Table 4

Recommendations for Working with Persons Who Are Deaf

Allow at least double the time for all court-related activities
Whenever possible, work with professionals familiar with deafness and Deaf Culture
Use only appropriately certified interpreters. Do not use family members
Do not use writing to convey or solicit information
To measure intelligence, rely on nonverbal tests for the best estimate of overall skill
Use verbal testing to help the court understand how the deaf person may understand court proceedings or communication
Do not use written personality tests to diagnose mental illness. Use a Clinical Interview and Mental Status Exam and blunt, direct language
Test basic academic skills and report as grade levels or age equivalencies to assist the court in understanding what the deaf person is likely to understand
Provide concrete or literal information and questions. Avoid abstract or inferential information
Ask the deaf person to repeat what was said
Review information frequently with the deaf person to ensure understanding
Review phone conversations with the deaf person during the next in-person meeting
Use the same interpreters whenever possible
Ask about the etiology of the person’s hearing loss to understand language, social, and cognitive limitations
Remember that American Sign Language (ASL) is not English. The syntax and grammar are not the same and there is no written form of ASL
Move proceedings to smaller courtrooms for better acoustics
Use a sign with the person’s name to call the deaf person to court
Remove the deaf person’s handcuffs to facilitate use of sign language and gestures
Take breaks during court proceedings to allow the deaf defendant to ask questions and get clarification about what has happened in court
Use actual pictures to educate deaf defendants about the participants’ roles in the courtroom
Provide deaf defendants access to a videophone or similar device