Interactions with police officers can be trauma-inducing for Deaf people on many levels, even for Deaf therapists.

First, there is the obvious communication barrier, since most police officers don’t know ASL.

Second, many times, police officers don’t realize the Deaf person is Deaf right away. This can lead to scary misunderstandings, particularly when the Deaf person’s gestures are misinterpreted as threats.

Third, when no interpreter is present, the Deaf person is often at the mercy of the closest hearing person who signs - it could be an unqualified person, a child (Coda), or even someone who is taking advantage and lying to the police and Deaf person while interpreting.

Thank you, Sheli and Jerry, for sharing your story and for offering tips on dealing with police officers. #deafawareness #police


Est. 2001. Deaf Women Owned. Over 20 years in business. 35+ years of Experience. Deaf Counseling Center provides both #telementalhealth (videophone, web-based, online, and virtual, e-therapy, telemental health) and in-office #therapy to Deaf clients on a national basis.

Board-certified Telemental Health (BC-TMH). HIPAA Compliant. 100% Private. Inbox us for more information.

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Deaf Counseling Center provides therapy to Deaf clients on a national basis.

Disclaimer: You may want to consider diagnosis and treatment of your symptoms with a licensed professional counselor. This page is not intended to replace therapy.

NOTE: We use the word “Deaf” as an inclusive term for all Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, DeafPlus, late-deafened, oral Deaf, ASL users, CI users, and other identities.

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