[HISTORY Adopted by the Legislature of the
County of Monroe as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
[Adopted 6-9-2020 by L.L. No. 4-2020]
A.
Monroe County is home to one of the largest per-capita populations
of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. This population is
especially vulnerable to the dangers and hardships associated with
natural disasters and other public emergencies. According to the National
Association for the Deaf, it has been well documented that this population
frequently experiences the most difficulty preparing for and recovering
from emergencies and disasters.
B.
Among the many difficulties faced by the deaf and hard of hearing
during times of emergency is the inability to receive potentially
life-saving information from government agencies responsible for emergency
management. Research by the National Council on Disability has found
that access to emergency services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals
is in need of significant improvement. Because local jurisdictions
such as Monroe County are primarily responsible for responding to
emergencies and natural disasters, it is our responsibility to lead
the way in initially making such improvements. Accordingly, this Legislature
determines that the County should initiate steps through its Department
of Public Safety to ensure adequate emergency communication with individuals
who are deaf and hard of hearing through the provision of American
Sign Language interpreters at all press conferences held during emergency
situations including natural and man-made disasters.
The following terms used in this article shall have the meanings
indicated:
The Director of Public Safety.
Disaster, rioting, catastrophe, severe weather, flooding, or similar event whether or not a state of emergency has been officially declared, including a "public disaster," as defined in § 21-2 of the Monroe County Administrative Code and a "disaster," as defined in § 20(2) of the New York State Executive Law.
A press conference relating to or involving an emergency
situation.
A meeting, organized by a County official, employee, or other
representative of the County with one or more journalists and other
representatives of the media, for the purposes of officially distributing
information to the media and answering questions.
An interpreter fluent in American Sign Language and meeting
the requirements set forth in § 390 of the Judiciary Law.
A.
It shall be the responsibility of the Director to ensure that qualified
and certified American Sign Language interpreters are available to
provide sign language interpretation services at all emergency situation
press conferences. Such sign language interpreters shall be present
and shall provide such services at each emergency situation press
conference held by any officer, official, employee or agent of the
County. To the maximum extent possible, the Director shall ensure
that the sign language interpreter shall be so physically positioned
that his or her face, body, arms, and hands are visible in the video
transmission of the press conference at all times.
B.
The Director shall establish protocols for securing the services
of qualified and certified American Sign Language interpreters at
all emergency situation press conferences.
