City of Toledo Implements State Communication Cards for Law Enforcement and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Residents
Toledo Police Department officers now carry a communication card for deaf and hard of hearing residents to use while interacting with law enforcement.
The card was developed by the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), and statewide law enforcement partners. The communication card displays icons and pictures of common violations and provides tips for law enforcement to help officers effectively communicate with those who are hard of hearing or deaf. It also contains a QR code that will locate an interpreter if needed.
“Communication difficulties can be huge barriers for people with disabilities,” Valerie Fatica, Disability Manager for the City of Toledo, said.
“These new cards will support the City's responsibility of effective communication with people with disabilities and help improve relations between officers and the community they serve.”
Cards can be downloaded onto a phone or printed and stored inside a vehicle, wallet or purse. Please find a video below which explains how the card works.
Toledo Police Department
A Card in Every Patrol Vehicle
Toledo Police Chief George Kral explains how officers and drivers can use the card to communicate through traffic violations, drivers assistance or any other needs on the road.