The US Association Of The Deaf Urges Trump To Have A Sign Language Interpreter During COVID-19 Briefing

JAKARTA - The National Deaf Association in the United States (US) has filed a lawsuit against the White House. They urged President Donald Trump and other White House officials to have an American Sign Language (ASL) spokesperson when providing direction on COVID-19.

"The failure of the White House to provide an ASL sign language interpreter during a briefing on COVID-19. Including at a press briefing, is a violation of the law," the lawsuit was quoted as saying by CNN.

The lawsuit claims the lack of a sign language interpreter violates the US Constitution. The federal government's National Council for People with Disabilities and several members of Congress have written to the White House requesting additional sign language interpreters.

"A translator is able to convey the tone and context of the message through facial expressions, choice of cues, and attitudes," it was written. "Furthermore, texts often contain errors and omissions that make it difficult or impossible for deaf individuals to understand information, especially if they are not fluent in English."

The plaintiffs, aged 27 to 92, also feel the need to know information regarding how to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and how to protect family, friends and loved ones. In addition, they also want to actively follow the development of potential vaccines and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each emphasized that their primary language is ASL. Some said they got their news from television. Meanwhile, the explanation in the text is difficult to understand or unreliable when the information is complex.

Two of the plaintiffs Graham Forsey and Corey were leaders of the association of the deaf. They say the White House has hindered their work by not being able to answer questions from members of its group regarding COVID-19.

The lawsuit also shows that as many as 50 state governors as well as leaders in several cities and in more than 50 countries have used live ASL interpreters at 19 press conferences. "However, President Trump did not," the lawsuit said.

"He stood alone while holding a television briefing about the COVID-19 pandemic without ever having a sign language interpreter. This shows that not only are people deaf and hard of hearing, but Americans are not being given the opportunity to understand any communications from the US President," it wrote.

Judge James Boasberg of the Wahington DC District Court was assigned to try the case. But until now there has been no response from the court and the Trump administration has not officially responded to the lawsuit either.