oregon Legislature Audio and Video service allows individuals to watch legislative hearings and other events on their computer or other streaming device and to watch these events from hallways, overflow rooms and the Lobby Message Center in the Capitol. Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing had been excluded from using this valuable service.

“I have experienced first-hand the barriers in meeting with representatives and participating in the hearing. Sometimes accommodations weren’t provided for hearings. There are so many issues that the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community need to advocate for, but have instead had to focus on advocating for access to the legislative process,” said Chad Ludwig, Executive Director of Bridges Oregon. “This legislation will remove barriers that have stood in the way for years and allow members of the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing to meet with their representatives about issues that matter to their lives.”

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