United States Access Board
1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20004-1111
To Whom It May Concern:
RE: Comments on Revised Draft Passenger Vessel Accessibility Guidelines and Supplementary Information.
The League for the Hard of Hearing is the oldest, private, non-profit rehabilitation center for people with hearing loss in the United States. We provide a wide range of clinical services to individuals of all ages, with all degrees of hearing loss. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for infants, children, and adults with all degrees of hearing loss. We strive to empower consumers to achieve their potential. We conduct numerous educational programs regarding hearing loss, accessibility issues, and the rights of individuals with hearing loss under the ADA.
For many years, the League has advocated on the rights of people with hearing loss to have communication access in all venues, just as people who have normal hearing do. For many years, the efforts of consumers and professionals has focused on accessibility in education, in the workplace, and at medical establishments. However, this is not enough. Individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing must be able to participate in a wide range of activities, including but not limited to attending cultural events and being able to travel.
Janice Schacter, for the Hearing Access Program, has documented comments well from her perspective as a frequent traveler on passenger vessels and parent of a teenage daughter with hearing loss, and the Hearing Loss Association of America has supported her comments. The League for the Hard of Hearing also supports her comments and commends her for reviewing the guidelines so thoroughly. We believe that incorporating her suggestions will not only lead to more enjoyable cruises for individuals with hearing loss, but they will also lead to increased safety. We hope the Access Board will look seriously at recommending changes in the guidelines.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Laurie Hanin
Executive Director
League for the Hard of Hearing