For People Who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing
Communicating between people who can hear and those who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard-of-Hearing can sometimes be challenging. These barriers can become even more stressful during emergencies or in situations where someone needs help quickly. The stress can be especially heightened during interactions with police officers, where miscommunication can lead to confusion or fear.
It’s important to ensure that everyone—regardless of how they communicate—has equal and fair access when engaging with the police. Clear, respectful communication helps build trust, reduce misunderstandings, and make sure everyone feels safe and understood.
Reporting an Emergency?
Text with 9-1-1 provides 9-1-1 call centres with the ability to converse with a Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing or speech-impaired (DHHSI) person during an emergency, using text messaging.
Visor Cards
In 2021, the VPD partnered with Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility to develop a two-sided visor card that includes icons and wording. Police officers can use the cards to indicate their intentions, such as the reason for a traffic stop. On the other side of the card are icons that can help people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing to communicate with police officers.
Hearing Counter Loops
Hearing Counter Loops have been installed at our 2120 Cambie Street front counter to improve accessibility for people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing. This assistive listening technology enables people with hearing aids or Cochlear implants equipped with telecoils (T-coils) to hear spoken communication more clearly by minimizing background noise, enhancing speech clarity, and transmitting clear audio signals directly to their hearing devices.
This partnership with Wavefront Centre will help ensure respectful and accessible communication for all visitors.
“Removing barriers to communication is a fundamental part of ensuring that everyone in our community feels heard, understood, and respected,” says Dr. Ruth Warick, Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives & Impact at Wavefront Centre. “We are proud to work alongside the Vancouver Police Department to bring meaningful change that empowers the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing community, and sets a precedent for inclusive public service.”
These projects were funded through the Vancouver Police Foundation.
