Deaf News Briefs: $200k medical discrimination case; Red Sox pitcher knows ASL
Medical clinic to pay $200k to settle deaf discrimination case
Here are two Deaf News briefs.
The Department of Justice’s Eastern District of Michigan said in a press release that a medical clinic in Flint has agreed to pay $200,000 and establish a victim fund to resolve a disability discrimination case.
The medical practice is the Flint Neurological Centre P.C., which is led by Dr. Nael M. Tarakji, M.D.
The DOJ filed a lawsuit in March 2022 alleging that the clinic had a long history of failing to meet the needs of deaf and hard of hearing people and that it failed to provide interpreters or any other communication aids to five deaf patients.
The DOJ said under the settlement, the clinic will pay $150,000 in damages to ten patients and companions, establish a $40,000 victim fund for additional individuals who may have been harmed, and pay a $10,000 civil monetary penalty to the government.
The DOJ said if there are others out there who believe they are victims of discrimination from the clinic, they can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office by emailing them usamie.civilrights@usdoj.gov.
——--
[Sponsored video from Convo: www.convorelay.com]
—--------
[Advertisement from CSD (Event)]
Building Healthier, Safer Communities: Join us for a day of fun and learning at our exciting event! Date: June 24, 2023. Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Location: Austin Deaf Club, 8818 Cullen Rd, Austin, TX 78748
Discover post-COVID insights and learn how to stay safe. A dedicated team of Austin Public Health Educators will be onsite to answer your questions and provide valuable information. We have ASL Interpreters, Deaf Interpreters, LSM Deaf Interpreters, and Protactile Interpreters available throughout the event. Take advantage of our FREE COVID Vaccines for ages six and older. Don't miss out on the chance to win some amazing giveaways, including cooler bags, water bottles, UV umbrellas, and cooling towels! Stay cool and prepared this summer. Our Kids' Zone will be filled with excitement, featuring face painting, balloon artists, a waterslide, bouncy house, and shaved ice. Let the little ones have a blast! Satisfy your taste buds with delicious BBQ and crepes from local Deaf-owned businesses!
—--------
[Advertisement from CSD’s ASL Now COVID Hotline] Our dedicated team of ASL-fluent customer service representatives is ready to provide accurate and up-to-date information on COVID-19. Whether you have questions about symptoms, testing, vaccination, or any other concerns, we're here to help.
The ASL Now COVID Hotline offers: Accessible communication in ASL, information on COVID-19 symptoms, prevention, and safety measures, guidance on testing options and vaccination resources, and support for individuals and families affected by the pandemic.
Visit our website or contact the ASL Now COVID Hotline through VP at (737) 304-6560 or visit covid.csd.org/atx. Stay safe, stay connected!
—--------
[Advertisement from Disaster Distress Helpline: After a disaster, you may be at risk for emotional distress. Warning signs can include feeling isolated, anxious, having trouble sleeping and more. If you or someone you know is Deaf or hard of hearing, the Disaster Distress Helpline offers a direct videophone option.
This free service for ASL users is answered 24/7 by trained crisis workers fluent in ASL and can be accessed using any videophone-enabled device and dialing 1-800-985-5990 or at https://bit.ly/3CEwnNT
—--------
Red Sox pitcher knows ASL because mom is an interpreter
The second Deaf News brief is a feature by MassLive.com on Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock, who can sign in ASL. He said his mother is an ASL interpreter and she taught the language to him as a young kid. Whitlock said in a video that sign language is his first language. Check out this video from the Red Sox that was posted on June 3.
[Video] Credit: Twitter/@RedSox
Link to video: https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/1665116515497316352
Whitlock said growing up, he communicated in ASL with his mom and with her deaf friends. He said now that he’s grown up (he is 27), he doesn’t really know too many deaf people but he still uses ASL with his mom and will talk with deaf people if he sees them.
Whitlock grew up in Georgia and played college baseball at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) before playing in the MLB.
That’s the two Deaf News briefs for today.