CCOSD

Any Parents of Deaf or Hearing Teenagers Must Attend the Driving Class!

All parents of the teenagers who are taking driving training, are required to attend a two-hour class with them mandated by the State of Connecticut. Two deaf parents of hearing teen agers wanted to learn more about teenage driving and new tips at different programs at different time but they addressed the same issue of the driving schools failing to provide the interpreters for these special classes for parents. Last summer the teenager of deaf parent had to “interpret” for her while taking the training. That is wrong! Recently one of the parents was upset when she was asked by the instructor to pay for the interpreters. That is wrong! They filed the complaints.

Robert M. Ward, Commissioner, The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in his letter to CCOSD has instructed his driving school regulatory unit to remind all driving schools of their obligation to comply with all provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He mentioned that commerical driving schools are not permitted to operate without obtaining a license from the DMV. These driving schools were specifically advised that they, when properly notified, are required to provide auziliary aids that will afford persons with disabilities access to their programs. This would include the use of printed material or closed captions to accompany videotaped material, and the use of sign language interpreters when necessary.

Stacie Mawson, Executive Director, Commission on Deaf and Hearing Impaired (CDHI) emphasizes that any deaf parent should contact the supervisor of the driving training program for the interpretering services because some training instructors are not aware that their programs are required to provide sign language interpreters.

If any deaf parent is denied or forced to pay for interpreting services, please contact the supervisor of the driving program or contact DMV (60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161) at 860.263.5015 Voice or 860.263.5542 fax. Click www.ct.gov/dmv/