My father is deaf and blind. He and I sometimes travel together for long distances (3X from TN to (east and northern) VA and back). Often I wondered if I were to get pulled over (for WHATEVER reason) and the officer wanted both of us out of the vehicle (for a search) then how to deal with a person who is deaf and blind and may be separated from their interpreter/SSP (Sighted Support Person)?
Or another scenario, we've sometimes stop to get cold drinks or coffee and I go in while he waits in the car (his choice sometimes) and I walk into a robbery and was shot. He's sitting in the car and honestly speaking the first person to open his door (presumably after knocking and yelling through the window) had better know sign-language and know to (gently) sign into his hands. Because he's not going to know WHO/WHAT you are and will only assume that he's being attacked. Lemme toss a couple drops of gas on to the fire, he's 85 years old (looks sixty), and still strong as he was when he was 50 (which, was pretty dang strong). I know officers do NOT like being wrassled with... well neither does my dad, unless he knows it's playing around.
Oh and just one more... he wears a defibrillator under his skin above his heart so Tasing him would NOT be a great idea.
So how would you deal with that? Another question is... what can I do if I'm not able to communicate his disability to the officer(s), i.e. lying in the store (dead or dying) or back of an ambulance unconscious.
I've thought of having some kind of sign by his (passenger) window that calls attention to the fact... but realize that criminals can read as well and some are opportunists, or they perceive something as an easy mark, (woe to the idiot that tries THAT!). So don't want to call attention to THEM.
Having HIM carry a card and all that is fine... he knows enough to present it to a (verified) officer... once the officer has been *ahem* verified.
I realize that many officers would know to bring an sign-language interpreter asap and writing back and forth with a deaf person is an acceptable communication until that happens. Whaddya do when the person can't SEE to read and can't HEAR to acknowledge your understanding?
These are some of the things I've thought about while on those long drives. Even in town driving to the store or doctor. No, I don't anticipate getting pulled over but it does happen from time to time to nearly everyone.
So, I have concerns and questions about it.
Feedback is appreciated.
Or another scenario, we've sometimes stop to get cold drinks or coffee and I go in while he waits in the car (his choice sometimes) and I walk into a robbery and was shot. He's sitting in the car and honestly speaking the first person to open his door (presumably after knocking and yelling through the window) had better know sign-language and know to (gently) sign into his hands. Because he's not going to know WHO/WHAT you are and will only assume that he's being attacked. Lemme toss a couple drops of gas on to the fire, he's 85 years old (looks sixty), and still strong as he was when he was 50 (which, was pretty dang strong). I know officers do NOT like being wrassled with... well neither does my dad, unless he knows it's playing around.
Oh and just one more... he wears a defibrillator under his skin above his heart so Tasing him would NOT be a great idea.
So how would you deal with that? Another question is... what can I do if I'm not able to communicate his disability to the officer(s), i.e. lying in the store (dead or dying) or back of an ambulance unconscious.
I've thought of having some kind of sign by his (passenger) window that calls attention to the fact... but realize that criminals can read as well and some are opportunists, or they perceive something as an easy mark, (woe to the idiot that tries THAT!). So don't want to call attention to THEM.
Having HIM carry a card and all that is fine... he knows enough to present it to a (verified) officer... once the officer has been *ahem* verified.
I realize that many officers would know to bring an sign-language interpreter asap and writing back and forth with a deaf person is an acceptable communication until that happens. Whaddya do when the person can't SEE to read and can't HEAR to acknowledge your understanding?
These are some of the things I've thought about while on those long drives. Even in town driving to the store or doctor. No, I don't anticipate getting pulled over but it does happen from time to time to nearly everyone.
So, I have concerns and questions about it.
Feedback is appreciated.